Big Ten Inch

I am excited about the Yamatanuki because to me it’s altogether new, and I’m excited about the new Yamamoto Livescope bait because that’s still a foreign language to me. There are some great new colors, too – more content on that soon. Coming out of ICAST 2023, though, I’m happiest that the company has finally decided to go all-in on big worms. There have been some attempts in the past, and they’ve been ok, but the two new ones fill needs.

Does the world need more big worms? You could argue that we don’t. Without naming names that’ll be obvious to anyone who’s fished more than a minute, there are plenty of quality worms already on the market. But we always need slight tweaks – whether that’s the right plastic consistency, perfect colors, or a different tail action. At this point, most of us aren’t looking to get on something, but rather to add a fish or two every time out.

It's also a reminder that the worm never goes away. My first bass lure may have been a Rapala floating minnow, but second (and third and fourth) were likely rudimentary plastic worms. That was well over 40 years ago. How many lures can withstand that test of time and keep going? Every other category has peaks and valleys. Of course, since then we’ve found more ways to fish them – not just a Texas Rig, but a swinging jig head, a Carolina Rig, and a shakey head, to name a few. That keeps it in the limelight, but the most important thing is that it appeals every bass, during every season, everywhere.

If you’re like me, you’re easily distracted by the latest and the greatest new thing. Worms aren’t sexy – except to the fish – and that’s why we need more. It’s a good kick in the butt not to stray too far.