Ima

The Only Topwater Hardbait That Looks Like a Soft Stick

The Ima Skimmer 110 is unlike any other hard plastic topwater stickbait on the market. While every other walking hardbait has a fat, rounded body, the Skimmer is built with the slender, pencil-thin profile of a 5" soft plastic stickbait — the most proven bass-catching shape in freshwater fishing. That slim silhouette is something bass have been conditioned to eat for decades, and the Skimmer is the only topwater hardbait that delivers it.

The Boil That Seals the Deal

The Skimmer's tail-weighted design creates a one-of-a-kind surface action. On every zig and zag, the weighted tail end stirs the water into a large, violent boil — and then the Skimmer slips out just ahead of it, like a desperate baitfish narrowly escaping a bass's lunge. That boil-and-escape sequence is irresistible. It triggers the predatory instinct in bass that have seen every other topwater presentation and shut down.

Why Fat-Bodied Walking Baits Miss the Mark

Traditional walking baits like the Zara Spook have a wide, rounded body that produces a smooth glide. The Skimmer's slender profile creates a completely different visual trigger — one that more closely mimics the slim, darting profile of a shad, herring, or alewife. On pressured fisheries where bass have seen every fat-bodied walking bait in the box, the Skimmer's unique silhouette and boil action stands out.

Slim Profile, Maximum Action

At 4.25 in (110mm) and 7/16 oz, the Skimmer is perfectly sized for medium-action spinning or baitcasting gear. It walks easily with minimal rod work, casts exceptionally well for its size, and the tail-weighted balance keeps it riding low in the water — maximizing contact with the surface and amplifying that signature boil on every direction change.

The Right Pick If...

• Fat-bodied walking baits are getting ignored on pressured water
• You want a topwater with a slim, soft-plastic-style profile
• You're targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass feeding on shad, herring, or alewives
• You want a walking bait that creates a dramatic surface boil on every twitch
• You fish clear water where a natural, slender profile makes a difference

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches with a steady retrieve — the Skimmer walks easily and the tail boils on every direction change
• Pause and Walk: Walk 3–5 times, pause, then walk again — the pause lets the boil settle and often triggers strikes from following fish
• Slow Walk: Slower cadence for finicky fish or post-front conditions — the slim profile stays in the strike zone longer
• Twitch and Pause: Single twitches with long pauses — deadly when bass are lethargic or in post-spawn recovery

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the boil action is most visible in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing shad and herring on the surface
• Clear water fisheries where a natural, slender profile triggers more strikes
• Pressured lakes where fat-bodied walking baits have been picked apart

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass
• Techniques: Topwater Walking, Walk-the-Dog, Pause-and-Walk, Twitch-and-Pause
• Conditions: Calm surface, low-light, post-spawn, clear water, pressured fisheries

Key Features

• Slender soft-plastic-style profile — the only topwater hardbait with this silhouette
• Tail-weighted design creates a violent surface boil on every direction change
• 4.25 in (110mm) body length
• 7/16 oz weight — ideal for medium-action spinning or baitcasting gear
• Walks easily with minimal rod work
• Exceptional casting distance for its size
• 12 color patterns to match any forage or water condition

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Light on Gear: The Skimmer shines on a 7' medium spinning rod with 10–15 lb braid and a 10 lb fluorocarbon leader. The lighter setup lets the bait walk more freely and enhances the tail boil action.
• Match Color to Forage: In shad-heavy lakes, go with American Shad, Real Ghost Shad, or Ghost Minnow. In herring fisheries, Blueback Herring and Ghost Chartreuse Herring are deadly. In clear water, Chrome and Chattahoochee Chrome create maximum flash.
• Use a Loop Knot: A Rapala loop knot gives the Skimmer maximum freedom of movement and enhances the walking action and tail boil, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

How is the Ima Skimmer 110 different from other walking baits?
The Skimmer has a slender, pencil-thin body profile that mimics a soft plastic stickbait — something no other topwater hardbait offers. Combined with its tail-weighted boil action, it presents a completely different visual trigger than fat-bodied walking baits like the Zara Spook.

What rod and line setup works best?
A 7'–7'2" medium spinning rod with 10–15 lb braid and a 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader is ideal. The Skimmer can also be fished on a medium baitcaster, but spinning gear gives it the most natural walking action.

