Hello,

 

I'm wondering if anyone knows of new production metal squarebills. I bust one up about every other fishing trip, and, though it gets results, I'm tired of replacing them.

 

I'm investing in some old Mudbugs, but, so far as I can tell, those are out of production.

 

Regards,

Josh

Heddon makes a Magnum Hellbender.  Not sure if that's the type you desire.

I have mudgugs , Bombers and Hellbenders . 

I don't know of any square metal bill crank baits still in production.

Fred Arbogast Arbo-Gaster is a true metal square bill and cheap on eBay. Use a Humdinger flat rubber replacement skirt and you are business, good forgotten lure! 

Bombers, Mud Bugs and Hellbenders are deep divers, the Arbo-Gaster is medium diver.

Tom

ps, upgrade the hooks!

What baits are you using? I'm asking because I fish a lot of rock and I beat my square bills pretty hard and I've only broke maybe 3 bills over the last 15 years or so and I shallow crank a lot. I'm not counting jerkbaits because I'm using those in cold water and I have had my fair share of broken and cracked bills. I was wondering if you tried any baits with the circuit board bill? They are thinner than a normal Lexan or plastic bill but they are touted as being much more durable. 

On 9/8/2019 at 9:19 AM, Josh Smith said:

Modern Metal Squarebill?

Neither modern, nor square...

 

But Hot 'n Tot is metal billed.  No idea why they don't get mentioned much.  I guess because they are walleye lures

But they are pretty indestructible and the do catch bass.  I have convinced myself that they are best on sunny days because of the flash off the bill, even at 10 feet.

If you're up for a challenge you could attempt to replace broken bills.  Will be easier on some baits than others. Lure part stores like Janns Netcraft and Lure Parts Online amongst others have bills of various shapes and materials, including metal.

 

I have a few Bomber Square As that I've broken bills on by smacking them off rocks and bridge pilings on a cast. Been hanging onto them thinking one day I'll give replacing the bills a shot.