Blind Squirrel Baits 3.8" "Gilley Shad" Soft Plastic Shad Imitation Bait

Gilley Shad – Compact Powerhouse with Ribbed Paddle Action

The Gilley Shad from Blind Squirrel Baits is a compact, thick-bodied ribbed swimbait designed to imitate the flash and vibration of a panicked baitfish. With its dense core and ringed exterior, this bait displaces a surprising amount of water for its size, making it a go-to option when fish want a bulkier profile in a smaller package. Whether you’re fishing it solo on a jig head, using it as a trailer, or swimming it through grass on a weedless hook, the Gilley Shad gets noticed — and eaten.

Mimics Natural Forage

The Gilley Shad’s short, rounded body and tight-kicking paddle tail emulate shad, juvenile bluegill, fathead minnows, and small perch — all favorite meals of bass, walleye, and more. Its ribbed exterior traps air and sheds bubbles on the retrieve, giving off a distressed bait signal that rings the dinner bell.

Premium Design Features

• Compact, Ribbed Body – Pushes more water than a smooth bait of the same size, helping fish hone in.

• Paddle Tail Action – Consistent thump even at slow speeds; kicks hard without overpowering.

• Dense Core for Rigging – Holds shape and stays locked on jig heads or screw-lock hooks.

• Versatile Profile – Big enough to be noticed, small enough to draw bites from pressured fish.

Preferred Rigging Styles

The Gilley Shad excels in both finesse and power-fishing setups:

• Jig Head – Swim it steady along bottom contours or grass edges.

• Swim Jig Trailer – Adds bulk, vibration, and a more natural thump.

• Bladed Jig Trailer – Keeps your bladed bait tracking true with added resistance and tail action.

• Belly-Weighted Swimbait Hook – Great for weedless presentations in heavy grass or wood.

• Drop Shot (Threaded Nose-First) – A bulkier offering for targeting big suspended fish.

Where to Fish

Anywhere baitfish roam — and predators follow. Target bass along weed lines, creek mouths, shell beds, rocky points, or shallow flats. Also deadly in clear-water ambush zones and on schooling fish near bait balls.

How to Rig and Fish the Gilley Shad

• Use a 3/0 to 4/0 EWG or screw-lock hook for weedless presentations.

• Pair with a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jig head for open water or bottom contact.

• Retrieve slow and steady to maximize tail action, or twitch near structure for reaction bites.

• Fish on 12–16 lb fluorocarbon or braid with leader for best control and feel.

Why Choose Blind Squirrel Baits?

• Made for Real-World Angling – Built tough for repeated casts and multiple fish.

• Great Colors, Not Gimmicks – Designed to match actual baitfish, not just catch anglers’ eyes.

• Serious Versatility – Works in freshwater lakes, rivers, and clear or stained conditions alike.