Is the Ima Skimmer 110 good for smallmouth bass?
Absolutely. The slim profile and natural shad/herring color options make it a top smallmouth bait, especially in clear water lakes and rivers where smallmouth are keyed in on slender baitfish.

Walks, Pops, Spits — All in One Bait

The Ima Big Stick is the result of years of development by Ima's Japanese engineering team and professional angler Randy Pringle — and it shows. At 7 inches and 1.75 oz, the Big Stick is a magnum topwater that can spit like a popper, walk like the hardest-sashaying walking bait on the market, and do it all without requiring expert technique or specialized gear. It's designed for conventional tackle, starts working the moment you begin your retrieve, and is built to handle anything from trophy bass to stripers, pike, and musky.

Eight Sound Chambers. One Unforgettable Presentation.

The Big Stick features eight individual sound chambers that create a massive ruckus at fast retrieve speeds — and can be dialed back to a subtle pop along the surface when fish are finicky. The rear-weighted design kicks the action into gear immediately on the retrieve and dramatically increases casting distance and accuracy. A unique head design pushes significant volumes of water on every direction change, creating a surface disturbance that draws fish from a distance.

Built for Trophy Fish, Not Just Bass

Most big topwaters are built for one species. The Big Stick is built for all of them. Wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks mean this bait can handle the shock of a 50 lb striper, a 40-inch musky, or a 10 lb largemouth without failing. The durable finish and premium hardware make it a legitimate multi-species weapon for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Standard vs. Silent — Two Presentations, One Profile

The Big Stick comes in both a standard (rattling) version and a silent version. The standard model's eight sound chambers create aggressive noise and vibration — ideal for stained water, choppy conditions, and aggressive fish. The silent version relies entirely on its surface action and profile — perfect for clear water, pressured fish, and situations where noise spooks rather than attracts.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a big topwater that walks AND pops without switching baits
• You're targeting trophy largemouth, stripers, pike, or musky on the surface
• You need a topwater that casts far and starts working immediately on the retrieve
• You fish both freshwater and saltwater and want one bait that handles both
• You want a premium Japanese-engineered topwater with tournament-proven action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches produce a wide, aggressive side-to-side walk — the rear-weighted design makes this effortless
• Popping: Short, sharp twitches to spit water and pause — the unique head design creates a loud, aggressive pop
• Fast Burn: High-speed retrieve to activate all eight sound chambers and create maximum surface commotion
• Subtle Pop: Slow, gentle twitches for a quiet, subtle presentation — or use the silent version for pressured fish

Best Conditions

• Open water, main lake points, and offshore structure where big fish are feeding on top
• Early morning and late evening low-light periods
• Post-spawn through fall when trophy fish are chasing large baitfish
• Saltwater flats, jetties, and inshore structure for stripers and other coastal species
• Any situation where a large, aggressive topwater presentation is needed

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Pike, Musky, Various Saltwater Species
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Popping, Fast Burn, Subtle Pop
• Conditions: Open water, low-light, post-spawn, saltwater inshore, trophy fish situations

Key Features

• Designed by Ima Japan engineering team and Randy Pringle
• 7 in body length, 1.75 oz (50g) weight
• Eight individual sound chambers — loud at speed, subtle when needed
• Rear-weighted design for immediate action and long casting distance
• Unique head design pushes significant water volume on every direction change
• Wire-through construction for maximum durability
• Heavier split rings and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks
• Available in standard (rattling) and silent versions
• 16 color patterns for freshwater and saltwater applications

Models & Colors

Standard (Rattling) Versions

Silent Versions

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Heavy on Tackle: The Big Stick is 1.75 oz — use a heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel (7:1+) and 50–65 lb braid. The heavy setup handles the weight, maximizes casting distance, and gives you the power to drive Owner ST-66 hooks home on big fish.
• Standard vs. Silent by Water Clarity: Use the standard rattling version in stained water, choppy conditions, or when fish are aggressive. Switch to the silent version in clear water, calm conditions, or when fish are spooking off noise.
• Match Color to Forage: Sardine, Mackerel, and Ghost Blue Back are go-to saltwater and striper colors. Bone and Red Head are classic low-light and clear-water patterns. Trout and Hatchery Trout shine in trout-forage fisheries and tailwaters.

