Bettencourt Swimbaits

Bettencourt Swimbaits is located in Clinton, Missouri and is owned and operated by Nathan Bettencourt. The Bettencourt Real Fish Series were released in January of 2005 and were one of the first, if not the very first, commercially produced baits to incorporate what people call the "photo finish" technique. Instead of a painted finish, a photograph of a real fish or bait fish is modified to fit on top of the lure and then sealed with epoxy. The result of course is an extremely natural coloration. Each lure Nathan produces is hand made using the finest components available.

Perhaps one of the more unique baits created by Bettencourt is their Rodent. The Rodent is quite unlike any bait anglers have ever seen. It is a combination of a surface bait and a shallow diving crank bait that depicts a swimming rat on the water. The design of the square bill actually makes it possible to fish the rodent near heavy cover without it getting hung up on every other cast, thanks to it's slower dive. Went here is a good topwater bite, the Rodent can be more effective than some of the more traditional topwater lures because it is something the fish have not become accustomed to seeing. The Rodent is constructed with a fur covered wooden body and is 5" in length, 7/8oz in weight, and has #1 VMC Big Game hooks.

The Bettencourt Real Fish Bluegill is a true work of art that catches fish. This bait comes in two weights, a floater that weighs 1 1/4oz and a sinking version that weighs 1 3/4oz. Both models measure approximately 5" in length and have a square diving bill that angles outward at the tip of the lip. Like several other baits in the Bettencourt Bait's lineup, the bluegill features fur fins and comes standard with .072 stainless eye screws, 2x stainless 100lb split rings and VMC's 3x Big Game hooks.

The Bettencourt Baits Real Fish Trout first became available around March of 2005. This 7” trout imitator is currently available in two sink rates, a floating model that weighs 1.75oz and a sinking model that weighs 3oz. The Real Fish Trout features .072 stainless steel screw eyes, 2x stainless 110lb split rings, and VMC's 3x Big Game hooks (2/0 in front and 1/0 in back).

The Real fish Shad is another great swimbait made by Bettencourt. The Real fish Shad comes in two models, sinking and floating and is 3.5" in length. The floating model weighs 5/8oz and the sinking weighs 3/4oz. Both models feature #2 VMC Big Game hooks and have ultra-lifelike swimming action.