Yellowtail Lures

The Lead Masters Cedar Plug Size 6 is a 6" offshore trolling plug built with a cedar wood body and integrated lead head — the same construction that has made cedar plugs one of the most proven offshore trolling lures for over a century. The cedar wood body provides natural buoyancy and a unique swimming action that plastic lures cannot replicate; the wood grain and density of cedar produce a subtle, erratic wobble on the troll that triggers strikes from Tuna, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mahi-Mahi. The integrated lead head provides the weight for the nose-down trolling angle and the action that makes cedar plugs effective at trolling speeds. Pre-rigged and ready to fish. 3 oz. 1 per pack. Available in 5 colors.

Key Features

• Cedar Wood Body — Proven Trolling Action — Cedar has been the material of choice for offshore trolling plugs for over 100 years; the natural density and grain structure of cedar wood produces a subtle, erratic wobble on the troll that is difficult to replicate with plastic or resin lure bodies; the cedar body absorbs water over time and develops a patina that many anglers believe enhances the lure’s action and scent profile; cedar plugs are most effective when trolled at 5–8 knots where the lead head and cedar body work together to produce the characteristic nose-down, tail-up swimming action.
• Integrated Lead Head — Nose-Down Trolling Angle — The lead head at the nose of the plug provides the weight needed for the correct nose-down trolling angle; the nose-down angle is critical for the cedar plug’s action — it causes the lure to dive and dart erratically on the troll, mimicking a fleeing baitfish; the lead head also provides the casting weight needed when the plug is used for casting to breaking fish.
• Pre-Rigged & Ready to Fish — The cedar plug comes pre-rigged with hook and hardware; no additional rigging required; simply attach to the leader and deploy; the pre-rigged configuration is set up for standard offshore trolling applications.
• 6" Body — Size 6 Profile — The 6" body length is the Size 6 profile, a versatile mid-size cedar plug that matches the profile of mackerel, flying fish, and other common offshore baitfish; effective for a wide range of offshore species from Yellowtail and Bonito to Bluefin Tuna and Wahoo.
• 5 Color Options — Natural Cedar (unfinished cedar wood), Blue White (blue back/white belly baitfish imitation), Dorado (Mahi-Mahi color pattern), Purple Black (dark attractor color for low-light and deep water), and Zucchini (green/yellow baitfish pattern); color selection depends on target species, water clarity, and light conditions.

Color Selection Guide

Best For

• Bluefin & Yellowfin Tuna — Offshore Trolling — The cedar plug is one of the most proven tuna trolling lures; troll at 5–8 knots in a standard spread with the cedar plug on the short corner or long corner position; Blue White and Natural Cedar are the most effective colors for Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna in blue water conditions.
• Yellowtail — Effective for Yellowtail on the troll and when casting to breaking fish; the cedar plug’s erratic action triggers reaction strikes from Yellowtail that are actively feeding on baitfish; Zucchini and Blue White are effective Yellowtail colors.
• Wahoo — Wahoo are aggressive strike-and-cut predators that respond well to the cedar plug’s erratic trolling action at higher speeds (7–9 knots); Blue White and Purple Black are effective Wahoo colors in blue water.
• Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) — The Dorado color pattern is specifically designed for Mahi-Mahi presentations around weed lines, floating debris, and offshore structure; troll the Dorado cedar plug along weed lines at 6–8 knots for Mahi-Mahi.

The Shimano Ledge Runner 200S is the larger, sinking powerhouse in Shimano's revolutionary offshore trolling lineup, engineered to cover deeper zones and handle aggressive high-speed presentations while maintaining one-lure versatility. Measuring 7.9 inches (200mm) and weighing 6 oz (170g), this sinking diving plug targets big pelagics like tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, billfish, and other hard-fighting species in bluewater or canyon environments.

The core innovation is Shimano's patented Adjustable Depth Range (ADR) technology — a quick, reliable bill adjustment that lets you seamlessly switch between shallow, medium, and deep settings on the fly. This allows one lure to function as three in your spread, staggering depths to target fish at varying levels without re-rigging or swapping plugs.

