Innovative, Yes, But How Much Better (If Any) Is It?

A quick glance at the spinnerbait in this photo might make you think it just had been unwrapped from a prop or removed from the jaws of an ol' grindle. We've all had our share of run-ins with one of those ornery toothy critters and know how they can mangle lures. In this case, though, we're looking at the Death Shimmer Spinnerbait by Law Lures.

A product of the 2011 ICAST show, this bait is the invention of Rich Lau. It represents one of the biggest departures to date from the traditional "safety spin" or overhead-blade-style spinnerbait that was invented in 1951.

The extra bends and turns in the arm create more underwater resistance, which pushes the spinnerbait arm down ever so slightly and causes a side-to-side shimmy. Those who have seen the bait perform underwater say it doesn't really look like it's doing much, but once you feel it working, the added resistance is readily apparent. Some describe the bait as a mix between a spinnerbait and a chatterbait because of the vibration it reportedly creates.

According to the inventor, "The vibration and water displacement is picked up by the lateral line of faraway bass that then zero in for the kill."

Another unique feature of this lure is that it free falls vertically, and the Colorado or willow-leaf blade(s) that come with the Death Shimmer throw out a perfect helicopter rotation on the fall. The bait comes in 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-oz. sizes, as well as single and double-blade combinations, and a variety of colors, which should ensure you're able to find one or two that will satisfy almost any fishing conditions.

Yet another plus for the Death Shimmer is that, unlike many other spinnerbaits you find on store shelves, it stays below the surface, even when being retrieved at fast speeds. Whether you're slow rolling or burning it, the bait remains where you want it--in the strike zone.

One detracting factor I found among the comments of folks who have used the Death Shimmer is that it has a tendency to catch weeds rather easily. And a few took exception with the price tag, which generally runs between $8 and $9.

At that price, you won't find me placing an order anytime soon, especially for a bait that likely would just take up more room in my already filled-to-overflowing tackleboxes.

For those who might be interested, though, here's the link to a series of three Death Shimmer Spinnerbait videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsZhaV6cKSw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djh7-OkD3X4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnpwn3ZTCVY