October 24, 2014
By Ned Kehde
Patrick Sebile's Vibe Machines recently caught the attention of a Midwest finesse angler who periodically wields a small crankbait on one of his spinning rods, and he thought we ought to alert finesse anglers to these new lipless crankbaits.
There are two models of the Vibe Machine: a 1 3/4-inch and 1/8-ounce one and a 2 1/4-inch and 1/4-ounce one. These two diminutive lipless crankbaits are part of Sebile's Action First series. And when the folks at Pure Fishing introduced them to the angling world, they heralded them as top-of-the-line lures that are frugally priced. And since frugality plays a key role in the way most Midwest finesse anglers fish, these two baits are likely to become part of a goodly number of Midwest finesse anglers' crankbait repertoires.
Each model of the Vibe Machine is endowed with an innovative component that Sebile calls the Xternal Weight System, which consists of a strip of zinc. This strip is situated in the front of the bait, and it runs from slightly behind its belly hook to almost the tip of its nose. According to Sebile, this weight system allows the baits to run as straight as an arrow from the first cast and retrieve to the last cast and retrieve. This weight system also enhances the way the Vibe Machine gyrates during the retrieve.
Moreover, the gyrations during the retrieve are amplified by the thickness of the heads of these two crankbaits. The broad widths of their heads provoke their slimmer tails to wiggle and shimmy more than that which occurs with other lipless-styled crankbaits.
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The zinc Xternal Weight System is also used to firmly anchor the bell hook's hanger, and this feature heightens its durability.
When an angler employs a moderate-paced retrieve with the 1/8-ounce model, it will swim three to five feet below the surface, and the 1/4-ouncer will swim in four to six feet below the surface.
The Vibe Machine also possesses an auditory element, which is created by a brass knocker that is lodged in its torso.
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They are available in 15 colors: Black Chrome, Blue Red Craw, Breeding Bluegill, Dark Blue Chrome, Firetiger, Lime Chrome, Pumpkinseed, Red Gold, Red Orange Craw, Smokin' Black Shad, Smokin' Blue Chrome, Smokin' Shad, Spotted Mess, Warmouth, and Yellow Shad.
They can be acquired at one online retailer for $5.59 each.
Endnotes:
(1) Both of these baits should pay some handsome dividends for white bass and wiper anglers this fall when these angler dissect windblown points and shorelines.
(2) We are eager to receive insights from anglers who have used the Vibe Machines. Please post them in the comment section below.