Stamford Lures Patriot Shad

Stanford Lures’ Patriot Shad is designed as a crankbait that quickly covers shallow water while maintaining its posture even when retrieved at higher speeds. Models featuring a hand-carved cedar body dive to approximately 3 feet in shallow water, using a setup that takes advantage of the wood’s buoyancy and specific gravity. The square-bill-style lip and balanced weight distribution allow the lure to deflect and slip free when it contacts cover, while its buoyancy helps it move away from obstacles.

Its action is relatively tight compared with typical square-bill crankbaits, and it also produces the natural sound characteristic of a wooden body. Around shallow rocky areas, laydowns, and stumps, rather than simply retrieving at a steady speed, anglers can make it easier to avoid snags by stopping briefly after the lip contacts cover or by keeping the rod tip higher and guiding the lure along the wood, taking advantage of its tendency to rise. If the lure becomes snagged, snapping the line can also help use its buoyancy to free it. The Balsa Patriot Shad is offered as a variation with materials and specifications different from the cedar model; the confirmed specifications list an overall length of approximately 62 mm, a weight of approximately 9 g, and a diving depth of approximately 2.5 feet.