Storm Lures Spotlight

Storm’s classic hard baits feature reliable, fish-catching action right out of the box and tough-as-nails construction. Here are some of Storm’s most dependable, tried-and-true hard baits every angler needs in their collection.

With a natural minnow profile and rolling, swimming action, the Original Thunderstick is an outstanding “twitching and swimming” bait for northern pike, smallmouth, largemouth, and walleye. Loud rattles help this floating lure attract fish from far distances, and also make it easier for them to locate in murky water and at night.

The Original Thunderstick excels cast to fish holding in depths to around 10 feet. It rises quickly when paused, helping it avoid shallow snags. Though, if desired, its buoyancy can easily be modified using Storm SuspenStrips.

The Original Thunderstick excels in trolling applications. A top choice to run behind an inline planer board for multi-species action on the Great Lakes, it’s also fantastic long-lined along shorelines, around islands, and over shallow flats. Stellar, too, on a 3-way rig for bottom-oriented walleye, bass, and pike.

Walleye and northern pike can’t resist the Original Thunderstick Deep’s loud rattles and searching action, making it ideal for trolling drop-offs, mid-lake structures, and river channels. Less often discussed, but equally effective, is “strolling” the lure for offshore smallmouth from mid-summer to late fall.

The 3-1/2-inch Original Thunderstick Deep runs 6 to 15 feet, while the 4-3/8-inch size is capable of reaching 24 feet.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right?

This rationale certainly applies to another of Storm’s legendary fish catchers - the Original Hot ’N Tot. An essential trolling lure, the Hot ’N Tot’s iconic, erratic side-to-side searching action catches walleye, bass, pike, trout, and salmon.

The Hot ’N Tot’s metal lip is a standout feature. Feel free to smash and grind this lure along a rocky bottom. Its rugged lip can take the abuse, and the tactic is stellar at attracting fish and triggering strikes.

The Hot ’N Tot catches ‘em cast or trolled. Sizes are 2 and 2-1/2 inches.

With a tight, side-to-side action that mimics a fleeing crayfish and a compact, 2-inch body, the Original Wiggle Wart gets bites from fussy bass, walleye, trout, and big panfish with ease.

An ability to deflect off objects makes the Wiggle Wart popular for working rock, gravel, and wood — and its classic Wart rattle draws fish in from far and wide. This lure is legendary for triggering cold-water bass, but don’t overlook it in summer for smallmouth in lakes and rivers.

The Original Wiggle Wart dives from 7 to 18 feet. If needing to crank deeper, the Original Deep Wiggle Wart and Original Mag Wart have you covered.

This shallow-running crankbait is a must-have for walleye, northern pike, bass, and trout. The Original ThinFin’s flat sides and deep body make it a great option during times when predators are feeding on bluegills, pumpkinseeds, shad, and herring. Its erratic, darting action catches fish whether cast and retrieved or trolled. Available in two sizes, 2-1/2 and 3 inches.

You could say the Rattlin’ Chug Bug was born ahead of its time. It’s been spitting, darting, chugging, splashing, and dog-walking across the surface long before the many “multi-action” topwater lures flooding the market today. Nothing against these recent arrivals, of course; just tipping our hat to the Rattlin’ Chug Bug’s originality and staying power.

The Rattlin’ Chug Bug’s weighted tail enables long casts. This feature also makes the lure rest tail-down in the water. Benefits of this posture include: mimicking a resting frog or disoriented baitfish, helping a striking fish get a mouthful, and maximizing the lure’s response and action.

Its loud rattle is another hallmark feature, and is an asset for pulling fish out of cover and deep water. The proverbial icing on the cake is the Mylar teaser tail for sweet-talking strikes from hesitant, inactive fish.

Recently, Storm added custom-colour patterns to many of its hard bait collections. Glow Mixed Veggies, Hot Blueberry Muffin, Walleye Wizard, and Chartreuse Wonder Bread Glow are a few samples, which offer good contrast and bold, attention-getting tones.

Colour options have also grown for the Rattlin’ Chug Bug. Longtime fans of the lure and new recruits alike are wise to get the newly released Bluegill, Clown, OG Bone, and Pure Chrome colours.

Storm’s classic lures never go out of style. With these legendary hard-baits in your tackle collection, you’ll be prepared for all kinds of multi-species fishing adventures.