Freshwater Bass Hard Baits

The Jackall Pompadour Jr. is a smaller version of the large pompadour and it may just be better than the original!  We think this new size is perfect for fish that aren't willing to attack the bigger original Jackall Pompadour.

The Jackall Pompadour Jr features two unique metal wings that, upon casting, tuck away tight to the body for those long casts. Once the lure hits the water and you begin the retrieve, the metal wings open up creating a very unique wobble and a huge wake.

On the rear of the bait there is a pivoting propeller that slides back and forth creating a deep gurgling sound and leaving a tantalizing trail of bubbles. This, combined with the metal wings and the bulky body of the bait means that this lure displaces A LOT of water and will call fish up from even the deepest depths.

60mm

2.36 inches

5/8oz

When it takes loud surface disturbance and a big topwater to trigger trophy fish, reach for the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper. It walks-the-dog on top, but its concave mouth also catches and throws water for maximum surface disturbance — the kind that draws up bass, stripers, redfish, and other hard-to-catch gamefish when subtler presentations won't get it done. The weighted tail aids casting distance and accuracy while adding more erratic action on the retrieve.

Available in three sizes — 4.5", 6", and 7" — with 7 color options across the lineup.

Key Features

• Walk-the-dog action — classic side-to-side topwater presentation
• Concave mouth — catches and throws water for maximum surface disturbance
• Weighted tail — improves casting distance, accuracy, and erratic action
• 3 sizes available — 4.5", 6", and 7"
• Target species — largemouth bass, striped bass, redfish, and other topwater gamefish

Size Guide

The Ima Flit 120 is the effort of endless research and development. Ima combined Michael Murphy’s biology expertise with its own advanced technology and the Flit 120 was born.  The Flit 120, named for its erratic fleeing action and 120mm in length, was designed on the basic premise of “matching the hatch.”   The ima Jerkbait, designed with a wide back, flat sides, and a narrow stomach, is designed to closely mimic the flat-sided Herring and/or Panfish prey, common in the U.S.   The Flit 120 incorporates a realistic finish, a uniquely designed bill for ease of use and specially designed triangular chambers. This creates constant focal points of contact, maximizing vibration and sound consistency. The ima Flit 120 is the next generation jerkbait designed specifically to trigger strikes and enhance your fishing experience.

Techniques:

• Jerk Pause:  Start with slack and end with slack after each series of jerks allowing the bait to glide back and forth.
• Deadsticking: Start out with a couple cranks and jerks to get the bait to desired depth and then pause the lure with slack line.
• Burning: Reel the jerkbait in fast spurts stopping periodically. A very effective technique around shad spawns and schooling fish.
  • Length: 120mm 4.5in
    Weight: 14g, 1/2oz
    Type: Suspends 6-8ft
    Hooks: #6

The Jackall Gantarel Jr. is a miniature edition of its larger sibling, configured to replicate a Bluegill swimbait. Its S-Motions are designed to draw strikes from bass. These motions can be initiated with a quick tweak of the rod tip, enabling the bait to complete a 180 degree turn.

This bluegill style swimbait features swiveling hook hangars and a swiveling line tie that helps reduce line twists. It also features an addition loop on the chin of the bait that allows you to add a weight to make the bait slow sink, fast sink, or even a suspending bait. Finally, the hooks are dressed with premium feathers.

The Jackall Gantarel Jr. Hard Body Swimbait measures 5 inches and weighs 1.5 ounces, designed with slow-floating buoyancy. Its dual-jointed body produces a realistic S-shaped swimming action, while the swiveling line-tie minimizes line twist. Rotating hook hangers eliminate leverage, enhancing hook sets. This swimbait can execute sharp 180-degree turns with quick rod tip movements or rapid handle turns, making it highly effective for enticing fish.