Key Features

• Flash Boost Technology – Reflective mirror suspended by micro springs maintains flash during pauses and trolling
• Scale Boost Hologram – Composite-pitch holograms mimic realistic baitfish scales
• Jet Boost System – Tungsten weight transfer for maximum casting distance and swimming stability
• Adjustable Depth Range (ADR) – Three depth settings in one lure for ultimate versatility
• Sinking Design – Reaches deeper strike zones for subsurface feeding pelagics

Specifications

Whether you're running a spread in the canyons, targeting wahoo on the troll, or chasing yellowfin over structure, the Ledge Runner 200S delivers the adjustable depth control, realistic flash, and proven action that offshore anglers demand. One lure, three depths, endless possibilities.

Custom-Crafted Performance for West Coast Pelagics

The JRI Custom Lures JRI-35 Surface Iron Jigs deliver hand-crafted quality and proven fish-catching performance for serious West Coast anglers. Built with meticulous attention to detail and premium components, these custom surface irons provide the perfect combination of weight, action, and durability for targeting tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and other aggressive pelagics. The JRI-35 represents the dedication to quality and performance that defines JRI Custom Lures.

Premium Design and Construction

• Hand-Crafted Quality: Each jig is individually made with attention to detail that ensures consistent performance
• JRI-35 Profile: Proven shape and size for versatile pelagic fishing applications
• Premium Components: Quality hooks and hardware built to handle hard-fighting gamefish
• Durable Finish: High-quality plating provides maximum flash and withstands saltwater punishment
• Optimized Weight: Balanced for excellent casting distance and ideal surface swimming action
• Custom Quality: Built to the exacting standards that serious anglers demand

Classic Surface Iron Technique

The JRI-35 excels with the time-tested surface iron retrieve that West Coast anglers have relied on for generations. Cast the iron to feeding fish or working birds, let it sink briefly, then retrieve with a rhythmic rod-pumping action that creates an erratic swimming motion. The proven profile and balanced weight create the darting, flashing action that triggers explosive strikes from tuna, yellowtail, dorado, and other aggressive pelagics feeding near the surface.

Built for West Coast Pelagics

Whether you're targeting yellowfin and skipjack tuna on offshore banks, working kelp beds for yellowtail, casting to dorado around kelp paddies and floating debris, pursuing bonito and barracuda in feeding frenzies, or searching for any West Coast pelagic species, the JRI-35 delivers consistent results. The versatile size and proven action make it an excellent choice for a wide range of pelagic fishing situations from Southern California to Baja.

JRI Custom Lures Quality

JRI Custom Lures has built a reputation for hand-crafted quality and fish-catching performance among serious West Coast anglers. The JRI-35 continues this tradition, combining proven design with meticulous craftsmanship that produces results on the water. From party boats to private vessels, JRI Custom Lures are trusted by anglers who demand quality and performance from their tackle.

Experience the custom-crafted quality that serious anglers trust. The JRI Custom Lures JRI-35 Surface Iron isn't just another jig—it's a hand-crafted tool built to help you catch more fish.

Catch more pelagics with JRI-35 Surface Iron—where custom quality meets proven performance.

JRI Custom Lures DW-3 Surface Iron Jig

When the bait is busting on the surface and the yellows are going wide open, you need a surface iron that can keep up. The JRI Custom Lures DW-3 is a hand-crafted surface iron jig built for serious saltwater anglers targeting yellowtail, tuna, bonito, and barracuda. Cast it long, work it fast, and hold on.

Key Features

• Proven surface iron profile — ideal for long-range and local saltwater fishing
• Exceptional casting distance thanks to its aerodynamic, slim-profile design
• Available in 11 hand-painted colors including baitfish patterns (Sardine, Mackerel, Anchovy) and attractor colors (Dorado, Scrambled Egg, Mint/White/Gold)
• Durable finish built to withstand repeated strikes and saltwater exposure
• Lightweight at just 5 oz — easy to work all day without fatigue

Target Species

Yellowtail · Bluefin Tuna · Yellowfin Tuna · Bonito · Barracuda · Calico Bass

Specifications

The Shimano Ledge Runner 160F is the revolutionary offshore trolling lure that redefines versatility, allowing one plug to function as three different depth presentations without swapping lures—perfect for staggering your spread and staying in the strike zone during high-speed trolling runs. Measuring 6.3 inches (160mm) and weighing 3 oz (85g), this floating diving plug is engineered for targeting a wide range of pelagic species like tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, billfish, and yellowtail in open-water or canyon scenarios.

