Some of us are old enough to
remember when the term
soft-plastic bait became
common.

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits
have become almost synonymous
with soft-plastic baits.

That was originally because of the company’s Senko soft-plastic worms.

But did you know that Yamamoto produces hard-plastic baits?

They're becoming popular.

Like how the Senko is mostly known for catching freshwater bass, so are the hard baits.

The line of hard baits was introduced in 2014, and more models keep being introduced.

The latest in the line are the Chikara, a crank bait with a square bill, available in several models that dive different depths, and the Midasu, a lipless crank bait, a type of crank bait gaining lots of interest.

The line also includes: the Tenkuu, a jerk bait that can glide through the water “with the slickness of air,” the company says, or can be fished in a
snappier, walk-the-dog action; the Tate’, a classic walk-the-dog top-water with “more character and zip” than others, it says; and the Shibuki, a popper that “may be small in stature but packs a punch,” it says.

The lures, shown in the photos in the order they're written about -- in other words, the Chikara is in the top photo, the Midasu is next, and so on -- have too many fascinating
aspects to describe, so click on the links for details.

The lures cover the water column and, the company says, feature extreme durability and attention to detail that Yamamoto has become known for.

They’re made “with the best of Japanese lure makers’ ability to make a tool resemble a piece of art, all at a price more affordable than the competition,” the company says.

For more info, visit the Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits website.

Photo of Gary Yamamoto by David A. Brown.
All photos courtesy of Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits.