FishLab is built on a simple premise—the science of the strike—which is reflected in the research and development process of all their products. Their lures are realistic, scientifically accurate, meticulously crafted, and designed for one purpose: TO CATCH FISH. FishLab doesn’t just throw their version of everyone else’s bait out there and hope it sticks. Instead, they create, refine and perfect every lure through on-the-water testing and development. FishLab lures have applications that spread far and wide across many target species.
Fishing Tackle Retailer recently sat down with two of FishLab’s ‘Mad Scientists’ Mike Bennett, FishLab Product Manager, and Bill Siemantel, special consultant and product designer, for a behind-the-scenes look at a few of the projects that they have in the works for an ICAST 2022 debut. While we can’t tell you about everything that they showed us just yet, suffice it to say these guys have some real—dare we say—mind-blowing baits in the works that you do not want to miss this July!
FTR: Mike, can you give readers a little background on FishLab lures?
MB: Sure. FishLab came about roughly three years ago when we, Okuma, took the passion of lure design and development in-house. We had been producing lures for quite some time as partners with other companies, but with the creation of FishLab we are free to create the perfect baits, top to bottom, and we can tailor them to our needs and specs.
FTR: Bill, can you tell me a little bit about how you came to be a part of the FishLab family?
BS: It was really a perfect match for me as I have been friends with Mike [Bennett] for years. Further, the idea behind BBZ Baits was always about all types of fish from freshwater to salt and not putting limits on a specific target species, but instead to produce baits that have a wide crossover appeal and can stand up to the rigors of the biggest, baddest fish that swim. This fits perfectly into the FishLab goal, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this awesome team!
FTR: It was big news when you made the official announcement last summer, just before ICAST, as FishLab now has an awesome one-two punch of ICAST New Product Showcase award winners with both you and Mike in the product design and development team. I can’t imagine that there is another lure company out there who has the same pedigree working behind the scenes like FishLab.
BS: Totally. Mike and I work so perfectly well together as we are both true, hardcore fishermen across so many varied species from bluegill to blue marlin. Nothing is off the table as we are well-versed, in so many species, and we know how fish hit lures and what is needed to produce the baits to draw those strikes.
I’m confident very few, if any, has this blend of talent within the industry.
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