FAQ

What's the difference between the standard and silent Big Stick?
The standard version has eight internal sound chambers that create noise and vibration at all retrieve speeds. The silent version has no rattle and relies entirely on its surface action and profile — ideal for clear water or pressured fish that spook off noisy baits.

What rod and line setup works best?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel and 50–65 lb braided line is ideal. The 1.75 oz weight needs backbone to cast and the braid gives you the sensitivity to feel the action and the power to set hooks on big fish.

Can the Ima Big Stick be used in saltwater?
Absolutely. The wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 hooks are built to handle saltwater species including striped bass, bluefish, and other inshore predators. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each saltwater use.

The Ima Suspending Vibration lipless crankbait features a larger body than the popular Rock N Vibe and will suspend 3-4 feet below the surface.   Most lipless crankbaits sink making these unique.  It features a tight, pulsating action that entices bass into striking.

Equipped with top quality components, the Ima Suspending Vibration has very sharp treble hooks and stout stainless steel split rings that will provide years of reliable use. It is also available in a range of highly realistic colors that will fool even the most seasoned bass. Offering anglers a multipurpose lure that’s part lipless crankbait and part jerkbait, the Ima Suspending Vibration is in a league of its own and different from any other lipless crankbait on the market.

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 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

Elevate your crankbait arsenal with the Ima Pin Jack 200 crankbait, a versatile mid depth crankbait built to conquer weeds, timber, and docks without skipping a beat. At 2.25 inches and 7/16 oz, this compact diving crankbait slices through structure with a tuned bill that glides over obstacles, delivering a tight wobble and roll that triggers ferocious strikes from largemouth and smallmouth in 6-8 feet of water. Ideal for pre-spawn highways, post-spawn transitions, and fall feeds, its snag-free design lets you probe high-percentage cover where bass ambush prey—turning tough spots into trophy hotspots.

Engineered for seamless performance, the Pinjack 200 features a fixed internal weight that prevents tumbling while maintaining true tracking on steady retrieves. When it kisses weeds or wood, a simple rod lift sends it backing out effortlessly, keeping your focus on the fight rather than frustration. Realistic finishes like Hot Craw or Blue Shad pop in varied light, mimicking shad and crawfish with lifelike flash from 3D eyes and holographic scales. Equipped with sharp #4 Owner ST-36 trebles, hookups are instant and secure—pair it with a 7-foot medium cranking rod, 6.1:1 reel, and 10-12 lb fluorocarbon for bomb-proof casts and deeper dives on lighter line.

A game-changer for bass anglers mastering mid depth crankbait tactics, the Pinjack 200 shines where traditional lures tangle and fail. Tie it on your baitcaster today, and experience snag-resistant cranking excellence—rip explosive reactions from structure-hugging bass with precision-engineered mid depth mastery.

IMA Skimmer Grande Topwater Lure delivers an bigger version than the original that is targeted at attracting the hunting predators in the lake. Designed with a rear weight, the IMA Skimmer Grande provides a hard side to side attraction that differentiates it from all other topwater walking baits.

Built with a thinned-down shape, the IMA Skimmer Grande sits with its nose poking out of the water. When worked with quick jerks and the rod tip pointed down, the IMA Skimmer Grande stirs the water and creates a large boil behind the bait. This imitates the erratic nature of an injured baitfish.

 

The Ima Flit 100 Jerkbait is the effort of endless research and development. Ima combined Michael Murphy’s biology expertise with its own advanced technology and the Flit 100 was born.  The Flit 100, named for its erratic fleeing action and 100mm 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 100 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 100 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: 100mm, 3.9 in
    Weight: 9.4g, 3/8oz
    Type: Suspends 3-5ft
    ST Hooks: Owner ST-36 #6

The Ima Baby Stik 105 Walking Bait is perfect for those times when fish are chasing smaller bait or there is an increased amount of fishing pressure. Featuring a rear weighted design that allows it to cast like a bullet, the Baby Stik is perfectly balanced  for an effortless walk the bait back and forth to resemble an injured or feeding baitfish. In addition to walking the dog, it’s also equipped with a cupped mouth that pops and spits water up to 2 feet in front of the lure.

On the inside, the Baby Stik is fitted with a boisterous internal rattle chamber the generates a distinct wake as it is worked along the surface. Armed with two razor sharp treble hooks and available in a variety of baitfish color patterns.

