FishLab Nature Series Creature Baits | ICAST 2022 Sneak Peek

Well, I happened to get my hot little hands on the FishLab Nature Series Creature Baits that they will be introducing at the ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase. These baits are VERY well thought out and designed by Big Bass Zone CEO and award winning lure designer Bill Siemantel with Mike Bennett of FishLab Tackle.

Every once in a while there is a new bait that comes out that makes you turn your head and just say Wow! For me, this is the one so far. I was lucky enough to get a sample of each of the early samples of the new FishLab Nature Series Creature Baits and I am blown away. I realize that these aren’t finished product yet, but from the looks and feel, they are NICE!

FishLab Nature Series Creature Baits

As mentioned above, the FishLab Nature Series consists of four distinct baits, that each come in two sizes. The baits are titled Nature Series Flippin’ Frog, Nature Series Cover Bird, Nature Series Flutter Nymph and Nature Series Kickin’ Craw. Each of them have some of their own unique characteristics and features, so I’ll go through them one by one.

As with all of my bait reviews, I would generally start by taking a look at the packaging. Since these were given to me in an envelope, I won’t show that. I was told by someone at FishLab that the final packaging is not quite finished yet, but once it is available, I’ll be sure to add it.

FishLab Nature Series Flippin’ Frog

The first bait I’ll look at is the FishLab Nature Series Flippin’ Frog. Like all of the nature series baits, the Frog is a soft bodied bait designed with a classic creature bait shape but with new natural creature looks.

The Nature Series Flippin’ Frog features some really cool looking appendages. With a ribbed body, ribbed legs, and some great details on the feet, they are bound to have a ton of secondary movement that will draw in big strikes. I can imagine myself pitching and/or flipping this bait along the shoreline already.

In the photo above, you get a good sense of the shape and characteristics of the head. You can see some eye detail as well as mouth and cheek.

From there, you move down to the body, where you get a really good sense of the ribbing on the main body that leads down into the rear legs. In the image below, you can see the deep grooves that will make for quite a bit of water movement as it passes over each one. You can also get a sense of the front feet. In the image below you can see a large paddle attached to the front foot. Don’t get too excited, as I was told that the paddle is being removed for final production.

Moving down the frog, you will get a look at the back legs and the ribbing involved. You can see below that there is still significant ribbing, and that the wider ribs will certainly give the frogs a kick on their way down to the bottom. Like most soft plastic baits, they are attached out of the packaging. Just pull them apart and trip any excess tabs and you are good to go.

One last thing to take a look at is the details on the FishLab Nature Series Flippin’ Frog’s feet. They are quite detailed and will also create a ton of secondary movement while underwater.

The last last thing we should look at is the belly of the beast. If you flip the frog over, you see a nice smooth belly side to the bait. Easy hook penetration and you are all set.

Per the info I was given on the frogs, FishLab will be offering two sizes in the Nature Series Frog with a 3 1/2″ and 4 1/4″ size available. They will also be producing eight of the top colors for soft plastic frogs for any fishing and/or water conditions that you are presented with. FishLab also mentions that these will easily rig on a multitude of 3/0 to 5/0 hook sizes and styles.

FishLab Nature Series Cover Bird

The next bait that I will be talking about is the Cover Bird. First I thought this was an odd introduction, but then doing a little research, quite a few bass are caught around bird nests each year. As the baby birds emerge from their nests, several will unfortunately fall into the water producing a tasty meal for hungry bass. Makes sense, no?

The Nature Series Cover Bird, as with all of the Nature Series, was hand sketched by Bill Siemantel of BBZ. This is something he wanted to produce and KNOWS it will be effective come spring time bass bite.

As you can see in the image below, this soft plastic bait features the design and look of well, a baby bird. From detailed facial features to a feather pattern and ribbed body, these are sure to get bit.

Since I mentioned the feather pattern above, lets take a quick look at the back of the bait. Below you can see the great detail into the feather pattern that runs along the backside of these baits.

The facial features on this bait is really cool, so I wanted to try to zoom in and give you a better look at that as well.

From the images above you can see that this is a pretty solid piece of plastic. Not a ton going on on the upper two thirds of this bait other than detail. Nothing to really kick off that secondary movement.

Lets take a look at the tail of this bait then we’ll work back up to the body.

