The Arbogast Jitterbug Can Still Dance

Note: This review was researched and written by Bad Poncho's Robert Taylor III.

If the Arbogast Jitterbug has any one single claim to fame, it's the likely fact that it's caught more nighttime bass than any other lure ever produced.

In the more than 50 years the Jitterbug's been on the market, it's lost none of its effectiveness. In fact, it just keeps getting better with new models that have new paints, shapes and even a clear lip. There's no doubt that a classic lure like the Jitterbug has earned a place in every pro and amateur's tacklebox.

But just because the Jitterbug's known for those impressive nighttime catches doesn't mean mean the bait won't tear it up in the middle of the day too. The coach-dog color pattern will get hits in the daytime, even in clear water.

The lure's basic action is the most immediate and obvious plus: From fast to slow, or even at rest, it's enticing. The plop-plop-plop-splash sound – the retrieve and then topwater blowup – is one of those experiences in fishing you'll always remember. And that plop-plop-plop comes with a side-to-side wobble that fish just love.

It's easy to make the Jitterbug produce that magic – just reel it slowly. But if you want, you can make the retrieve more complicated and truly make it dance. When retrieved very fast, the lure sort of skitters across the surface – especially effective in open- or clear-water situations. For darker water or the shallows around cover, a very slow retrieve with some pauses might be in order. Really, this lure performs well at any speed.

The Jitterbug's one of those must-have/must-experience types of lure. If you want to get someone addicted to bass fishing, the Jitterbug's a good place to start: It's easy to use and generates explosive, unforgettable strikes. Not many lures can say they've stood the test of time in the way the Jitterbug has. Over 50 years after its launch, it remains relatively unchanged because it still works.

I bought my first Jitterbug 30 years ago and today I still have several in my box at all times, because when it's time for topwater, nothing dances like a Jitterbug.

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