Daiwa Morethan Lures Full Review

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

• The Daiwa Windstorm 135F is a floating minnow weighing 22.2 grams, designed for large rivers and surf fishing, offering reliable casting performance.
• Anglers report the Windstorm 135F can dive up to 60 cm in practice, despite its packaging indicating a maximum dive depth of 40 cm.
• The Daiwa Cross Counter 125F is a lipless minnow, weighing 15.8 grams, and boasts an exceptional average casting distance of 64.5 meters.
• A comprehensive 10-year study of seabass catches (2012-2021) in urban bay areas revealed that 90% of fish were caught using just 15 specific lure types, with top shallow runners being indispensable.

Daiwa's Morethan series offers specialized lures designed to excel in challenging JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) seabass fishing scenarios. Among these, the Windstorm 135F and Cross Counter 125F stand out for their distinct features and performance characteristics. The Windstorm 135F, a floating minnow, weighs 22.2 grams and is favored for its robust casting in large rivers and surf environments, often diving deeper than its stated 40 cm maximum. Meanwhile, the Cross Counter 125F, a lighter 15.8-gram lipless minnow, is celebrated for its outstanding castability, consistently achieving an average flight distance of 64.5 meters. These lures are part of a select group that anglers rely on; one extensive study showed that 90% of seabass catches over a decade were attributed to just 15 types of lures, underscoring the importance of choosing proven, high-performance tackle.

What are the key features of the Daiwa Windstorm 135F?

The Daiwa Windstorm 135F is a distinct floating minnow known for its robust build and adaptable performance. This lure measures 135mm in length and weighs 22.2 grams, placing it in a "heavy-ish" category for its body size, especially when compared to similar lures. Its design makes it particularly suitable for fishing in expansive environments such as large rivers and open surf, where casting distance and stability are crucial. While it casts well, some anglers note that its flight distance, while good, doesn't quite match up to rivals like the Z140F or Silent Assassin 140F, which weigh around 23 grams. This slight difference in casting performance suggests that the Windstorm 135F might benefit from specific rod setups to maximize its potential.

Anglers have found that a stiffer rod, particularly a surf rod capable of casting up to 50 grams, tends to provide more stable and longer casts with the Windstorm 135F, outperforming standard ML-class seabass rods typically used in rivers. This indicates that the lure's weight and size configuration are optimized for tackle with a stronger backbone. The lure's action is generally described as "low-appeal," meaning it produces a subtle, less aggressive movement in the water. Despite this, its responsiveness is excellent, allowing it to swim effectively from slow to high retrieve speeds without its action becoming erratic. Unlike some newer Daiwa lures, it does not feature a kickback spring, but it starts swimming smoothly and its internal weights remain stable even in strong currents. This consistent, low-key action is a significant advantage, particularly in situations where more aggressive lures might spook fish.

One interesting characteristic of the Windstorm 135F is its diving depth. While the lure packaging reportedly states a maximum dive of 40 cm, practical use by anglers suggests it can actually reach depths of around 60 cm. This makes it a shallow runner, a relatively uncommon trait for a lipped minnow of its size. Its ability to stay in the upper water column, even with a lip, is a key feature, making it versatile for targeting seabass that are actively feeding near the surface or in shallower areas. The combination of its low-appeal action, stable swimming, and shallow running depth contributes to its effectiveness in diverse fishing conditions, making it a reliable choice for anglers seeking a versatile floating minnow.

Weight and Dimensions

The Windstorm 135F measures 135mm in length and weighs 22.2 grams. This weight, relative to its length, is considered substantial, contributing to its casting stability. For instance, a rival lure like the Silent Assassin 140F weighs 23 grams, making the Windstorm's 22.2 grams a comparable, if slightly lighter, offering in the 140mm class in terms of overall mass. This "heavy-ish" setting, as one angler describes it, requires specific tackle to maximize its performance, particularly for long-distance casting in challenging environments.

