47" Tiger Muskie

Bite Me Series: The Birth of a Legendary Lure

Every great adventure starts with a moment of inspiration. For me, that moment was the creation of the original Bite Me lure in 2012. What began as a personal challenge to craft the perfect fishing lure has blossomed into a passion I’m excited to share with you through the Bite Me Series.

The story of this lure started on a fishing trip with a close friend. I had no idea if my handmade creation would even work. As I cast it out and began the retrieve, I felt a unique vibration unlike any other lure I'd ever used. Intrigued, I offered my buddy a chance to try it out, but he was confident in his own gear and declined.

On our first pass along a promising break line, about six casts in, I was lost in thought about my next move when it happened—an explosive hit, 30 feet from the boat. "Fish On!" I yelled, adrenaline surging. The fish rocketed out of the water, T-boned the lure, and dove deep. The fight was intense, a blur of action and excitement, but we managed to net the fish. It had struck so ferociously that it took both 4x #5/0 VMC trebles, necessitating the cutting of the center hook to free it.

In my excitement, I made a rookie mistake, lifting the fish for a photo with an improper grip. After a quick measurement, I tried to release it back into the deep, but it was clearly stressed from the struggle. The fish initially gave a strong tail wag but then turned belly up.

Determined to save it, we rushed to resuscitate the fish, initially making the common mistake of pulling it back and forth to force water through its gills. Correcting our approach, we used the trolling motor to create a gentle current, holding the fish alongside the boat. Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the fish gave a weak tail wag and slowly swam off, headed for the shallows then parallel to the shore. We followed it from a distance for 45 minutes, hoping for the best. Watching it swim away was a mix of relief and hope—a testament to the power and resilience of nature.

This wasn't just any catch; it was a pivotal moment that cemented my belief in the Bite Me lure. The experience, filled with highs and lows, is one I’ll always treasure. It wasn't my first fish, but it was unforgettable, marking the beginning of the Bite Me legacy.

Thank you, Craig, for being part of that memorable day. Your spirit lives on in every cast and catch. Rest in peace.

Join me in celebrating the passion, innovation, and unforgettable moments of the Bite Me Series. Cast with confidence, and create your own stories.