At the heart of its performance is Shimano's patented Adjustable Depth Range (ADR) technology — a simple, reliable system that lets you quickly shift between shallow, medium, and deep settings on the fly. This unmatched depth control keeps your lure running precisely where the fish are holding, whether you're pulling below prop wash, dialing in mid-column, or running higher in the spread.

Key Features

• Flash Boost Technology – Reflective mirror suspended by micro springs maintains flash during pauses and trolling
• Scale Boost Hologram – Composite-pitch holograms mimic realistic baitfish scales
• Jet Boost System – Tungsten weight transfer for maximum casting distance and swimming stability
• Adjustable Depth Range (ADR) – Three depth settings in one lure for ultimate versatility
• Premium Treble Hooks – Sharp, durable hooks for solid hooksets on powerful pelagics
• Floating Diving Action – Runs true at high speeds, surfaces when stopped

Specifications

Whether you're running a spread in the canyons, targeting wahoo on the troll, or chasing yellowfin over structure, the Ledge Runner 160F delivers the adjustable depth control, realistic flash, and proven action that offshore anglers demand. One lure, three depths, endless possibilities.

The Lead Masters Swimbait Head in Yellow is the high-visibility version of the Lead Masters Swimbait Head, featuring a yellow powder coat finish that provides maximum visibility in stained water, turbid conditions, and low-light environments where natural or white head colors lose effectiveness. The yellow head is a proven attractor color for Yellowtail, Calico Bass, and surf species that key on high-contrast, high-visibility presentations. Features Mustad hooks and a durable powder coat finish. Hook size scales with weight across 8 sizes from 1/4 oz to 3 oz. 2 per pack.

Key Features

• Yellow Powder Coat — High-Visibility Attractor Color — Yellow is the highest-visibility color in the swimbait head lineup; the yellow head is most effective in stained and turbid water where natural or white head colors lose visibility, in low-light conditions where a bright head color provides a visible target, and as an attractor color that triggers reaction strikes from Yellowtail, Calico Bass, and other species that key on high-contrast presentations; yellow is also effective in clear water as an attractor color when fish are not responding to natural presentations.
• Mustad Hooks — Trusted Hook Quality — Mustad is one of the most recognized and trusted hook manufacturers in fishing; Mustad hooks provide consistent point sharpness, hook gap geometry, and wire strength for reliable hooksets on swimbait presentations across freshwater and saltwater species.
• Hook Size Matched to Weight — Hook size scales with jig weight across the full range: 2/0 for the 1/4–3/8 oz, 3/0 for the 1/2 oz, 4/0 for the 3/4–1 oz, and 6/0 for the 1.5–3 oz; matching hook size to swimbait size ensures the hook point exits at the correct position in the bait for a reliable hookset.
• Wide Weight Range — 1/4 oz to 3 oz — Eight weight options from 1/4 oz to 3 oz cover a wide range of depth, current, and swimbait size requirements; lighter weights (1/4–3/8 oz) for shallow water and finesse presentations, mid weights (1/2–3/4 oz) for versatile inshore applications, and heavier weights (1–3 oz) for deeper water, stronger current, and larger swimbaits.
• 2 Per Pack — Two jig heads per pack across all sizes.

Size Selection Guide

Best For

• Stained & Turbid Water — The primary advantage of the yellow head; yellow remains highly visible in off-color water where natural and white head colors lose effectiveness; the high-contrast yellow head provides a visible target for fish in stained water conditions where reduced light penetration limits the effectiveness of natural color presentations.
• Yellowtail — Yellow is a proven Yellowtail trigger color; the yellow head paired with a matching or contrasting swimbait trailer is effective for Yellowtail on jig presentations; use heavier weights (1–3 oz) for getting the bait down to depth where Yellowtail are holding.
• Calico Bass — Attractor Presentations — Yellow is an effective attractor color for Calico Bass around kelp and structure, particularly in low-light conditions and stained water; the high-visibility yellow head triggers reaction strikes from Calico Bass that are not responding to natural color presentations.
• Surf Fishing — Heavier weights (1–3 oz) for surf fishing with large paddle tail swimbaits; the yellow head is highly visible in the turbid, aerated water of the surf zone where natural colors are less effective; effective for Barred Surfperch, Corbina, and other surf species that key on high-visibility presentations.
• Low-Light & Dawn/Dusk — The yellow head provides a high-visibility profile during dawn and dusk when light levels are low and fish are actively feeding; effective as a transition color between the glow head (night) and natural/white head (full daylight) presentations.

