My favorite short arm was the Scorpion made by Bass Buster. They haven't made it for a long time. The only alternative I've found is the Stan Sloan short arm, but the wire is to heavy to get that throb that the Bass Buster Scorpion gave out. Does anybody know of another brand of short arm spinnerbaits that might fit the bill?
Frank

Best bet would be to try to make your own. Most baits come with a .35 wire. Some go heavier with a .42 wire. I've been toying with a .32 diameter which is significantly smaller than the .35. It wouldn't seem to make much difference but it does. What weight are you looking for? I'm assuming you want a thumper Colorado blade...maybe a 4. If you are interested in putting your own bait together, drop me a email and I'll help you out.

Frank,
You got me, I don't know of any tackle company putting out quality short arm spinnerbaits, wish I did. My favorites were the Bass Buster Scorpion and the larger Tarantula. I still have three Scorpions, reserved for only the most needed times, I never use these for fun fishing.Actually, the Scorpion has pretty heavy wire, I think it was successful due to the slight bend of the shaft just below the blade. I think the rounded lead head was also important. The newer models with the weedless, bullet shaped heads just aren't as effective. I try to cut spinnerbait shafts off to make short arms, but it just never feels just right. I just keep hoping I'll walk into a dusty old tackle shop someday and find a bunch of Scorpions, Betcha I'd leave there broke! Those were and still are Classic baits, Virgil is a genius. Good post, thanks, Johnnie

I know of a tackle shop that makes short arm spinnerbaits in 1/4 thru 1/2 oz. they are super nice any color or skirt combo. www.babaits.com in meadville,pa he's a great guy with a even better tackle shop. he gives 10% off if your a member of bass or flw. check it out they are well made.

Thanks for the input guys. Tom I checked B.A.'s shop and those are modern style single spins. Craig, They looked just like Sloan's short arms but they bounced more on the retreive. The blades were not big for the size of the bait and John I think you hit it on the head with the bend being the key. This bait in 3/8's and 1/4 could do it all. It was a wonderful helicopter when you let it drop. It could talk or wake the surface with a fishier noise than a buzzbait. I have a couple in both sizes, and like John I only use them if I have to. Craig if you want I'll send you one to see if you can figure out the components and copy it. I think the round head turns guys off, but I'd sure like to see this bait make a comeback.
Frank

Frank, that would be great. I'd like to check it out. I have a neat little idea. The frame I'm thinking of has the size of a 1/4oz bait but has additional lead on the hook shank...kind of hidden by the skirt. It isn't perfectly round but it is close. I've used them before and they are great wire forms with good hooks. I would just have to cut and rebend the wire. Email me and perhaps we could get together at the pond this Sunday. I might even be able to put one together for you there. I think I have a couple of the frames.

I have been looking for the old scorpion spinner baits for several years (1/4oz). Does anyone know of a similar short arm spinner bait, or a source of the old ones.

I know I'm a little late on this one But I'd also like to know where to get some decent short-arm single spins, The only 2 I have left were bought at a local tackle shop in the early 90's that's not there anymore. If I remember correctly they were called Spin-Ugly, a 1/4oz with a white skirt and a single chartruse colorado Blade, They've caught a lot of fish and I use them sparingly