Casting Performance

While the Windstorm 135F generally casts well, especially in large rivers and surf, its performance is noted to be slightly less than that of direct competitors such as the Z140F or Silent Assassin 140F. Anglers recommend using a rod with more backbone, like a surf rod rated for casting up to 50 grams, over a typical ML-class river seabass rod. This setup helps achieve greater stability and distance during the cast, ensuring the lure reaches desired fishing grounds effectively. The consistent flight ensures that despite not being the absolute longest caster, it remains a reliable option for reaching close-to-mid range targets.

Action and Responsiveness

The lure's action is characterized as "low-appeal," meaning it's not overly aggressive or flashy. However, its responsiveness is highly praised, allowing it to swim consistently across a wide range of retrieve speeds, from slow to fast, without any noticeable action irregularities. Even at dead slow retrieves, it still maintains a subtle action, which has proven effective in specific scenarios such as the early spring "deca-bachi" (large worm) pattern on the Tone River. This subtle action prevents fish from being spooked and often triggers bites when more aggressive presentations fail.

Diving Depth

Despite manufacturer packaging suggesting a maximum dive depth of 40 cm, practical use by anglers indicates the Windstorm 135F can actually descend to about 60 cm. This makes it a true shallow runner, a unique attribute for a lipped minnow of its size. Its ability to stay relatively high in the water column, even with its lip, is beneficial for targeting seabass in shallow areas or when fish are feeding near the surface. This characteristic also makes it suitable for working around waves in the surf or drifting slowly in river currents without constantly hitting the bottom.

How does the Windstorm 135F perform in different fishing conditions?

The Daiwa Windstorm 135F demonstrates remarkable versatility across various fishing conditions, proving its worth in both river and surf environments. Its low-appeal action, combined with its shallow running depth, makes it a strategic choice for specific scenarios where other lures might fall short. In large rivers, this lure shines particularly during the early spring "deca-bachi" (large worm) pattern, targeting larger, more cautious seabass. Its subtle action at slow retrieves is ideal for imitating the natural movement of these large worms, which are a key food source during this period. Beyond the spring, it also proves effective during the autumn "ranker" (large fish) season, especially when waiting for migrating fish to move through. The lure's consistent, understated performance helps entice these larger, often more wary, seabass.

When it comes to surf fishing, the Windstorm 135F excels in night games and during twilight hours. Its ability to be retrieved slowly, tumbling gently with the waves near the surface, often elicits strong reactions from seabass. This technique is particularly effective when small baitfish like anchovies are present and are the primary food source. The lure's shallow dive capability is crucial here, allowing it to work the productive top layers of the water column without getting snagged on the bottom in shallower areas. One angler noted that they would continue to use the Windstorm, particularly in the surf, where it "does a good job" Angler review of Windstorm 135F and Cross Counter 125F. This endorsement highlights its reliability in challenging coastal conditions.

Despite its strengths, some anglers view the Windstorm 135F as a somewhat "middle-of-the-road" lure, suggesting that anglers might choose between 120mm and 140mm class lures, or dedicated lipless shallow runners, for more specialized situations. For example, a lipless shallow runner might target a similar depth range, and 120mm class minnows with lips, like the Kosuke 110F, can also achieve comparable depths. However, its overall completeness as a floating minnow is highly rated. When faced with uncertainty about which lure to use in large rivers or the surf, the Windstorm 135F often becomes a go-to option due to its reliable casting, shallow running capability, and low-appeal action. This balance of features allows it to fill a unique niche, making it a valuable addition to an angler's tackle box, especially for targeting specific patterns or when a versatile, understated presentation is needed.

Early Spring "Deca-Bachi" Pattern

In early spring, when large worms (deca-bachi) are a primary food source for seabass, the Windstorm 135F proves highly effective. Its low-appeal action, capable of maintaining subtle movement even at dead slow retrieves, mimics the natural drift of these worms. This makes it an excellent choice for targeting larger, more cautious seabass that are feeding on this specific bait. The lure's ability to operate effectively at low speeds and near the surface is critical for this pattern, allowing anglers to present it naturally without alarming the fish.

