By Stewart A. McFerran
K.J. Scarpace worked as a mate on the Hot Ticket out of Manistee. He plied the waters of the Big Lake, pulling in lunkers for clients. During that time, he developed a lure called the Scarpace Rig that he says will outperform all others.
The key is not only the pretty colors but the slot in the Scarpace belly made for a bit of chum that can attract hungry leviathans out there in Lake Michigan.
Cut bait is inserted into the belly of the Scarpace. It is secured with a toothpick. When this package is lowered to the zone on the downrigger, the baited lure is reported to move as if it’s alive. K.J. said his polymer lures will float but recommends fishing at depths of 50-100 feet along the shoals of hot spots, such as “The Barrel.”
K.J. started producing the lures in 2011, following in the footsteps of great bait-makers such as Leonard Halladay, creator of the dry “Adams” fly. Halladay, who hailed from Mayfield, Michigan, designed the fly in 1922 to imitate the mayfly for his friend Charles Adams. It has become world famous.
The Scarpace is about four inches long and has a hook harness. K.J. uses an airbrush and bright colors to customize each lure. The different patterns are available to anglers.
Stefanie, K.J.’s sister, sells Scarpace lures at Wee Bee Jammin in Bear Lake. They are also available in Manistee at Tangled Tackle and Insta-Launch, both in Parkdale on US-31, and in Ludington at Captain Chuck’s II, corner of US-10 and Jebavy Road.
While not yet world famous, the Scarpace Rig is making a splash. Many West Michigan anglers swear by them. Learn more at: www.scarpacelureco.com.