The original Pointer Series has a lively, powerful action with a side-to-side slide. Even though it is small, the Lucky Craft Pointer 48SP has an excellent castability and has the ability to tempt any bass. It silently enters the target and attacks unwary bass. The Pointer 48 is the right choice when you’re on fish and searching for strikes. This product is the one miracle bait for bass, trout, musky and every species of fish.

Dive Depth: 1 ft ( Suspending )

Weight: 3/32 oz

Length: 1 7/8"

Karashi is Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick — a small bait that does something sharp enough to break a fish out of a bad mood.

Short version: 2.3", 3/16 oz, slow-sinking, #10 trebles with a tinsel teaser on the rear hook. Built for BFS and light spinning gear, and for the days when everything bigger gets followed and refused.

Four Presentations, One Lure

The reason to own a Karashi is that it isn't one bait. Change what your rod tip does and you change what it is:

• Ultra-finesse i-motion. A super-slow retrieve produces a vulnerable, injured wobble. This is the one for lethargic, cold-front fish that won't chase anything.
• Sub-surface twitching. Sharp rod snaps make it dart and flash just under the film — the presentation that converts a follower into a biter.
• Surface dog-walking. Rhythmic twitches walk it on top. Pause, and because it's slow-sinking it settles and then rises like a panicked baitfish. That pause is where a lot of the bites happen.
• Bait-busting panic mode. Fast upward pops and a quick retrieve make it splash, leap and skitter — pure reaction, for aggressive fish.

Work through all four before deciding the bait isn't producing. Most anglers try one, get nothing, and put it away.

Slow-Sinking Is the Point

A floating bait sits on top and a sinking bait falls away. This one hangs — it descends slowly enough that you can fish the pause as a presentation rather than as dead time.

That's what makes the dog-walk different here: stop the retrieve and the bait doesn't just sit there waiting, it settles and rises. Count the pause out. Two seconds, then four, then six, until something answers.

The Detail Work

Megabass builds this with 3D scales, raised gill rakers, lateral line detail and their signature downward-facing eyes. On a 2.3" bait none of that is decoration — in the clear, pressured water this thing is designed for, a fish gets a long close look before it commits.

The rear treble carries a tinsel teaser, which adds flash and a little undulation at rest. It's part of the bait's action, not a garnish.

Karashi Finesse or Karashi 80?

Megabass's naming doesn't help here — one is a word, the other is a number. This is the smaller of the two.

See the Karashi 80 →

When It Beats a Jerkbait or a Spybait

• High-pressure lakes. Fish that have refused every jerkbait on the water haven't necessarily seen this action.
• Clear water, close inspection. The finish detail earns its money exactly where fish get a long look.
• Cold fronts and lethargic fish — the ultra-slow i-motion retrieve is a genuine dead-stick alternative.
• When you don't know what they want. Four presentations on one cast beats retying four times.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

This is the bait for late summer on a lake that's been hammered all season. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you decide which presentation to lead with.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: BFS or light spinning, light power with a forgiving tip. #10 trebles pull out of fish on stiff blanks — this is not a bait for a heavy rod.
• Line: light braid to a fluorocarbon leader, or straight light fluoro for the sub-surface work.
• For the surface presentations, mono or a braid-to-mono leader floats and helps hold the nose up.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Work the pause. On a slow-sinking bait the pause is the presentation, not the gap between them.
• Wait to feel weight on surface strikes. Setting on the splash pulls a 2.3" bait clean out of a fish's mouth.
• Change the retrieve before you change the lure. Four presentations means most "it isn't working" days are "I only tried one thing" days.
• Check the tinsel treble. It's part of the action. When it's matted or bent, the bait is a different lure.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it on too stiff a rod. The most common reason anglers lose fish on small-treble Japanese baits.
• Treating the pause as dead time. It's slow-sinking for a reason.
• Only using one presentation. You bought four.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Colors are listed in the selector above and change with each production run. Individual colorways sell through quickly — call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

What's Included

One Megabass Karashi Finesse in the color selected, factory rigged with #10 trebles including the tinsel teaser on the rear hook. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is it?
2.3 inches and 3/16 oz.