Autumn "Ranker" Season

During the autumn "ranker" (large fish) season, when seabass migrate and actively feed, the Windstorm 135F is a reliable choice for waiting for these transient fish. Its presence and subtle action are sufficient to attract active seabass, allowing it to serve as a "first-string" lure. The consistent performance and balanced appeal prevent anglers from getting bored, which is important during long periods of waiting for fish to appear. Its versatility helps cover various situations that may arise during this dynamic season.

Surf Night Games and Twilight

For surf fishing, especially during night games and twilight hours, the Windstorm 135F excels. Its shallow running depth and ability to be retrieved slowly, interacting with the waves, make it highly effective. Anglers report good reactions from seabass when the lure is allowed to drift gently near the surface in the breaking waves. This method is particularly potent when anchovies are the main bait, as the lure's subtle movement and profile can accurately imitate these small baitfish, drawing strikes from predatory seabass in the low light conditions.

What makes the Daiwa Cross Counter 125F a top-tier shallow runner?

The Daiwa Cross Counter 125F has rapidly ascended to become a top-tier shallow runner, earning a reputation as an "ace" lure shortly after its release. This lipless minnow, measuring 125mm in length and weighing a relatively light 15.8 grams, is lauded for its exceptional castability and ease of use. Despite its lighter weight compared to some competitors, it consistently delivers impressive flight distances, rivaling and even surpassing lures like the Goliath 125F, Frilled Swimmer 115F, and Komomo 125 Counter. Its most striking feature is its consistent castability; the manufacturer's specifications show a maximum casting distance of 65.5 meters and an average casting distance of 64.5 meters. This minimal difference between maximum and average distances highlights the lure's reliability, ensuring that anglers can consistently achieve long and accurate casts.

This consistent performance is a significant advantage, especially when fishing in situations where precise placement and reaching distant spots are critical. The Cross Counter 125F's lighter weight also makes it compatible with relatively lighter tackle, broadening its appeal to anglers who prefer a more nimble setup. While the manufacturer promotes it as "dead slow compatible" and "slow retrieve compatible," its effective retrieve speed range isn't exceptionally wide; very fast retrieves can cause it to over-act. However, its strength lies in its superb responsiveness in the slow retrieve range. It can swim with a delicate, wavering action even when retrieved slowly, especially when cast upstream, picking up subtle changes in current and reacting naturally. This characteristic makes it an ideal lure for situations where a subtle, natural presentation is required, with anglers often focusing solely on slow retrieves.

The lure's advertised diving depth is between 20-70 cm. While it can dive deeper, closer to the 70 cm mark, with medium retrieves, its optimal action for slow retrieves is found around the 50 cm depth. For dead slow retrieves, it can effectively work at depths of 20-30 cm. This versatility in depth, combined with its excellent slow-speed performance, makes it an indispensable tool for targeting seabass in various shallow water scenarios. Its ability to maintain a compelling action even in subtle currents, without requiring a strong retrieve, allows it to excel in conditions where fish are less active or highly pressured. The Cross Counter 125F is a prime example of a lure designed for precision and consistent performance, making it a favorite among JDM anglers for night games and shallow water fishing.

Design and Weight

The Cross Counter 125F is a lipless minnow, measuring 125mm in length and weighing 15.8 grams. This relatively light weight is a key aspect of its design, contributing to its ease of casting and making it suitable for a wider range of tackle, including lighter setups. Its streamlined profile, characteristic of lipless minnows, allows for smooth flight and reduces air resistance during casts. The absence of a lip also contributes to its unique swimming action, which is particularly effective at slower retrieve speeds.

Exceptional Castability

One of the most praised features of the Cross Counter 125F is its exceptional castability. Despite its lighter weight, it rivals and often surpasses the casting distances of heavier competitors. The manufacturer specifies a maximum casting distance of 65.5 meters and an average casting distance of 64.5 meters. This small discrepancy between maximum and average distances is a testament to its consistent performance, ensuring reliable long-distance casts every time. An angler stated, "It's not an exaggeration to say that I haven't encountered a lure this easy to cast among all the shallow runners I've used" (translated from Japanese) Angler review of Windstorm 135F and Cross Counter 125F. This ease of casting makes it a go-to lure for anglers who need to cover water efficiently.

Retrieve Speed and Action

While the manufacturer claims "dead slow compatible" and "slow retrieve compatible," the lure's retrieve speed range is somewhat narrow, with very fast retrieves causing it to over-act. However, its true strength lies in its superb responsiveness at slow retrieve speeds. It can maintain a delicate, wobbling action even when retrieved slowly, especially on an upstream cast where it sensitively picks up changes in current. This makes it ideal for situations requiring a subtle presentation, with anglers often sticking to slow or medium retrieves to maximize its effectiveness.

Diving Depth

The Cross Counter 125F is designed to operate in the shallow to mid-water column, with a manufacturer-stated diving depth of 20-70 cm. In practice, anglers find that medium retrieves can take it closer to 70 cm, while slow retrieves produce excellent action around 50 cm. For dead slow retrieves, it can effectively work at depths of 20-30 cm. This range allows it to target seabass holding at various depths within shallow areas, making it a versatile tool for different water conditions and fish activity levels.

How do other JDM lures compare to Daiwa's offerings?

The JDM market is rich with innovative lures, and while Daiwa's Morethan series holds a prominent position, several other lures from different manufacturers offer unique strengths that complement or rival Daiwa's offerings. Understanding these alternatives provides a broader perspective on effective lure selection for seabass fishing. For example, the Evergreen Honesty 95S is a standout no-action sinking minnow, particularly potent for "bachi" (worm) patterns. This lure is designed to have minimal action, with a short lip maintaining a horizontal posture and belly fins suppressing excessive movement. Its strength lies in its "no-action" slow retrieve, which concentrates bites, especially in competitive urban bay areas where standard methods might fail. One angler reported that the Honesty 95S was the lure they had caught the most seabass with, emphasizing its unparalleled effectiveness in specific bachi pattern scenarios. This lure’s subtle presentation, combined with its ability to be retrieved dead slow near the surface, makes it incredibly effective, even in pre-sunset twilight hours.

Another highly regarded lure is the Tackle House TKLM9/11, a lip-less minnow with a tight wobbling roll. This historical lure is known for its relatively easy-to-achieve irregular action, a feature that was quite groundbreaking upon its release. It works effectively at about 30 cm below the surface with a slow retrieve, gripping the water well and swimming consistently even near the angler's feet. The TKLM9/11 is also known for exhibiting a unique "petal-like" irregular action when twitched gently, differing from the more aggressive darts of other lures. It casts well for its weight and shape, thanks to a magnetic重心移動 (center of gravity movement) system, though its flight distance is considered standard compared to newer lures. It's particularly effective from winter to early spring, especially for microbait patterns, where a dead slow retrieve allowing the current to impart action can trigger strong bites.

The Jackson Nyoro Nyoro 105 is another popular choice, positioned as a pilot lure for "bachi" patterns. This sinking pencil is a classic for a reason, offering a balanced and high overall performance compared to similar sinking pencils. It is known for its excellent casting distance and high catch rates, making it a reliable option when targeting seabass feeding on worms. Lastly, the Ja-do Arda 86 is a sinking minnow (86mm in length, 9g weight, or 10g with hooks) with a wobbling roll and a darting "chidori" action. This lure is highly recommended for beginners in Tokyo Bay who are transitioning from vibration lures to minnows. An angler advises, "If you just started seabass fishing, you'll probably begin by casting vibration lures or metal vibes to catch your first fish. But then, trying to catch fish with 130mm minnows can be difficult. For those people, I recommend this sinking minnow, the Ja-do Arda 86" (translated from Japanese) Seabass Lure Impre vol.5 Ja-do Arda 86. While its darting action is often highlighted, it performs exceptionally well with a simple slow retrieve, especially near walls and structures. These lures collectively demonstrate the diverse approaches and specialized designs available in the JDM market, each offering distinct advantages for different fishing scenarios and angler preferences.

Evergreen Honesty 95S

The Evergreen Honesty 95S is a renowned no-action sinking minnow, particularly effective for "bachi" (worm) patterns. Its design incorporates a short lip to maintain a horizontal posture and belly fins to suppress action, making it surprisingly still in the water. Bites concentrate on its non-action slow retrieve. It has been the most successful lure for one angler, responsible for over 100 seabass catches over a 10-year period (2012-2021) in urban bay areas. This lure's ability to be retrieved dead slow near the surface, especially with smaller rings and #8 hooks, makes it exceptionally strong in crowded fishing spots, even catching fish before sunset.

