Terminator Lures Launches Redfish Tour Champ's Model

Terminator Lures of Tulsa, OK recently began production of a new in-line saltwater spinnerbait designed by professional angler Mike Phillips of Jacksonville, FL. Well known for their freshwater spinnerbaits endorsed by bass fishing legends Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston, Terminator has recognized the growth potential of the inshore saltwater market and will begin distribution of the new lure this fall. Terminator reports that the initial response for the lure has been strong, and they should begin shipping to retailers in October.

How to Build a Better Redfish Lure

Mike Phillips and partner Chip Davis gained national notoriety by winning the inaugural championship of the Ranger/Mercury Redfish Tour held in November, 2000. Phillips had been tinkering with the inline spinnerbait for more than a year after seeing fellow professional redfisherman Roger Bump using a "snagless sally" to pull hungry reds from flooded grass beds in the estuaries of Northeast Florida. "I had been using gold spoons for years but wanted something new that the fish weren't used to seeing," remarked Phillips. "Roger's lure looked like it would work, but I thought it needed some adjustment." Being particularly concerned about finding a lure that was strong enough to withstand the power of a 6-8 lb tournament size redfish, Mike was pleased to discover that Terminator manufactured an inline spinner using titanium wire. According to Titanium Lures' Kyle Thorsen, "Our owner is a dentist who invented a dental tool made of nickel titanium. He is also an avid fisherman who was tired of using spinnerbaits that would not withstand the abuse of a striking fish. He combined the technologies and invented the Terminator line of fishing lures." The only problem for Phillips was that the lure was equipped with a treble hook, which prevented it from being weedless - making it impossible to fish in the grass. He decided to modify the bait using a soft plastic trailer and a single hook, hoping to imitate a small baitfish. "I went through several combinations before deciding on a #4 Owner worm hook and a Bass Assassin curly tail grub. The Owner (hook) proved to be strong enough to withstand the pressure involved when trying to horse a big red out of the grass, and the Bass Assassin was the only grub I could find that would run straight," Mike replied when questioned. The homemade spinner soon became Phillips' confidence lure and he used it to get to the final day of the Redfish Tour Championships in addition to several high finishes in other local tournaments.

Reaching the Masses

Local tournament competitors were eager to find out what Phillips' "secret weapon" was and after winning the Redfish Tour Championships, professional anglers from throughout the southeast became curious as well. "Several people thought they knew what I was using, but they weren't sure," said Mike. "I even caught someone going through my boat at the Titusville tournament this year trying to find it!" Feeling the time was right to capitalize on his championship win, he contacted Kyle Thorsen at Terminator who reported "I had met Grady Warren (Redfish Tour director) at a tackle show and he told us some pros were using freshwater spinnerbaits to catch redfish. Later in the year, Mike Phillips approached me with his lure idea and we decided to produce it." The growth potential of the inshore saltwater market combined with the professionalism of the Redfish Tour weighed heavily in the decision making process that led to the issuance of a contract. Redfish Tour director Grady Warren replied "In less than a year a tour angler has shown that there are freshwater companies that are now seeing the value of the inshore saltwater market for lure development. This is the first deal of its kind that I am aware of." In addition to Phillips and Davis, Terminator has also added current Redfish Tour Team of the Year leaders Brian and Greg Watts to its pro staff. They also sponsor the Redfish Tour itself. Phillips reports that he will receive a small percentage of every lure sold in quarterly installments for an indefinite period of time.

But, Does it Really Work?

Since prototypes were produced, Phillips has given them to several fishermen throughout the state of Florida and reports have been excellent. North Florida guide and tournament pro Larry Miniard has reported catching redfish to 14lbs on the lure during charters. A 9 lb gator trout was taken on one in St. Augustine. Redfish Tour angler George Wadsworth of Pt. Charlotte nailed a 7lb snook using the spinner, and a Jacksonville local got a 7lb flounder as well. "I have won a lot of money with the lure and hated to expose it," lamented Mike. "But I knew I had better strike while the iron was hot from the (Tour Championship) win." For a look at the lure, check out the Tails of the Tour page at www.redfishtour.com or wait until Fall to find them at your local retailer.