Rapala X-Rap Magnum 10 — Cover Water, Trigger Strikes

When you need to cover ground and find fish fast, the Rapala X-Rap Magnum 10 (XRMAG-10) is the lure for the job. This compact saltwater trolling lure dives to 10 feet while maintaining a tight, lifelike swimming action at speeds up to 10 knots. Its smaller profile makes it irresistible to a wide range of species — bonito, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and more. Tie one on and hang on.

Key Features

• 10-foot dive depth — perfect for shallow trolling and covering water efficiently
• Tank tested & swim-true certified — every lure approved by Rapala staff before it ships
• 4X strong VMC hooks — matched hardware eliminates weak points; don't swap them out
• Trolling speed range: up to 10 knots (optimal: 7–8 knots)
• Weight: ¾ oz
• Available in 9 proven saltwater color patterns

Pro Tips

The XRMAG-10's compact size pairs best with 40–50 lb line — lighter line lets the lure swim and track better, maximizing its action and reach. Trolling at 7–8 knots is the sweet spot. If hooks dull, sharpen them; if replacement is necessary, use VMC hooks matched to the original spec.

Specifications

The Lead Masters Chain Reaction Daisy Chain is a daisy chain style offshore trolling lure designed by Captain Mark Wisch. The daisy chain configuration strings multiple lures in series to create the visual illusion of a school of baitfish swimming together — one of the most effective triggers for large pelagic species like Tuna, Yellowtail, Wahoo, and Mahi-Mahi that are conditioned to attack concentrated schools of bait rather than individual prey. When a large predator sees the Chain Reaction moving through the water, it sees a school of bait in flight and responds with an aggressive, committed strike. Available in 5 colors for different water conditions and target species.

Key Features

• Daisy Chain Configuration — Bait School Illusion — The daisy chain strings multiple lures in series on a single leader, creating the visual profile of a school of baitfish moving together through the water; large pelagic predators — Tuna, Wahoo, Yellowtail, and Mahi-Mahi — are conditioned to attack concentrated bait schools because the school represents a high-calorie feeding opportunity; the daisy chain triggers the same aggressive, committed strike response that a real bait school would; the Chain Reaction is most effective when trolled at 5–8 knots where the lures swim and flutter in a realistic bait school pattern.
• Designed by Captain Mark Wisch — The Chain Reaction was designed by Captain Mark Wisch, an experienced offshore captain whose design reflects real-world offshore trolling experience; the lure configuration, color options, and action are the result of on-the-water development targeting the pelagic species that respond to daisy chain presentations.
• 5 Color Options — Matched to Water & Light Conditions — Purple Black for low-light, overcast, and squid-imitation presentations; Yellow Blue for blue water offshore and mackerel/flying fish imitation; Yellow Orange for high-visibility attractor presentations in choppy or stained water; Blue Silver for blue water baitfish imitation in clear conditions; Green Black for green water and mackerel imitation in mixed water conditions.
• Offshore Trolling Application — Deploy the Chain Reaction in a standard offshore trolling spread at 5–8 knots; most effective when positioned in the prop wash or on the short rigger where the lures are visible to fish tracking the boat’s wake; the daisy chain can also be used as a teaser without a hook to raise fish to the surface before switching to a rigged bait or single lure.