Does it float or sink?
Slow-sinking. On the pause it settles rather than staying on top, then rises when you start it again.

Karashi Finesse or Karashi 80?
This is the smaller one — for pressured fish, clear water, and BFS or light spinning gear. The 80 is the larger, for a bigger silhouette and longer casts.

What does "Karashi" mean?
Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick.

What rod should I use?
BFS or light spinning with a forgiving tip. #10 trebles tear out of fish on stiff rods.

What's the tinsel on the back hook for?
Flash and a little movement at rest. It's part of the action — when it mats down or the hook bends, the bait behaves differently.

Which presentation should I start with?
Sub-surface twitching. If fish follow without committing, move to the dog-walk and then the panic retrieve.

Can I replace the tinsel treble?
Yes — Megabass makes an OEM tinsel treble specifically for this bait. Call the shop for availability.

Related Gear

• Megabass Karashi 80 — the larger version.
• All Megabass — the full lineup.
• Freshwater Hard Baits — jerkbaits, cranks, and twitch baits.
• Freshwater Lures — soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and more.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. Deciding between the Finesse and the 80, or whether your rod is light enough for either? Call the shop — two minutes, and it stops you buying the wrong size twice.

• DEPTH: 6FT
• TYPE: SUSPENDING
• LENGTH: 4-1/3″
• WEIGHT: 1/2OZ
• HOOKS: #6 KATSUAGE

The Ima Little Stik 135 Topwater bait measures in at 5.5 inches long and weighs 1 oz. Just like its bigger brother, The Big Stik, the Litte Stik is a high-tech lunker-killer that walks, pops, spits and catches just about anything that swims.  It’s rear weighted, making it easier to cast and enabling it to sit in a position that as soon as you start your retrieve, it starts to walk and throw water up to 2 feet in front of the lure. Professional Angler & Guide, Randy Pringle, designed this bait so novice anglers and experts alike can make the bait walk back and forth to resemble an injured or feeding baitfish.

All colors have a feathered treble on the rear and regular treble hooks on the front and middle.  Often times, we will remove the front treble for better action and less chance of the line hooking on it.

5.5in 1oz

The Deps Buzzjet Jr. Wakebait is an incredibly versatile and effective topwater lure that delivers explosive strikes with multiple presentation options. Walk it, rip it, crank it, or wake it—the fish don't care because all they want to do is SMASH IT! The unique lip design enables this compact bait to push copious amounts of water, creating a one-of-a-kind wake that draws bass from long distances.

Perfect for making pinpoint casts to targets or covering water to locate active fish, the Buzzjet Jr. features a noisy, wobbling action that creates a big disturbance on the water with added splashing appeal. The innovative design combines the turning prop action with popper-style disturbance, making it a versatile and deadly topwater option that triggers explosive surface strikes.

The compact 72mm size allows for excellent casting distance and accuracy while remaining easy to work on the surface. Whether you're fishing around cover, working open water, or targeting specific structure, the Buzzjet Jr. delivers the versatility and fish-catching action that makes it stand out from traditional topwater lures.

Key Features:

• Unique Lip Design: Pushes copious amounts of water creating a distinctive wake
• Versatile Presentations: Walk it, rip it, crank it, or wake it for multiple retrieve options
• Turning Prop Action: Creates additional surface disturbance and attraction
• Popper-Style Splashing: Combines prop and popper action in one lure
• Noisy Wobbling Action: Creates big disturbance to draw fish from long distances
• Compact Size: 72mm profile casts well and is easy to work on the surface
• Premium Japanese Construction: Durable build quality for repeated use
• Pinpoint Accuracy: Size and weight allow for precise casts to targets

Specifications:

• Length: 72mm (2.83 inches)
• Weight: 14g (0.49 oz)
• Type: Floating topwater wakebait with prop
• Target Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike

Retrieve Techniques:

