In this video, professional angler Casey Scanlon shares his favorite trailers for bladed jigs and how to choose the right one based on the conditions that are present. Whether fishing in clear water, heavy cover, or chasing fish feeding on shad or crawfish, trailer choice can directly impact success on the water.
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Minnow-Style Trailers for Erratic Action
Scanlon’s go-to trailer for bladed jigs is a minnow-style bait. This trailer helps maintain the jig’s natural vibration while adding an erratic swimming action that triggers aggressive strikes. It’s a versatile choice that works in a variety of water conditions and excels when fish are chasing bait. Choosing a trailer color that closely matches the skirt of the jig is key, as this adds realism and can often convince hesitant fish to commit.
Swimbaits That Mimic Shad
When fish are feeding on shad, Scanlon switches to a soft swimbait. This profile offers a more natural swimming motion that pairs perfectly with the vibration of a bladed jig. It’s especially effective during cooler months or in bait-heavy lakes. Matching forage size and movement is key here. These trailers create lifelike action that blends seamlessly with presentation.
Craw-Style Trailers for Slower Presentations
For fishing in lakes with a strong crawfish population, or when targeting fish around shallow cover, Scanlon prefers a craw-style trailer. These trailers can help keep the bladed jig higher in the water column, allowing for slower retrieves around structure. They also provide added bulk and subtle movement—perfect for pressured fish or cooler water.