As you can see in the image above, the tail does have a lot going on. Several tail feather sections, if you will, will produce a lot of movement drawing in the strikes. it does resemble more of a Sweet Beaver type of tail section.

Now moving back up the body, I did want to show you the slits in the body for hook placement. As you can see in the image below, there is a nice big cut out for you “weedless” hook placement if you so choose.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this section, the Bird was an odd thought to me at first, but the more I thought about it, it makes perfect sense.

Here is the info I gathered from FishLab on some of the specs of the Bird. They will be available in both a 4 1/4″ and 5″ size. They will also be available in eight of the most popular soft plastic colors and should fit your standard 3/0 to 5/0 hook sizes. Lots of ways to rig these and I’m pretty excited to give them a try.

FishLab Nature Series Kickin’ Craw

The next bait up is the FishLab Nature Series Kickin’ Craw. This is probably the most versatile bait in the lineup, and probably the most recognizable.

In the image above you get a full look at the bait. From antennae to claws to tail, it has it all. Just looking at the image, you can see that there will be a ton of secondary movement with all of the appendages on this thing.

The first thing we will look at is the Claws and Antennae. as you can see below, these are quite detailed. I like the ribbing of the antennae as well as the sheer size of the claw itself. What is unique about the claw, is that in watching it in its initial swimming videos, they do “swim” their way down to the bottom giving off a great kicking/flapping motion on their way down.

Next up is the head detail. You can see the intricate detail that went into the head design of these baits. Unfortunately the samples given to me don’t show them off the best, but you can get a feel for them below. You can also see the secondary feet and leg detail leading down to the tail which we’ll look at next.

The last thing we’ll look at on the Crawdad is the tail section. The tail on the crawdad is actually a full secondary piece that is added to the bait. But you can imagine that as it is falling, the movement that it will create. Drag this along the bottom for a flapping craw style bait and you are golden.

Here is the bottom from a different angle. This just plain looks wicked!

Overall, this will be a very effective bait. Also available in eight total colors, the FishLab Nature Series Crawdad will come in a 3 1/2″ and 4 1/4″ size. FishLab touts the same hook sizes, 3/0 to 5/0 as the above baits.

Nature Series Flutter Nymph

Ok, not going to lie. When I received and opened the package, this was the bait I was most excited about. The Nature Series Flutter Nymph. Maybe it is my true love for fly fishing, or simply because this bait is just plain awesome!

The details on this bait are unparalleled. From the legs to the wings to the tail, it is a great looking bait and another you might not have totally thought about as a standard “bass” bait, like the Bird.

The first thing we’ll take a look at on the Flutter Nymph is the actual head. You can get a good look at it above, with the oversized large eyes. Reminds me of something out of Bugs Life.

Before I get to the really cool wings, I’ll mention the legs. You can see them above and below. The little legs with the ball shaped feet at the end will also create a bunch of secondary movement.

Below is the bait upside down where you can see more of the legs as well as the belly ribbing.

Ok, now to what really drew me in…the wings!

The wings on this thing are nuts. Each of the wings has so much detail as well as the paddle tail at the end of each. As this thing falls underwater, each of the wings has a kicking, fluttering motion on the drop. Really cool!

A better look at some of the paddle tails on the end of the wings in the image below.

Now moving down to the back end of the bait, you can see some great ribbing from the bottom end of the body, right down to the tail. This will also create great water movement hitting the lateral lines and making those bass turn to look.

And one last look at the actual size of the bait in my hand.

The Flutter Nymph will be available in a 3 1/2″ and 4 1/4″ size and also available in the eight colors mentioned.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a going to be a very exciting bait for FishLab Tackle at the 2022 ICAST show. I know they will be placing this in the New Product Showcase, so if you are a voter out there, be sure to check them out. They are hot!

It is such a comprehensive little series of baits and something I’m guessing you will probably want in your lineup as well. Everyone is looking for the next hot soft plastic baits, and this might just be it.

FishLab doesn’t have any info out on these baits yet on their website, but I’m sure they will soon.
Great job to Bill and Mike on the creation of some truly unique, and sure to be fish catching baits.

Head over to FishLab Tackle to check out their entire lineup of baits.

Thank you for stopping by Fishing Tackle Insider to check out the new FishLab Nature Series Creature Baits. They are awesome and I’m very excited for their release.

See you on the water! And at ICAST 2022 in Orlando.