• Walk-the-Dog: Side-to-side action across the surface
• Rip Retrieve: Aggressive jerks for reaction strikes
• Crank Retrieve: Steady retrieve creating continuous wake and disturbance
• Wake Retrieve: Slow to moderate speed creating V-wake on surface
• Pop-and-Pause: Popper-style pops followed by pauses

Ideal Applications:

• Early morning and late evening topwater fishing
• Around docks, laydowns, and cover
• Open water flats and points
• Calm to slightly choppy water conditions
• When bass are actively feeding on surface baitfish
• Searching and covering water to locate fish
• Pinpoint casting to specific targets

When you need a versatile topwater lure that can be fished multiple ways and triggers explosive strikes, the Deps Buzzjet Jr. Wakebait delivers the unique wake action and fish-drawing disturbance that serious topwater anglers demand.

The Legendary BBZ-1 in a Compact, Fish-Catching Package

The Spro BBZ-1 Jr. Swimbait is the compact version of one of the most iconic hard swimbaits ever made. Designed by swimbait legend Bill Siemantel, the BBZ-1 Jr. delivers the same natural S-action and lifelike baitfish profile as the full-size BBZ-1 in a 6" package that triggers big strikes from largemouth bass, stripers, and other large predators. This bait has been producing for years and keeps on producing — because the action is simply that good.

Multi-Jointed Action That Swims Like the Real Thing

The BBZ-1 Jr.'s multi-jointed body produces a fluid, natural S-curve swim at any retrieve speed. Whether you're burning it near the surface, slow-rolling it through the water column, or letting a Slow Sink model hover in the strike zone, the bait stays in its lane and looks alive. Paired with lifelike finishes that match real forage species and premium Gamakatsu treble hooks, this is a hard swimbait built to get bit and keep fish pinned.

When Bass Have Seen Every Soft Bait in the Box

Pressured fish get conditioned to soft swimbaits fast. The hard-bodied BBZ-1 Jr. offers a completely different look, sound, and feel — the durable resin body displaces water differently and the jointed action creates subtle vibration that soft baits can't replicate. When the bite dies on soft plastics, tie on a BBZ-1 Jr. and change the game.

Sink Rate Options Let You Fish Any Depth, Any Condition

The BBZ-1 Jr. is available in Floater and Slow Sink models, giving you the flexibility to target fish at different depths and in different conditions. The Floater works the surface and upper water column; the Slow Sink (1 ft per 3 seconds) lets you hover the bait in the strike zone longer for finicky fish. Choose your sink rate based on where the fish are holding.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a proven hard swimbait with decades of big fish history behind it
• You're targeting largemouth bass, stripers, or large predators in fresh or inshore water
• Soft swimbaits have stopped producing and you need to change the presentation
• You want sink rate options to target fish at different depths

Best Fishing Techniques

• Steady slow-roll retrieve through the water column
• Surface or near-surface burn with the Floater model
• Hovering the Slow Sink in the strike zone on a pause-and-go retrieve
• Open water schooling fish situations
• Casting to structure, points, and drop-offs

Best Conditions

• Clear to lightly stained water where the lifelike finish is most visible
• Post-spawn and fall when bass are chasing baitfish
• Pressured fisheries where soft swimbaits have been heavily worked
• Freshwater lakes and reservoirs; inshore striper and calico fishing

Best For

• Species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass, pike, large predatory fish
• Techniques: Hard swimbait fishing, slow-roll, surface presentation, pause-and-go
• Environments: Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, inshore saltwater

Key Features

• 6" multi-jointed hard swimbait — natural S-action at any speed
• Durable resin construction for long-lasting performance
• Lifelike finishes matching real forage species
• Premium Gamakatsu treble hooks for solid hookups
• Available in Floater and Slow Sink models
• Designed by swimbait legend Bill Siemantel

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Match sink rate to fish depth. If fish are holding near the surface or in shallow cover, go Floater. If they're suspended mid-column or holding deeper, the Slow Sink lets you hover the bait right in the zone on a pause.
• Slow down more than you think. The BBZ-1 Jr.'s action is most effective at a slow, deliberate retrieve. Most anglers fish it too fast — let the jointed body do the work and give fish time to commit.
• Check your hooks regularly. The Gamakatsu trebles are sharp out of the box, but big fish and structure can dull them. Touch up with a hook file or swap trebles after heavy use to keep your hookup rate high.