The Ima Finesse Popper is a bite-sized lure that catches big bass. It can be popped like a traditional topwater popper with short spurts or graceful glides, but can also be walked side-to-side with ease. “It pops and spits water, walks and chugs. This bait can do it all,” says Bassmaster Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis.

65mm, 2.6in

3/8oz

One Bait. Four Imitations. Year-Round Confidence.

The Ima Roumba Silent Wakebait was designed by Bassmaster Elite Angler Fred Roumbanis — and it's been on his rod year-round ever since. The Roumba creates a natural, side-to-side wobbling wake along the surface that can imitate a crawfish scooting above shallow hydrilla, a frog hopping across lily pads, a rat or mouse skittering across the surface, or a bluegill coming up to sun. No matter the lake, no matter the season, the Roumba finds a way to get bit.

The Wake That Triggers the Strike

The Roumba's unique body geometry produces a wide, rolling side-to-side wobble that pushes a visible wake across the surface on a slow, steady retrieve. That subtle surface disturbance — combined with the bait's natural profile — triggers the predatory instinct in bass holding in shallow cover. Keep the rod tip up, maintain a slow steady retrieve, and get ready for an explosive surface strike.

Why Standard Topwaters Miss Shallow Cover

Walking baits and poppers require constant rod work and don't fish well over thick grass or through tight cover. The Roumba is designed to be fished with a simple, slow steady retrieve — gliding just below the surface film and creating a wake that draws bass up from below. It's the ideal bait for situations where you need a topwater that fishes itself through the nastiest shallow cover on the lake.

Fred Roumbanis on the Roumba

"The Roumba is an extremely versatile bait that I'll have tied on at least one rod year round. No matter what lake I go to across the country I know I'll be able to get 'em good on a Roumba. The reason is simple; I can imitate several types of baitfish with this bait. It can be used as a crawfish scooting right above shallow hydrilla, a frog hoppin' around open water lily pads, a rat or mouse skitting across the surface, or a bluegill coming up to sun."

The Right Pick If...

• You're fishing over shallow aquatic grass — milfoil, hydrilla, and coontail
• You want a topwater that fishes itself with a simple slow retrieve
• You're targeting bass around boat docks, laydowns, brush piles, and standing timber
• Walking baits and poppers are too noisy or require too much rod work for the situation
• You want a year-round topwater confidence bait that imitates multiple forage types

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Slow Steady Retrieve: The bread-and-butter presentation — keep the rod tip up and reel slowly to maintain the surface wake
• Pause and Wake: Reel a few feet, pause, then resume — the pause often triggers strikes from following fish
• Over Grass: Slow retrieve just above the grass canopy — mimics a crawfish or frog moving through vegetation
• Around Structure: Cast past docks, laydowns, and timber and retrieve along the edge — bass will ambush it from the shadows

Best Conditions

• Shallow aquatic grass — milfoil, hydrilla, coontail, and lily pads
• Boat docks, laydowns, brush piles, and standing timber
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening
• Warm water temps above 60°F when bass are shallow and feeding
• Calm to lightly rippled surface — the wake is most visible in calmer conditions

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
• Techniques: Wakebait, Slow Surface Retrieve, Grass Fishing, Cover Fishing
• Imitations: Crawfish, Frog, Rat/Mouse, Bluegill/Sunfish

Key Features

• Designed by Bassmaster Elite Angler Fred Roumbanis
• Unique body geometry produces a natural side-to-side surface wake
• Silent design — no rattle, natural presentation
• 3 in body length, 1/2 oz (14g) weight
• Owner ST-36 #4 treble hooks
• Effective over grass, around docks, laydowns, brush piles, and timber
• Imitates crawfish, frog, rat/mouse, and bluegill on a single bait
• 5 color patterns to match any forage or cover type

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Rod Tip Up: Keep your rod tip at 10–11 o'clock during the retrieve to keep the Roumba riding high in the surface film. Dropping the tip kills the wake action.
• Match Color to Cover: Bull Frog and Stink Bug are go-to colors over lily pads and green vegetation. Bluegill and Baby Bass shine around docks and timber. Albino is a low-light and clear-water standout.
• Don't Set Too Early: When a bass blows up on the Roumba, wait until you feel the weight of the fish before sweeping the rod. Premature hooksets are the #1 reason anglers miss fish on wakebaits.

