If you're familiar with classic ice jigs, Twitchin’ Puppet is their modern, more realistic evolution. Northland created this lure specifically for situations where you need to "wake up" the fish.

Construction: Resin Instead of Lead

The main difference of this novelty from classic metal jigs — the material.

  • Over-molded resin body: Body and tail made from super-strong resin molded over the frame.
  • What it gives:
    1. Realism: Resin allows semi-transparent, voluminous colorways that look like real live minnows, not painted lead chunks.
    2. Durability: Tail is one piece with the body. This solves the main jig problem — broken plastic tails after pike bites or ice impacts. This lure is extremely hard to break.

Action: "Scared Minnow"

Pro angler Brian "Bro" Brosdahl describes the tactic: "Drop it, give a double twitch, and get ready to set the hook."

  • Darting: Thanks to its geometry, on snap Twitchin’ Puppet sharply changes direction, darting side to side (darting action). This mimics a panicking fleeing minnow.
  • Application in the USA: Such chaotic action works best on schooling bass in Great Lakes bays or reservoirs. It gathers fish under the hole.

Sizes and Targets

The lure is available in two weights perfect for our conditions:

  1. 1/8 oz (3.5 grams):
    • Target: Panfish and medium bass in shallows (bays, shore zone), as well as stocked trout on pay lakes. Trout loves such compact, darting lures.
  2. 1/4 oz (7 grams):
    • Target: Large humpback bass at depth, as well as small walleye and pike in lakes and bays. 7-gram weight allows comfortable fishing at depths up to 4-6 meters.

Summary

Northland Twitchin’ Puppet is an excellent alternative to classic jigs. Thanks to the resin body, it looks more alive and lasts longer. If you're heading to ice for bass or to a pay lake for trout in these pre-New Year days, the "Twitchin’ Puppet" is the ace to have in your box to rouse passive fish.