FAQ

What's the difference between the Floater and Slow Sink models?
The Floater (2 oz) stays at or near the surface and is ideal for shallow presentations and surface-feeding fish. The Slow Sink (2.25 oz) descends at approximately 1 foot per 3 seconds, allowing you to work the bait through the water column and pause it in the strike zone for suspended or deeper fish.

What gear should I use with the BBZ-1 Jr.?
A medium-heavy to heavy swimbait rod in the 7'–7'6" range pairs well with the BBZ-1 Jr. Use 15–20lb fluorocarbon or monofilament for most presentations. Fluoro works well in clear water; mono gives the Floater a slightly more buoyant action.

Is this bait good for striped bass?
Yes — the BBZ-1 Jr. is an excellent striper bait, particularly in inshore and freshwater striper fisheries. The 6" profile and lifelike finish match common striper forage, and the multi-jointed action triggers reaction strikes from fish of all sizes.

Lucky Craft Sammy Topwater Lure

There's nothing quite like the moment a bass explodes on a topwater bait — and the Lucky Craft Sammy was built to make that happen again and again. A legendary surface lure trusted by tournament anglers worldwide, the Sammy combines the seductive walk-the-dog action of a walking bait with the spitting, splashing commotion of a popper, creating a one-two punch that triggers strikes when nothing else will.

Cast it out, twitch your rod tip, and watch the Sammy dance across the surface in a tight, rhythmic side-to-side glide. The bass-calling glass rattles add an audible dimension that draws fish from a distance, while the realistic color patterns seal the deal up close. And thanks to its aerodynamic design, the Sammy launches effortlessly for extended casting distances — covering more water, finding more fish.

Features

• Walk-the-dog action combined with popper-style spitting for dual surface appeal
• Bass-calling glass rattles for added sound attraction
• Realistic, lifelike color patterns to trigger strikes
• Aerodynamic body design for extended casting distances
• Proven tournament performer with multiple competition victories

Perfect For

Whether you're working calm morning coves, open flats, or tournament waters, the Lucky Craft Sammy is the topwater lure that delivers when the pressure is on. A must-have for any serious bass angler's tackle box.

Tournament-Proven Jerkbait for Aggressive Predators

The Shimano World Minnow 115 Jerkbait delivers the perfect combination of erratic action, precise balance, and tournament-proven performance that triggers explosive strikes from bass, pike, walleye, and other aggressive predators. Engineered with Shimano's advanced Flash Boost and Jet Boost technologies, this premium suspending jerkbait provides the realistic flash, long-distance casting, and deadly darting action that serious anglers demand when working structure and targeting trophy fish.

Flash Boost Technology

• Continuous Flash: Patented reflective foil system suspended on micro springs creates constant light reflection even on the pause, triggering strikes from following fish
• Realistic Baitfish Shimmer: Natural flashing action mimics the erratic movements of injured or fleeing baitfish
• Pause Power: Unlike traditional lures, Flash Boost continues working during critical pauses when fish often commit

Jet Boost Casting System

• Long-Distance Accuracy: Internal weight transfer system uses a steel ball and spring-loaded mechanism to maximize casting distance and accuracy
• Instant Action Recovery: Weight returns to optimal position immediately upon water entry for instant swimming action
• Perfect Balance: Precisely tuned weight placement creates ideal suspending action and erratic darting response