FAQ

What makes the Roumba a "silent" wakebait?
The Roumba has no internal rattle — it relies entirely on its surface wake and profile to attract fish. This silent presentation is especially effective in clear water or when fish are pressured and spooking off noisy baits.

What rod and line setup works best?
A medium or medium-heavy 7'–7'4" casting rod with a 6:1 reel and 15–20 lb monofilament is ideal. Monofilament floats and helps keep the bait riding high in the surface film. Avoid braid — it sinks and can pull the bait under.

Can the Roumba be fished over thick grass without fouling?
Yes. The Roumba's body profile and hook placement allow it to glide over shallow grass without constantly fouling. Fish it just above the grass canopy with a slow, steady retrieve and the Owner ST-36 hooks will stay clean through most vegetation.

Ignite explosive topwater chaos with the Ima Rattlin Roumba wakebait, a rattling powerhouse engineered to summon bass from murky depths in stained or muddy conditions. At 3 inches long and 7/16 oz, this shallow running wakebait delivers a seductive side-to-side wobble on the surface, amplified by a high-pitched internal rattle that cuts through low-visibility water like a dinner bell—making it the ultimate rattling wakebait for targeting aggressive largemouth over shallow grass beds and structure.

Designed by Bassmaster Elite pro Fred Roumbanis, the Rattlin Roumba mimics fleeing baitfish, hopping frogs, or scurrying mice with effortless versatility. Keep your rod tip high for a slow, medium retrieve that generates a natural wake over milfoil or hydrilla, or drop the tip down for a steady crank that dives it 12-18 inches subsurface with pulsating seduction—perfect for probing laydowns, docks, and timber lines. Brighter color schemes like Blue Shad or Perch pop in dirty water, while the durable body and #4 Owner ST-36 trebles ensure it withstands brutal hookups. Rig it on a medium-heavy 7-foot rod with 12-17 lb monofilament for maximum action and bomb-proof performance.

A year-round essential for bass anglers chasing wakebait excellence, the Rattlin Roumba outperforms in tough, off-colored scenarios where silent baits fade. Tie it on your baitcaster today, and harness the rattling wakebait revolution—turn distant scouts into surface-smashing trophies with unmatched noise and finesse.

Ima Glide Fluke 125 Sinking

Designed by professional angler and Fisheries Biologist Michael Murphy, the new Ima Glide Fluke is a two-segmented bait that offers a new twist in the hard bait category.

The Glide Fluke can walk, glide and swim. Made with realistic 3D eyes and a grooved head design for better lure action.

The floating version works well when fished as a wake bait. The sinking model quivers as it falls and the possibilities of fishing the bait are endless. 

Three Baits in One. Master of All of Them.

The Ima Square Bill Crankbait is Bassmaster Elite Angler Bill Lowen's signature design — a bait he dreamed about for decades and finally brought to life through countless conversations with Ima's engineers in Japan. Most square bills do one thing well. The Ima Square Bill does everything well: burn it, wake it, twitch it, or deflect it off cover. Mix them all on a single retrieve and watch what happens.

Built Around an Earth-Shaking Wobble

The Ima Square Bill's stubby, rounded body produces a wide, aggressive wobble that displaces water and triggers reaction strikes from bass holding tight to cover. The computer-chip lip deflects off wood, rock, and laydowns with a natural, erratic kick that mimics a fleeing baitfish. And two sticky-sharp Owner #6 treble hooks nail even the short strikers — though most bass absolutely choke this bait down.

Why Most Square Bills Have a Weakness

Most square bills are specialists. Some burn well but lose their action when waked. Others deflect off cover but fall apart on a fast retrieve. The Ima Square Bill was engineered to have no weakness — it performs at every speed and in every situation. That versatility is what makes it Bill Lowen's go-to bait and a must-have in any crankbait lineup.

