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Fall 2023
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introduced Mega Floater soft plastic that is both soft and flexible, available in 13 colors designed for realism in clear water situations.
WAVE, RISE OR HORIZONTAL WITH A 10” ICHI WORM
At the opposite end of the size spectrum is the 10- inch Ichi Worm. Pronounced “E-Chee Worm” this new bait is designed to be quickly noticed by bass and entice strong strikes.
Also made with the Mega Floater soft plastic, and ribbed like the Yamamoto Slinko, this worm moves a lot of water both with its body and ribbon tail. Size and water displacement are both key attraction features when fished in limited visibility situations like low-light conditions or off-color water.
In clear water the ringed body provides additional attraction by releasing air bubbles trapped in the body rings from head to tail. Because the Mega Floater plastic is buoyant and ringed, when a bass sucks in the lure it moves easily and deeply into the mouth, allowing better hookups and landing success. The ringed body and soft plastic afford easy hook penetration since there is less plastic to drive the hook point through. There really is no other worm on the market like the new Ichi Worm.
When post-spawn bass move to deep weed beds and structure the Ichi Worm begins to shine. It will also light up the bass in low-light or night-time bass fishing.
Presented on a Shakey Head allows the worm to stand on its head leaving the ribbon tail to wave enticingly in the face of a bass.
The Mega Floater formula also makes a Carolina- rig a deadly presentation allowing the Ichi Worm to rise above weeds or the bottom where it is easily spotted by hungry bass. The traditional Texas-Rig allows the head to lie flat on the bottom while the tail and lower body rise enticingly above the bottom. A 5/0 Gamakatsu Hybrid Worm hook is ideal for Texas-rigging or C-rigging the Ichi Worm and ensuring solid hookups.
The new Ichi Worm is available in 16 colors and available in tackle stores now.
STANDING OR SHAKING THE OKI WORM
Another 10” worm introduced by Yamamoto, the Oki Worm was requested by professional anglers and other customers who wanted a big straight-tail worm made with its Mega Floater plastic. Oki is a Japanese word meaning “long sword”.
It is shaped to maximize its attraction when fished on a standup jig head. It is also effective when Texas- rigged with either a 4/0 or 5/0 hook and shaken to give the soft floating plastic enticing movement. The body has a narrowed shape at just the right location to allow flexibility at the tail section.
The new Oki Worm will be favored by offshore anglers working deep ledges, mussel beds, weed beds, and anywhere a long worm excels.
The Ichi Worm is also available in 16 colors.
SIGHT FISHING OR CRAWLING THE 3” YAMA CRAW
A downsized version of an earlier introduction is the three-inch Yama Craw. Despite being downsized to three-inches in length, the smaller Yama Craw still possesses a thicker body designed to stay better on a hook keeper. The plastic formula is the Mega Floater material which allows the claws to float and wave with the slightest movement. The compact shape makes this a versatile lure that can be used in many applications from jig trailers to C-Rigs, for all species of bass.
The 3” Yama Craw is effective as a finesse jig that can be skipped under docks due to the stronger plastic material, and used in clear water where smaller is better.
Rigged on a Ned Head or standup jig head it is the perfect bait for sight fishing. Try it on a dropshot for a different presentation in which your bait rises from the bottom instead of sinking like most lures.
For smallmouth bass crawl the Yama Craw over a rocky bottom on a one-quarter or three-eighths ounce football jig.
With 19 available colors there is a version that will fit most any jig pattern or crawfish coloration you wish to imitate.
Yamamoto Baits (www.baits.com) has a history of producing innovative soft plastic baits that bass and anglers love, and these new offerings will prove to continue their tradition. Be sure to try them. You will not be disappointed. Ciao! •