Smith Hatleys

SMITH’s Hattory’s series is based on the ideas and designs of Shizuo Hatori, with an emphasis on enjoying changes on the water’s surface by working topwater plugs. Each model is designed with its own shape, floating posture, and action. Popper-style lures such as the Stylish Bomber feature a deeply recessed cup that produces multiple popping sounds depending on the length and intensity of the stroke. With a longer jerk, the body twists from side to side underwater while enveloped in bubbles and sound.

Materials and construction vary by model. While some models are made of wood, the Hattory’s signature lure, the Inner Hand W.B., features an ABS body whose shape and weight placement were carefully developed to reproduce the action of the wood model in a mass-produced version. Popper-style models can be worked in different ways to vary the distance traveled, sound, and bubble production according to the strength of the rod movement and the length of the stroke. The basic presentation is to pause after the lure lands, then use short rod movements to create a series of sounds or longer jerks to churn the surface aggressively. Since the standard hooks differ by model, check each model’s specifications when replacing them.