Tackle House TKLM9/11

The TKLM9/11 is a classic lip-less minnow known for its high-pitch tight wobbling roll and relatively easy-to-achieve irregular action. It operates about 30cm below the surface with a slow retrieve and grips the water well, swimming consistently to the angler's feet. Its unique irregular action, described as "petal-like" when twitched, is softer than the aggressive darts of other lures. While its casting distance is standard compared to modern lures, its magnetic center-of-gravity movement system provides good flight for its weight. This lure has also accounted for over 100 seabass catches for one dedicated angler over a decade, proving particularly effective for microbait patterns from winter to early spring.

Jackson Nyoro Nyoro 105

The Jackson Nyoro Nyoro 105 is a sinking pencil widely recognized as a pilot lure for "bachi" patterns. It is celebrated for its balanced and high overall performance compared to other sinking pencils in its class. Anglers consistently praise its excellent casting distance and high catch rates, making it a reliable and frequently used lure for targeting seabass feeding on worms. Its consistent effectiveness has cemented its status as a staple in many JDM tackle boxes for bachi season. For more details, see Seabass Hunter Vibe Z and other lure reviews.

Ja-do Arda 86

The Ja-do Arda 86 is a sinking minnow designed by Shugo Fujisawa, measuring 86mm (77mm body) and weighing 9g (10g with hooks). It features a wobbling roll with a "chidori" (staggering) action and darting capabilities when twitched. While its darting action is a key selling point, it is highly recommended for beginners to use with a simple slow retrieve, especially around walls and structures in Tokyo Bay. It helps anglers transition from vibration lures to minnows, offering a user-friendly entry point into minnow fishing.

What defines effective lure action and depth for seabass?

Effective lure action and depth for seabass are highly dependent on the specific fishing situation, including the time of day, water conditions, and the prevalent baitfish or insect patterns. Generally, seabass that are actively feeding near the surface tend to be more aggressive, making shallow runner minnows an indispensable tool, especially during night games. These lures, which operate in the upper water column, are crucial for quickly attracting active fish. The ability of a lure to maintain a compelling action at slow retrieve speeds, and to react sensitively to changes in current, is a hallmark of effective JDM designs. This allows for a more natural presentation, mimicking distressed baitfish or drifting insects without spooking wary seabass.

Moreover, the concept of "low-appeal" action, as seen in lures like the Daiwa Windstorm 135F, is highly effective in situations where a subtle presentation is needed. This might be in clear water, during high-pressure fishing, or when fish are feeding on delicate bait such as large worms. In contrast, lures with a more pronounced action, like a high-pitch wobbling roll, can be effective for attracting attention from a distance or in murkier water. The diving depth of a lure is equally critical, with shallow runners targeting the top 20-70 cm of the water column, while other lures might be designed to reach deeper. The ability to control this depth, even at varying retrieve speeds, allows anglers to present the lure precisely where the fish are holding.

Beyond minnows, the broader category of lures, such as "egi" (jigs for squid), also illustrates how action and depth are tailored to specific targets. Egi come in various fall speeds (normal, shallow, deep) and action types (darting vs. resistant). Darting jigs, which cut through the water to move widely, primarily appeal visually to squid. Resistant jigs, on the other hand, push more water, creating stronger vibrations and appealing through "波動" (water displacement). This distinction highlights that effective lure design considers not only how the lure moves but also how it interacts with the water to attract its target, whether through sight, vibration, or a combination of both. Ultimately, the most effective lure is one that can accurately mimic the target's prey or elicit a predatory response through its movement and depth, adapting to the specific conditions of the fishing environment.

Importance of Shallow Running Action

Shallow runner minnows are considered indispensable for night fishing because seabass feeding near the surface are typically more active. These lures excel at targeting the upper water column, which is often where active seabass are looking for prey. The ability of these lures to stay high in the water, even with a lip like the Windstorm 135F (diving 40-60cm), or as a lipless minnow like the Cross Counter 125F (diving 20-70cm), allows anglers to quickly locate and engage these active fish. This focus on surface and near-surface presentation is critical for successful night games.

Low-Appeal vs. High-Appeal Actions

Lures with "low-appeal" actions, such as the Daiwa Windstorm 135F, are highly effective in situations where a subtle presentation is necessary. This includes clear water, high-pressure fishing, or when fish are feeding on delicate bait like large worms. These lures maintain a responsive action even at slow retrieves, mimicking natural prey without being overly aggressive. Conversely, lures with more pronounced, "high-appeal" actions, like the tight wobbling roll of the TKLM9/11, are better suited for attracting attention from a distance or in situations where fish are more active and less wary.

Lure Responsiveness to Current

The ability of a lure to respond sensitively to current changes is a crucial attribute for many JDM designs, particularly for slow-moving presentations. Lures like the Daiwa Cross Counter 125F, which can swim with a delicate, wavering action even on an upstream cast and pick up subtle changes in flow, excel in these conditions. This sensitivity allows the lure to mimic natural movements of baitfish or insects being carried by the current, making it highly effective for triggering bites from cautious seabass. This feature allows for effective fishing in dynamic river environments.

Darting vs. Resistant Lures (Egi Example)

The distinction between darting and resistant lure types is well-illustrated by "egi" (squid jigs). Darting jigs are designed to cut through the water, moving widely from side to side to appeal visually to squid. They are typically streamlined to minimize water resistance for broad, erratic movements. In contrast, resistant jigs are designed to "push" more water, creating stronger "波動" (water displacement or vibration) to appeal to squid through their lateral lines. While their darting range might be smaller, their strong water displacement can be highly effective in attracting squid from a distance, especially in murky water or low visibility conditions. This principle of visual vs. vibrational appeal applies broadly to other lure types as well, influencing how anglers choose tackle based on target species and environmental factors.

Why are shallow runner minnows indispensable for night fishing?

Shallow runner minnows are considered absolutely indispensable for night fishing due to several critical factors that align with seabass behavior and the unique challenges of low-light conditions. Primarily, seabass that are active and feeding near the surface tend to be more aggressive and easier to catch. During nighttime, especially in urban bay areas and rivers, seabass often move into shallower waters or hunt baitfish congregating near the surface. Shallow runner minnows, by design, operate in this crucial upper water column, typically within the first meter of depth. This allows anglers to present the lure directly in the strike zone where active fish are most likely to be found. The ability to target these active, surface-oriented fish efficiently is a significant advantage, as it maximizes the chances of a quick bite.

Furthermore, shallow runner minnows frequently serve as "pilot lures" during night fishing. A pilot lure is a go-to option that anglers cast first to quickly assess fish presence and activity levels. Because these lures cover the most active part of the water column, they help anglers quickly determine if seabass are present and in a feeding mood. This role is crucial for maximizing fishing time, especially when waiting for the "时合い" (prime feeding time) or for migrating schools of fish to arrive. An angler emphasizes this point, stating that shallow runner minnows are "absolutely essential" for night games and are always kept in their tackle box, regardless of the season. This highlights their reliability and fundamental importance in an angler's arsenal, underscoring their consistent performance in various nighttime scenarios.

The characteristics of many JDM shallow runners, such as their stable swimming action at slow retrieves and their ability to handle currents, further enhance their effectiveness at night. In low light, seabass rely heavily on their lateral line system to detect vibrations and movements in the water. Lures like the Daiwa Cross Counter 125F, with its excellent responsiveness at slow speeds and sensitive reaction to current changes, provide subtle yet compelling signals that predatory fish can detect. This natural, unaggressive presentation is often more effective at night when fish can be more cautious or less willing to chase fast-moving lures. The combination of targeting active fish, acting as a reliable pilot lure, and offering a subtle yet effective action makes shallow runner minnows an indispensable tool for any serious seabass angler engaging in night fishing expeditions. A dedicated angler, who fishes an average of 24 times a year and has caught a total of 732 seabass over 10 years (2012-2021) in urban bay areas, consistently relies on these lures, underscoring their proven effectiveness.