Color Selection Guide

Best For

• Bluefin & Yellowfin Tuna — Daisy chains are one of the most proven tuna trolling presentations; the bait school illusion triggers aggressive strikes from Tuna that are conditioned to attack concentrated bait schools; Blue Silver and Yellow Blue are the most effective colors for Tuna in blue water; troll at 5–8 knots in a standard spread with the Chain Reaction on the short corner or in the prop wash.
• Yellowtail — Effective for Yellowtail on the troll when fish are actively feeding on baitfish schools; the daisy chain’s bait school illusion is particularly effective when Yellowtail are keying on mackerel and sardine schools; Green Black and Yellow Blue are effective Yellowtail colors.
• Wahoo — Wahoo are aggressive predators that respond to the daisy chain’s bait school presentation at higher trolling speeds; Yellow Blue and Purple Black are effective Wahoo colors in blue water.
• Mahi-Mahi — Effective for Mahi-Mahi around weed lines, floating debris, and offshore structure where Mahi congregate to ambush baitfish; Yellow Orange and Green Black are effective Mahi-Mahi colors; troll the Chain Reaction along weed lines at 6–8 knots.

An umbrella rig works because it looks like a school of bait instead of a single lure — five profiles moving together, and a fish that ignores one swimbait will run down a group of them.

Short version: this is the rig itself — painted nose head, stamped Kicker blades, five heavy-gauge arms, and a quick clip on the end of each one. Jig heads and swimbaits are sold separately. You supply five of each.

What You're Buying

The PK-Rig is the frame that carries the school. A painted baitfish head leads the rig, a ball bearing swivel at the nose cuts line twist on the retrieve, a cluster of stamped Kicker willow blades on the shaft adds flash, and every arm ends in a quick clip.

The clips are the reason the rig lasts. On most A-rigs, changing baits means re-threading or re-tying an arm, and every time you work the wire you shorten the rig's life. With clips, you set the arms once at the start of the season and leave them alone. Calicos today on 5" baits, spotties tomorrow on 3" — clip off, clip on, arms untouched.

The rig ships with the arms collapsed flat. That's normal and it isn't damage. Bending the arms to shape is the first step of setup, not a repair.

Setting It Up Before the First Cast

• Bend each arm so it exits the head straight, then flares outward from about an inch past the head. An arm that leaves the head and immediately bends down is a stress point, and stress points are where wire fails.
• Go wider than looks right — close to 90 degrees off the head at full spread. The arms flex inward once five weighted baits are hanging on them, so a conservative bend collapses in the water.
• Work the arms out in stages, check the spread from the front, and only then commit to the final bend.
• Weight it like a keel — your two heaviest jig heads on the bottom two arms, lighter heads on the top three. Even weight across all five gives the rig nothing holding its orientation, so it rolls, spins, and twists your line.

Key Features

• Stamped Kicker willow blades — flash and vibration built into the rig itself.
• Painted baitfish nose head — leading profile finished to match the rig color.
• Quick clip on every arm — swap all five baits without touching the wire.
• Ball bearing nose swivel — reduces line twist on the retrieve.
• Five heavy-gauge arms — hold a bend under five weighted baits.
• Two colors — EnlightenMint (light blue/silver) and I'm Saury (white/blue/teal).

Best Species and Conditions

Calico bass, spotted bay bass, striped bass, and yellowtail. Fished to boiler rocks and structure at Catalina and the outer islands, over schooling bait in open water, and inside harbors and bays with a downsized profile.

Head Weight and Bait Size by Situation

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Bend it wider than feels right. Every rig that comes back to the counter spinning was bent too conservatively.
• Use swing heads, not fixed jig heads. A swinging hook lets each bait move independently of its weight, which is what keeps five baits moving at the same speed from looking like they're being towed.
• Strap the baits before the boat runs. Gather all five baits at the bottom of the rig and bungee them together before it goes in the rod holder. Five arms of hooks will find every other rod in the rack.
• Check a rig that's been in storage. Confirm the arms still exit the head straight and your heaviest heads are still on the bottom pair before you cast.

Common Mistakes

• Even head weight across all five arms. The number one cause of a rig that helicopters and corkscrews your line.
• Bending the arm right where it exits the head. Creates a stress point that fails after a season of fish.
• Fishing it on a rod that can't load it. Five weighted baits is a heavy package — match the rod to the total weight, not to one swimbait.
• Mismatching bait size to the bait in the water. Five of the wrong-size profile is still the wrong profile.

