Ika

[dansfishntales]

I don't know how many of you have tried a lure called an Ika, but they work well. My experience with these lures just started, and on my first trip using the Big Ika (Texas rigged) I hooked two bass that broke off 15 pound test, Big Game Flippin/Pitchin line. They had some leverage (one when under a big tree, and the other used a steal fence post), but they were still in the 6 pound plus range. These lures are like a solid tube. I've also tried using them as a jerk bait, but at this point I'm not 100% sold on that usage. There is a lot of plastic to set the hook through, and most jerk strikes come a fair distance from the rod tip, which makes it more difficult to get the hook set.
The Ikas are also salted.
Anyway, it seems like these will be a good lure to try, especially for those of us who love tubes.
Until next time, get out on the water, and enjoy a great day of fishing.

[JoeMo]

Dan- The Big Ika is a heck of a bait for any bass. I was first introduced to it by Cap'n Chuck Duggins who guided in Maine until about a year ago. We used the Yamamoto Split Shot Hook made by Gamakatsu. Chuck taught me to just keep reeling the Smallies until they turned and tried to get away. Bingo! In the corner of the mouth almost 90% of the time. Most of them were good quality Smallmouth.
I prefer the Black/with Blue (021). A great bait to alternate with the same color tube.

Anybody else want to talk about this and other "forgotten" Yamamoto baits? (due to the total success of the Senko)

Good Fishing. JoeMo Moderator

[d.mcgarry]

Joe and dan, I like the tiny Ika in winter in The watermelon black flack and black and blue, I use a Lunker city 1/16 oz lead head and with 4# vanish have caught some really big Bass. try the 4" Cut tail worms fellow Pro staffer Charles Stuart started me using them in tough conditions and they work very well. Good Bassin Dan Bass

[JoeMo]

Dan & Dan: I've tried all the Ikas (including the Fat one) except that little guy Danbass was drop-shotting.
Bass won't let go of the Ika if you don't get heavy-handed. I fished with friend Bernie Mitchell and another buddy in Mahopac last year. With a #6 split shot hook nose-hooked thru the Ika, the bass (in this case, largemouth) could be followed until it had enough and it turned away. Bernie would say
"Enough, set the hook!" (Didn't have to; the bass did it for me.)
I still use the tube. Danbass and a guy from Lake Chautauqua taught me how to fish 1/8th oz. Gitzits in deep water in the St.Lawrence River. How deep? Caught Smallies in 58 ft.
I have no doubt that if I added a 1/8th oz. to the Ika, it would have caught them. I might not be so sure of myself until the first one hooked up, but I like Ikas.
By the way, Cap'n Chuck's Son Jack Duggins uses them while guiding in Maine. Claims he rigs them so the skirt portion comes through the water first. (much like a Hula Grub but without the twin tail) And he catches bass. I've fished an entire day with him. Just doesn't stop catching Smallmouth on Ikas.
Good Fishing, JoeMo

[MMT]

I love that Fat Ika!!!!!!! On a Sugoi 3/0