Targeting Active Surface Fish

Seabass that are actively feeding near the surface are generally more responsive to lures. Shallow runner minnows are designed to operate in this upper water column, typically in the 20-70 cm range, making them ideal for targeting these aggressive fish during night fishing. This direct targeting of the most active fish helps anglers maximize their catch rates, especially when visibility is low and fish rely more on subtle cues.

Role as Pilot Lures

Shallow runner minnows often serve as "pilot lures" in night fishing. Anglers use them first to quickly locate fish and identify prime feeding times or migratory patterns. Their ability to cover the active surface layer efficiently makes them excellent for scouting, helping anglers to adapt their strategies based on initial bites or observations. This reconnaissance role saves valuable fishing time and helps in making informed decisions about subsequent lure choices or fishing spots.

Consistent Performance in Low Light

The consistent performance of shallow runner minnows, particularly their stable action at slow retrieve speeds and sensitivity to current, makes them highly effective in low-light conditions. Seabass rely on their lateral lines at night to detect vibrations, and the subtle yet consistent action of these lures provides the necessary cues without being overly aggressive. This reliability ensures that even in challenging nighttime conditions, these lures can effectively attract and trigger bites from predatory seabass, making them a staple in any night fishing tackle box.

How do JDM anglers choose lures for specific patterns?

JDM anglers employ highly refined strategies for choosing lures, meticulously matching them to specific fishing patterns, prevalent bait, and environmental conditions. This meticulous approach is crucial for maximizing success, especially for target species like seabass. For instance, in the "bachi" (worm) pattern, where seabass feed on large marine worms, anglers often select lures that mimic the subtle, wavering movement of these worms. The Daiwa Windstorm 135F, with its low-appeal action and effective performance at slow retrieves, is a suitable choice for early spring "deca-bachi" patterns. Interestingly, if specific "bachi colors" are unavailable, anglers might opt for chartreuse-colored lures with similar actions, demonstrating an adaptive approach to lure selection. This pragmatic choice highlights that action and profile can sometimes be more critical than exact color matching, especially when the lure's movement accurately imitates natural prey.

Another critical pattern is the "microbait" pattern, where seabass feed on very small baitfish. For this, lures like the Tackle House TKLM9/11 are highly favored. When fishing in microbait situations, anglers might retrieve the lure "dead slow" or barely reel it in, allowing the water current to impart the primary action. This technique ensures that the lure moves as naturally as possible, mimicking a struggling or drifting microbait, which can trigger powerful strikes. This method is particularly effective in various urban bay areas, as reported by experienced anglers. The TKLM9/11's ability to maintain a subtle, irregular action even with minimal retrieve makes it an excellent choice for these delicate presentations, proving that sometimes less is more when imitating tiny prey.

In highly competitive fishing areas, such as crowded urban bay regions, anglers often face situations where standard lure presentations fail to produce results. This is where specialized lures with unique actions, like the "no-action" of the Evergreen Honesty 95S, come into play. When other anglers are struggling despite visible fish activity, the Honesty 95S, with its minimal action and slow retrieve, can deliver "unrivaled strength." This lure's ability to consistently catch fish when others cannot underscores the importance of having a diverse tackle box that includes lures designed for non-standard presentations. The success of the Honesty 95S, responsible for over 100 seabass catches for one angler over a decade, demonstrates that sometimes a counter-intuitive approach, such as a lure with virtually no action, can be the most effective strategy in challenging conditions. These examples illustrate that JDM anglers prioritize not just the lure itself, but how its specific characteristics—action, depth, and presentation—align with the prevailing fishing conditions and target behavior.

Lure Selection for "Bachi" Patterns

For "bachi" (worm) patterns, anglers choose lures that can mimic the subtle, often wavering movement of large marine worms. The Daiwa Windstorm 135F, with its low-appeal action and effectiveness at slow retrieves, is a good option. In situations where specific "bachi colors" are not available, anglers might use chartreuse-colored lures with similar actions. This shows that the action and profile of the lure, which imitate the natural movement of the worms, can be more important than the exact color for success in this pattern.

