Several smaller shops have attempted to build and sell custom high-performance spinnerbaits over the years. These baits typically have lifelike heads and premium components, and are made to appeal to the diehard BassFan. For one reason or another, most of these companies have withered and died, but one keeps growing: Performance Lures.

This Newport News, Va.-based company is better known as Glamour Shad, after its high-performance spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. These baits have already made a name for themselves in the Southeast, and have been creeping onto the large regional circuits and the tours. Right now Dustin Wilks is the only tour-level endorser of the baits, but other pros are using them.

Spinnerbaits

Everyone knows what a spinnerbait is, so let's take a look at what makes Glamour Shad spinnerbaits worth buying and fishing:

> Nickel and 24-karat gold-plated blades connected to the wire with Sampo ball- bearing swivels.

> The wire is matched with the head size and blade size to elicit the best- possible vibration and action.

> Realistic, sculpted baitfish-shaped head, custom-painted and with lifelike 3D eyes -- It looks and flashes like a baitfish head.

> A silicone metalflake skirt in bait fish patterns covers the business end, which is a premium Mustad Power Point hook.

Here's what we found through testing the bait:

> The blades, head, skirt and even the hook combine to generate excellent flash.

> It doesn't roll at high speeds.

Right now Glamour Shad spinnerbaits come in several different blade and skirt combinations, but only in 1/4- and 3/8-ounce sizes. More sizes are in the works.

Buzzbaits

The Glamour Shad buzzbait is designed by Wilks, a top-ranked angler and multiple Bassmaster Classic qualifier. He wanted a realistic-looking bait that would be appealing in clear or muddy water, he wanted it to track straight and ride low in the water, and he wanted premium components to decrease the chances that he'd miss a fish. All of that is part of the Glamour Shad buzzbait.

Here's what he says about the bait: "The Glamour Shad bend provides several distinct advantages over the ordinary buzzbait. It tracks straight, bounces over wood structure with reduced snags, and perhaps most importantly provides a much higher hooking percentage. In fact, the Glamour Shad buzzbait rides so much lower than other buzzbaits, bass will sometimes inhale the lure without so much as a ripple. Absolutely awesome!"

We found that the "Low Rider" wire design also helps the bait emit a high- pitched squeak, and that the bait does track true. And we really liked how the bait can be fished over heavy cover. The wire's bend helps the lure bounce over obstructions, and it's also virtually weedless. That helps attract feeding fish, and the realistic design makes it look even more like an injured baitfish.

Right now Glamour Shad buzzbaits come in 1/4- and 3/8-ounce sizes, and 8 color combinations.

Bottom Line

If you're not fishing the best baits you can afford, you're doing yourself a disservice. Just like premium crankbaits and stickbaits, premium spinnerbaits and buzzbaits should have a place in your arsenal.

Click here to order Glamour Shad baits online.