Featured Maker: Wolf Spider Baits
NOVEMBER 2026 · FEATURED MAKER
Meet Wolf Spider Baits
Handmade jigs, honest quality, and fair pricing—crafted by a lifelong angler in Bedford, Virginia.
Meet Founder Patrick Leonard
Patrick Leonard grew up trout fishing the Blue Ridge Mountains with his Uncle Wayne on North Creek, Middle Creek, and Jennings Creek. Later, his cousin Billy introduced him to bass fishing. His first largemouth came on a Carolina-rigged green pumpkin 6-inch lizard—and he was hooked.
After years of tournament fishing, jigs became Patrick's favorite bait to throw.
From Basement Experiments to Handmade Jigs
Patrick started making jigs for himself, experimenting with materials, balance, and colors inspired by natural crawfish. Every jig he sells is one he trusts and fishes himself.
In 2025, a conversation at Indian Point Marina on Smith Mountain Lake rekindled his interest in making jigs. Around that time, a discussion about spiders during a Heavy Hitters tournament broadcast helped inspire the Wolf Spider Baits name.
Featured in November: Warrior Series Jig
Discover Tackle featured the Wolf Spider Baits Warrior Series Jig in the November 2026 monthly bass box.
It's a chance to fish a jig from a small independent maker who puts his own time on the water into the tackle he creates.
Handcrafted in Bedford, Virginia
Wolf Spider Baits handcrafts its jigs in Bedford, Virginia, with testing on the rivers, lakes, and ponds of Central Virginia.
Patrick's approach is simple: if a lure isn't right, it doesn't leave the shop. His goal is to offer reliable, quality tackle without inflated prices—made for anglers rather than markup.
A Mission Rooted in Faith and Service
Patrick says Wolf Spider Baits' mission is to glorify Jesus Christ by putting Him first and giving every customer the company's best. That commitment shapes how he approaches craftsmanship, fair prices, and customer service.
He also credits his wife and children, family, friends, and many supporters for helping make the business possible.