6-INCH Bucktail Deceiver Gamechanger Jig - Finneaus Model - ROUND GOBY

 
Round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) were originally introduced to the Great Lakes ecosystem in the late 1990s through release of ballast water via European merchant ships. Over the course time as with any invasive predator, they adapted quickly to the benthic habitats of the Great Lakes, particularly the shallow water zones of Lake Michigan. Similar in morphology and coloration ( e.g. Cottidae family), round gobies exhibit one pelvic fin and a dual set of pectoral fins as observed with other fishes. Also similar with sculpins, their habitat preferences is confined to rocky, bottom substrates where they glide inefficiently along the bottom searching for zebra muscles and zooplankton to forage on. Over past two decades they have shaped the predator-prey dynamics of the Great Lakes ecosystem. In response, dominant predators such as brown trout antd lake trout have aggressively switched their original foraging preferences from alewives to round gobies during transition of fall through winter and spring. Although gobies range in length from 3-6 inches, studies have reported larger individuals in the size distribution of 7-10 inches. Multiple scientific studies on round goby size distribution and structure on Lake Michigan have verfied the lengths previously mentioned. To capatalize on this significant predator-prey interaction of the Great Lakes, Musky Mike Flies will be releasing the 6-inch Gamechanger-style (e.g. multi-articulated) in the color "round goby". This deadly multi-articulated weapon will feature two sets of fins (pelvic and pectoral) to provide unparalled realism. Tail will consist of dark olive grizzly hen saddle feathers as well as the two sets of fins. Main body will contain upper back mixed coloration of brown and dark olive bucktail hair while underbelly is white.  Each articulation gradually contains more volume and longer hair, thus resulting in a classic tapered baitfish profile. Gamechanger hair jig features 4 articulations. A #2 Gamakatsu octopus stinger is situated in the tail. Lateral line consists of gold Saltwater holographic flash coupled with topping of brown holographic flashabou. Articulation to main jighook shank is 30-pound braid. Additional realism is observed with a set of 10mm Flymen Fish Co eyes in color "Earth". Expected time of release is for 3rd week of March. In essence, this is perhapsone of the deadliest hair jig weapons ever developed for Great Lakes brown trout as well as lakers with high trophy potential for 25-plus pounders.