Jammin’ with the JB Lures Gem-n-Eyes

[Tyler Holm]

I’ve recently been introduced to the Gem-n-Eye by JB Lures and I think it’s got me “hooked.” I’ve been working the 1/32 oz pink/white #8 on the short rods and it’s proven to be a perfect combo. It provides the perfect “flex” of the St. Croix UL (orange) St. spring bobber and allows one to fish fast while the fish are below you.

In just 2 short trips with this lure attached, I’ve put over 80 fish in hand including Crappies, Bluegills, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, & Perch. I’ve been tipping it with a waxie and vertically jigging around docks & structure. I get the lure close to the fish, using the LX-5, and the Gem-n-Eye does the rest.

Recently I’ve found the fish have been hitting it as I lower the lure. I’ve found it effective to give the lure a few shakes just above the fish, then lower it every slow sloooowly and BOOMP. While descending, the lure provides just the profile the fish have been looking for.

To us, the lure looks to have a larger profile than our traditional bluegill ice tackle but trust me, 3-4" gills have no problem engulfing the 1/32oz size and the larger fish certainly haven’t had any trouble either.

12.25" white Crappie

12.5" Black Crappie

[Hotspotter]

Tyler:

Right on. Great post!

I like the Gem-n-eyes for a few applications, but the ones you mentioned are particular favorites. The flutter you get with these things can't be beat, and the "eye" really tends to focus fish towards it once they're in close.

Another great application is using the 1/8oz Gem-n-eyes for tip-up hooks. Again, I'm a believer that predatory fish key in on and/or are excited by these baitfish-like cues.

Joel

[Mr. Pike1]

I have never tried the Gem eye on open water but it is one of my top ten on the ice. It will triggey crappie as well as eyes and pike.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I used the Gem-n-Eyes quite a bit last winter for walleyes and perch. They really made a difference when the fish were finicky and wanted a smaller profile and a jig that dropped slowly.

I had my best luck with the trebble hook rigged Gem-n-Eyes.

Cliff

[flyfish]

Never used them for Ice fishing However they were super for sunnies and crappies this past summer. Can't wait to use them under the ice

[Matt Johnson]

Very good stuff Tyler! You're a fishing machine! Chasing pannies with the LX-5 and ice rod during open water... I love it!