Lure Selection for Microbait Patterns

When seabass are feeding on "microbait" (very small baitfish), lures like the Tackle House TKLM9/11 are highly effective. Anglers often retrieve these lures "dead slow" or even allow the current to impart most of the action. This technique makes the lure appear as natural as possible, mimicking a struggling or drifting tiny baitfish. This method has proven successful in various urban bay areas, leading to strong bites from seabass that are selectively feeding on small prey.

Unique Actions for Pressured Fish

In highly competitive or pressured fishing areas, lures with unique or subtle actions can outperform standard offerings. The Evergreen Honesty 95S, a "no-action" sinking minnow, demonstrates "unrivaled strength" in such scenarios, especially during "bachi" patterns. When other anglers are struggling to catch fish despite visible activity, the Honesty 95S's minimal action at slow retrieves can consistently trigger bites. This highlights the importance of having lures that offer a different presentation to entice wary or pressured fish, proving that sometimes a less aggressive approach yields better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between darting and resistant type jigs?

Darting jigs are designed to cut through the water with minimal resistance, allowing them to move widely from side to side with rod twitches. Their primary appeal is visual, mimicking an erratic baitfish. Resistant jigs, conversely, are designed to "push" more water, creating stronger vibrations or "波動" (water displacement). While their side-to-side darting might be smaller, their strong vibrational appeal can attract squid from a distance, especially in low visibility. This distinction means darting jigs appeal more to sight, while resistant jigs appeal more to the lateral line system of the target.

How does the size of an 'egi' (jig) affect its performance?

Egi (squid jigs) sizes are typically measured in "号" (go), with larger numbers indicating larger jigs. For targeting Aori-ika (bigfin reef squid), sizes between 2.5 and 3.5 "go" are commonly used. Larger jigs attract larger squid but might be ignored by smaller ones, while smaller jigs can catch a wider range of sizes but might not entice the biggest squid. Additionally, within the same size, jigs can have variations in fall speed (normal, shallow, deep), determined by the weight of the sinker in the head, allowing anglers to match the jig's descent to water depth and current.

What is the significance of 'bachi' patterns in seabass fishing?

"Bachi" patterns refer to periods when seabass predominantly feed on marine worms (bachi). This pattern is crucial, especially in early spring, when large worms become a primary food source. Lures that mimic the subtle, wavering movement of these worms at slow retrieve speeds, like the Daiwa Windstorm 135F or Evergreen Honesty 95S, become highly effective. Success in "bachi" patterns often relies on a low-appeal, natural presentation, as the seabass can be highly selective and cautious when feeding on these delicate creatures.

Can the Daiwa Windstorm 135F be used for flatfish?

While the Daiwa Windstorm 135F is primarily designed for seabass, particularly in surf and river conditions, its suitability for flatfish is described as "subtle." Its shallow running depth (up to 60 cm) means it stays relatively high in the water column. If targeting flatfish in shallow surf at low tide, it might be a viable choice if the angler wants to avoid bumping the bottom. However, it's not explicitly designed for flatfish, and dedicated flatfish lures typically operate closer to or on the bottom.

What is the ideal retrieve speed for the Daiwa Cross Counter 125F?

The Daiwa Cross Counter 125F performs optimally at slow to medium retrieve speeds, despite being marketed as "dead slow compatible." While it can over-act at very fast retrieves, its superb responsiveness in the slow range allows it to swim with a delicate, wavering action. This makes it ideal for situations where a subtle presentation is needed. Anglers often focus on slow retrieves to maximize its effectiveness, allowing it to pick up and react to subtle current changes for a natural presentation.

Sources

1. Angler review of Windstorm 135F and Cross Counter 125F
2. Seabass lure ranking based on 10 years of data
3. Seabass Lure Impre vol.5 Ja-do Arda 86

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• Best JDM Seabass Lures for Inshore Fishing
• Daiwa Morethan Reel Line Full Review
• Best JDM Rock Fishing Lures
• Daiwa Certate 2026 Full Review
• Ima Komomo Seabass Lure Review

— The JDM Tackle Lab Team