Springtime is almost here!!!

Hello JDM Fanatics,

After a recent Blizzard we are finally having a nice melt off in northern Illinois, and I don’t know about you, but I am definitely in the mood for some open water bass fishing.  All of our lakes are still frozen, but hopefully it won’t be long before we get a nice thaw and spring will finally show up.  Here at Lee’s we have been trying to get stocked up for the spring and the spring fishing show at the shop.  Last week we got a couple of our big import orders that I will share with you.

A new hit lure has been the Jackall Bros. I Shad, which has been a Japan Only lure until 2011.  Jackall US introduced the 4.8 in version for the 2011 fishing season, but for you lucky few we have been able to obtain the 3.8 inch and 5.8 inch versions.  If you are not familiar with the I Shad it is part of the I Motion line of baits, and you really need to check out this new technique.  How many times have you reeled in a drop shot or Texas rig worm for a new cast, and found several bass chasing the bait to the boat or shore?  Well basically, the I motion retrieve is pretty much a cast out the bait and retrieve at a super slow pace.  Now I am talking about a super slow retrieve, you almost have to put one finger on the handle to push it at a slower pace.  The I shad and Sierra Minnow will give off tiny vibrations during this retrieve that make it look like a non threatened minnow just out for a Sunday morning swim.  Jackall specially made a series of Nose Jigs, that perfectly balance the I shad.  I try to get away with the lightest weight possible, but there are heavier weights for those windier days.  I will also use 5 lb test Toray super finesse fluorocarbon line for the I shad, and as far as rods go you will want a 6 ft. fast tip spinning rod.   This is a great new way to fish when the conditions are tough and the pressure is high.

Another new bait that we were able to bring in from Jackall Japan is the 3 in. Ammonite shad.  I have been fishing this small swim grub for a couple years now and have found it great in stained water and small river conditions.  I will usually pair it up with a Zappu Mustang Head 1/8oz. and fish it on 6lb. line.  The unique swimming action that the ammonite shad has is that the tail will make a complete circular motion while the bait does not roll.  Jackall US is also introducing this bait to the US in 2011, but like the I shad they are only bring over the 4.8 in. and not the 3 in.  Something that most people don’t know is that the Japan Only versions have been packed with natural shrimp flavor which in my opinion is a huge advantage over the normal Jackall soft plastic baits.

As the summer goes, we are going to try to bring you “on the water” video of these newer techniques and lures that are being produced in Japan.  As much as I try to update the Blog, Facebook has been a great way to keep all of our fans up to date on everything that is going on.  Also anyone that is going to be in the Chicago land area in early April we are going to have our fishing show at the shop in Elk Grove, dates will be posted on the site soon.  Well I hope to see most of you soon at the shop, and for everyone else stay tuned for more great baits and information.

Tight Lines,

Pete Sagartz

Click Here for a list of our newest lures.

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