Specifications

Kicker does not publish arm length, spread width, wire gauge, rig weight, or clip test rating for the PK-Rig. Call the shop and we'll measure the one on the rack for you.

What's Included

One Kicker PK-Rig umbrella rig in the color selected, with the painted nose head, blade cluster, five arms, and five quick clips attached. Jig heads and swimbaits are not included. A complete setup takes five jig heads and five swimbaits in addition to this rig.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PK-Rig come with swimbaits or jig heads?
No. The rig includes the head, blades, arms, and quick clips. You supply five jig heads and five swimbaits.

Why did my rig arrive with the arms folded flat?
That's how it ships. The arms are meant to be bent to shape by the angler — each one straight out of the head, then flaring outward, close to 90 degrees at full spread. Our step-by-step umbrella rig setup guide shows the bend with photos.

How far should I bend the arms?
Close to 90 degrees off the head. It looks like too much on the bench, but the arms flex inward once five weighted baits are loaded, so a conservative bend collapses in the water.

What jig head weights should I use?
Heavier on the bottom two arms, lighter on the top three. With 5" baits, 1/2 oz on the bottom pair and 1/4 oz on the other three is a solid starting point. Scale up for depth or current but keep the ratio.

Why does an umbrella rig spin on the retrieve?
Almost always even weight across all five arms. The rig has no bottom, so nothing holds its orientation. Move your heaviest heads to the bottom two arms.

Why use a swing head instead of a fixed jig head?
A swing head lets the bait pivot independently of the weight. When five baits are moving at the same speed, that independent motion is what keeps each one looking like it's swimming rather than being towed.

Can I use 3-inch swimbaits on it?
Yes. Inside harbors and bays it's often the better choice — a smaller profile matches the bait and lightens the whole rig.

How do I keep it from tangling my other rods?
Gather all five baits at the bottom of the rig and strap them together with a rod strap or bungee before it goes in the holder. The arms are set and won't move.

Are umbrella rigs legal where I fish?
Hook and lure restrictions vary by state and by individual water body, and multi-hook rigs are specifically regulated in a number of places. Check current regulations for the water you're fishing before you throw one.

Gear That Goes With It

• Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head — 1/4 oz for the top three arms, 1/2 oz for the bottom pair.
• Kicker Pickle Kick PK-5 — the standard calico and open-water profile.
• Kicker Pickle Kick PK-3 — harbor, bay, and small-bait situations.
• Kicker Pickle Kick PK-7 — larger profile for a bigger school.
• Kicker Booty Spin — blade-tail version of the same body, for vibration at the bait.
• Kicker Quick Clips 12pk — replacements in 25, 50, 75, and 125 lb black steel.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We sell Southern California saltwater tackle from our shop on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, and we fish these rigs on the same water you do. If you're setting one up for the first time and want a second set of eyes on the arm bend or the head weights, bring it in — we'd rather spend ten minutes with you at the counter than have you find out on the water. Ordering online? Call us and we'll talk through the whole setup before you buy.

The Rapala X-Rap Slashbait is killer in Spring and Fall but works year round when fish are chasing bait fish.  Suspending X-Rap® Saltwater lures are designed to be cast or trolled and display the X-Rap Attitude these baits are known for.

Built to withstand saltwater fisheries with Perma Steel 3X hooks, these baits can be cast or trolled. Rip 'em for xtreme, erratic Slashbait® action or troll for classic Rapala ® "wounded-minnow" action. Prominent scales and lateral line, internal holographic foil for optimum flash combine with internal long-cast system and 3D holographic eyes to create the ultimate fishing lure.

The Daiwa Ko Zakana SLJ Jig is a compact slow-pitch jig engineered for the finesse end of light tackle fishing. Ko Zakana — Japanese for "small fish" — captures exactly what this jig imitates: a wounded baitfish struggling in the water column, triggering reaction strikes from fish that ignore larger presentations. At 10g and 15g, it is purpose-built for Super Light Jigging (SLJ) applications where a slow, fluttering fall and subtle side-to-side action do the work. Five carefully chosen color patterns cover clear water, stained water, and low-light conditions.

