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About Vbaits LLC
A Michigan-based tackle shop built by a lifelong angler with over 30 years of hands-on bait making experience.
Built by a Lifelong Angler
My name is James Sheehy. I have been passionate about fishing since I was in kindergarten, over 40 years ago. In that time, I have caught all but one of the known fish species native to Michigan, a grayling, and most of the time on baits that I made myself.
I have caught 8 trophy class pan fish with the smallest being 1.6 lb alone in Michigan, and 4 other trophy class fish for my state: an 8 lb largemouth bass, a 24 lb steelhead, a 2.8 lb crappie, and a 2.3 lb perch. When it boils down to it, I just want to go fishing. I just make sure to have baits that I designed for the exact occasion.
Vbaits started out as a bait making hobby roughly 30 years ago. I even went far enough with designing baits to study insects and other food sources for fish both above and under the water. I hold a Bachelor's degree, and I apply that same attention to detail to every jig, fly, and bait that leaves my shop.
Life Around the Water
Fishing is not just about what you reel in. It is about the stillness of a calm lake at dawn, the clouds mirrored on the surface, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent outside.
Vbaits was built from that same mindset. Small batches, careful hands, and a genuine love for the water. When you buy from us, you are supporting a one-person shop in Michigan, not a warehouse full of stuff no one tested.
The Vbaits Story
The Beginning
James Sheehy's passion for fishing started in kindergarten, over 40 years ago. Every free moment was spent on the water.
Bait Making Hobby
Started pouring lead jigs and tying feather jigs as a hobby. Began studying insects and food sources both above and below the water.
Vbaits LLC
What started as a personal pursuit is now a full business. Every product is designed, molded, painted, and checked for quality twice before shipping.
Trophy Catches on Homemade Baits
Largemouth Bass
8 lb
Trophy class
Steelhead
24 lb
Trophy class
Crappie
2.8 lb
Trophy class
Perch
2.3 lb
Trophy class
Pan Fish
1.6 lb
8 trophy-class pan fish caught
These fish were caught on baits designed and made by hand. When you fish Vbaits, you are fishing with the same tackle that has proven itself on trophy-class fish.
The Vbaits Quality Promise
Every Vbaits product is designed, molded, painted, and checked for quality twice before being packed to ship. I have been pouring lead jigs and spoons for many years, and I can identify common defects in a lead product. I make sure to discard any defects at the shop.
Hand Made
Every jig is poured by hand. Every fly is tied by hand. No mass production.
Defect-Free
Common lead defects are spotted and discarded. Only the best leaves the shop.
Fisherman Tested
Every bait is designed and tested by someone who actually fishes.