Premium Construction and Design

• 115mm Profile: Ideal size for targeting trophy bass, pike, walleye, and other predators in a wide range of conditions
• Suspending Action: Perfectly balanced to hang in the strike zone during pauses, triggering reaction strikes from neutral fish
• Erratic Darting Response: Precisely tuned body shape and weight distribution create aggressive side-to-side action on sharp jerks
• Premium Treble Hooks: Sharp, strong hooks ensure solid hooksets and secure connections during the fight
• Durable Finish: High-quality paint and clear coat withstand repeated strikes and contact with structure
• Realistic 3D Eyes: Lifelike detail triggers predatory instincts and adds realism

Versatile Fishing Applications

Whether you're working rocky points for pre-spawn bass, ripping through weed edges for aggressive pike, twitching over deep structure for suspended walleye, or targeting stripers and snook in coastal waters, the World Minnow 115 delivers deadly effectiveness. The suspending action lets you pause the bait in the strike zone, while the erratic darting motion triggers reaction strikes from aggressive predators. Flash Boost technology keeps the lure working even during critical pauses when fish are following and deciding to strike.

Why Tournament Anglers Choose World Minnow

Professional anglers and serious enthusiasts trust the World Minnow 115 because it consistently produces when conditions demand a jerkbait presentation. The combination of Flash Boost and Jet Boost technologies gives you a distinct advantage over traditional jerkbaits, while the premium construction ensures reliable performance cast after cast. The perfectly tuned suspending action and erratic darting response trigger strikes from both aggressive and neutral fish, making this lure effective across a wide range of conditions and seasons.

Experience the difference that advanced technology makes in your jerkbait fishing. The Shimano World Minnow 115 isn't just another jerkbait—it's a precision-engineered fish-catching tool designed to help you land more and bigger fish.

Trigger explosive strikes with the Shimano World Minnow 115 Jerkbait—where innovation meets proven performance.

Kevin VanDam built his career on shallow water power fishing, and the Strike King KVD 2.5 Squarebill is the crankbait he designed to do it. The square bill deflects off wood, rock, and cover instead of hanging up — triggering reaction strikes from bass that are sitting tight to structure. A unique wandering action keeps the bait moving erratically even on a steady retrieve, and the silent, rattle-free design gives you a stealthy edge in pressured or clear water. At 2.75 inches and 5/8 oz, it's built to cover the 3–6 foot zone faster and more effectively than anything else in the box.

Key Features

• Square bill design — deflects off cover to trigger reaction strikes
• Erratic wandering action — unpredictable movement that bass can't track
• Silent (no internal rattles) — stealthy approach for pressured or clear water
• Designed by Kevin VanDam — BassMaster Classic Champion
• Dives 3–6 feet — ideal for shallow flats, laydowns, docks, and riprap
• Available in 18 proven color patterns

Specifications

Features:

• The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 60 is a new, even smaller version of Larry Dahlberg's classic topwater lure.
• Measures just 2 3/8 inches, weighs 1/4 ounce.
• Propeller-like tail rotates and creates tons of surface commotion at a variety of retrieve speeds.
• Pre-rigged with size 8 black nickel trebles.
• Available in 8 essential topwater colors.

The Whopper Plopper 60 by River2Sea is a scaled-down version of Larry Dahlberg's beloved topwater lure series. At a mere 2 3/8 inches and 1/4 ounce, the Whopper Plopper 60 packs all the same enticing surface action as its larger counterparts in a compact and adorable form.

Not your average topwater lure, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper 60 features a propeller-like tail that adds an extra element of fun with its rotating motion and unique "plopping" splashing sounds. This tail is no joke either, built to withstand the rough conditions of rocks, wood, and big freshwater fish.

While the Whopper Plopper 60 is the smallest Whopper Plopper in terms of length, it has a deeper, wider belly that creates more of a bluegill profile like the Whopper Plopper 75. All in all, the Whopper Plopper 60 is a great choice for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass when the topwater bite is strong, but fish are pressured and used to a smaller forage base.