Key Features

• Compact SLJ Profile — Small baitfish silhouette triggers strikes from finicky fish and matches the hatch in areas with heavy bait pressure; effective when larger jigs get ignored.
• Slow-Pitch Action — Designed to flutter and roll on the fall, generating a wounded-baitfish action that draws strikes on the drop as well as the lift; works on a slow, rhythmic pitch-and-fall cadence.
• 10g and 15g Weights — Light enough for shallow inshore structure and finesse presentations, yet heavy enough to reach depth in moderate current; 15g gives a faster sink rate and better control in wind or drift.
• Five Color Patterns — Maiwashi (sardine), Blue Pink, Zebra Glow Green Gold, Pink Zebra UV, and Cotton Candy cover natural baitfish imitations, high-visibility options, and UV-reactive patterns for low-light or deep water.
• Daiwa Build Quality — Consistent finish, sharp out-of-the-box hooks, and reliable split rings built to Daiwa's production standards.

Product Specifications

This video highlights slow pitch jigging with Daiwa Harrier Rods and the Daiwa KO Zakana SLJ Jig.

Weight Selection Guide

• 10g — Best for shallow inshore structure, light current, and finesse presentations on spinning gear in the 10-20 lb braid range. Slower sink rate maximizes flutter time in the water column. Ideal when fish are suspended or feeding high.
• 15g — Better choice in moderate current, deeper water, or when you need to stay in the strike zone longer on a drift. Slightly faster sink rate with the same slow-pitch action. The go-to when wind or current makes the 10g hard to control.

Color Selection Guide

• Maiwashi — Natural sardine pattern. The default choice in clear water when fish are keyed on baitfish. Matches the most common forage on the West Coast.
• Blue Pink — High-contrast attractor pattern. Effective in stained water or when fish need a little extra visual trigger to commit.
• Zebra Glow Green Gold — Glow finish with green and gold accents. Built for low-light conditions, early morning, late evening, or deeper water where natural light fades.
• Pink Zebra UV — UV-reactive pattern that fluoresces under blue light and in deep water. A strong option when fish are deep or the bite is tough.
• Cotton Candy — Soft pink and silver with multicolor accents. A proven finesse color for calico bass, rockfish, and trout in clear water.

Best For

• Inshore Saltwater SLJ — Calico bass, sand bass, halibut, and rockfish over structure on light spinning gear; the compact profile and slow fall get bites when larger jigs are ignored.
• Light Tackle Yellowtail — When school-size yellowtail are keyed on small bait, the Ko Zakana's baitfish profile and erratic flutter trigger reaction strikes that conventional jigs miss.
• Rockfish and Lingcod — The slow-pitch action and glow/UV color options make this effective for bottom-oriented species in deeper water; work it off the bottom with a slow lift-and-fall cadence.
• Freshwater Bass and Trout — The 10g is well-suited for finesse bass fishing and larger trout in lakes and reservoirs; the compact profile and natural colors work in clear, pressured water.
• Anglers New to SLJ — The Ko Zakana's forgiving slow-pitch action is easy to work correctly; a slow, rhythmic lift-and-drop is all it takes to generate the flutter that triggers strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rod and reel setup works best with the Ko Zakana SLJ Jig?
A light spinning rod rated for 10-30g lures paired with a 2500-4000 size spinning reel and 10-20 lb braid is the standard SLJ setup. A light, fast-tip rod transmits the slow-pitch action most effectively and gives the best feel for strikes on the fall.

How do I work a slow-pitch jig?
Let the jig sink to the target depth, then use a slow, rhythmic lift of the rod tip followed by a controlled drop back to slack. The jig flutters and rolls on the fall — most strikes happen on the drop. Vary the cadence until you find what the fish want that day.

Which color should I start with?
Maiwashi is the safest starting point in clear water during daylight. Switch to Zebra Glow Green Gold or Pink Zebra UV in low-light conditions or deeper water. Blue Pink and Cotton Candy are strong attractor options when fish are present but not committing to natural patterns.

Can I use the Ko Zakana in freshwater?
Yes. The 10g and 15g are well-suited for finesse bass fishing and larger trout in lakes and reservoirs. The compact profile and natural color options work well in clear, pressured freshwater.

Do I need to add a hook or is it ready to fish?
The Ko Zakana comes rigged and ready to fish out of the package with hooks and split rings already attached.