Bill Lowen's Favorite Retrieve

Bill's preferred technique is to mix it all up on a single retrieve — twitching to waking, then reeling it down to three feet and burning it. That unpredictable, multi-speed presentation keeps bass guessing and triggers strikes from fish that have seen every standard crankbait retrieve. The Ima Square Bill is the only bait that can pull it off without losing its action.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a square bill that performs at every retrieve speed
• You're fishing shallow cover — wood, rock, laydowns, docks, and riprap
• You want a bait that deflects off structure with a natural, erratic kick
• Standard square bills are getting ignored on pressured water
• You want a tournament-proven design from a Bassmaster Elite pro

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Burning: Fast, steady retrieve to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish
• Waking: Slow retrieve that keeps the bait just below the surface, creating a visible wake — deadly in low-light conditions
• Twitching: Erratic rod-tip twitches to create a darting, fleeing action — great for finicky fish
• Deflecting: Cast into cover and let the bait deflect off wood, rock, and laydowns — the kick on contact triggers reaction strikes
• Mixed Retrieve: Bill Lowen's favorite — twitch, wake, burn, and deflect all on one retrieve

Best Conditions

• Spring pre-spawn and spawn when bass are shallow and aggressive
• Fall when bass are chasing shad in shallow water
• Anytime bass are holding tight to shallow cover — wood, rock, docks, and riprap
• Stained to moderately clear water where the wobble and color carry
• Low-light periods when a waking retrieve draws fish from a distance

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Burning, Waking, Twitching, Deflecting, Mixed Retrieve
• Conditions: Shallow cover, stained water, spring pre-spawn, fall shad patterns

Key Features

• Bill Lowen (Bassmaster Elite) Signature Series design
• Stubby, rounded body produces an earth-shaking wide wobble
• Computer-chip lip deflects naturally off wood, rock, and laydowns
• Two sticky-sharp Owner #6 treble hooks
• Performs at every retrieve speed — burn, wake, twitch, or deflect
• No weakness — a true master of all square bill techniques
• 8 color patterns to match any forage or water condition

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Match Color to Water Clarity: In clear water, go with natural patterns like Bluegill, Fred's Perch, or Silver Lining. In stained or murky water, reach for high-visibility colors like Chartreuse Smash, Barred Black Back Chart, or Hot Craw.
• Use Fluorocarbon: 12–15 lb fluorocarbon line sinks and keeps the bait in the strike zone longer. It also has less stretch than mono, giving you better feel for deflections and a more solid hookset.
• Let It Deflect: Don't steer the bait away from cover — aim directly at laydowns, stumps, and rocks. The natural kick on contact is one of the most strike-triggering moments in crankbait fishing.

FAQ

What depth does the Ima Square Bill run?
The Ima Square Bill is a shallow-running crankbait designed for the 1–3 foot depth range, making it ideal for fishing over shallow flats, around docks, and through shallow wood and rock cover.

What rod setup works best?
A medium or medium-heavy 7'–7'4" fiberglass or composite crankbait rod with a 6:1 reel and 12–15 lb fluorocarbon is ideal. The softer tip of a fiberglass rod loads up on the cast and keeps fish pinned during the fight without pulling hooks.

How is the Ima Square Bill different from other square bills?
Most square bills excel at one or two techniques. The Ima Square Bill was specifically engineered by Bill Lowen to perform equally well when burned, waked, twitched, or deflected off cover — making it one of the most versatile shallow crankbaits available.

Ima Glide Fluke 125 Floating

Designed by professional angler and Fisheries Biologist Michael Murphy, the new Ima Glide Fluke is a two-segmented bait that offers a new twist in the hard bait category.

The Glide Fluke can walk, glide and swim. Made with realistic 3D eyes and a grooved head design for better lure action.

The floating version works well when fished as a wake bait. The sinking model quivers as it falls and the possibilities of fishing the bait are endless. 

Ima Glide Fluke 178 Floating was designed by professional angler and Fisheries Biologist Michael Murphy, the new Ima Glide Fluke is a two-segmented bait that offers a new twist in the hard bait category.

The Glide Fluke can walk, glide and swim. The floating version works well when fished as a wake bait. The sinking model quivers as it falls and the possibilities of fishing the bait are endless.

Key Features: Realistic 3D eyes, Grooved head design for better lure action & Extended rear hook placement for better hookups. 178mm Floating 70g, Sinking 80g.

Ima Glide Fluke 178 Sinking

Designed by professional angler and Fisheries Biologist Michael Murphy, the new Ima Glide Fluke is a two-segmented bait that offers a new twist in the hard bait category.

The Glide Fluke can walk, glide and swim. The floating version works well when fished as a wake bait. The sinking model quivers as it falls and the possibilities of fishing the bait are endless.

Key Features: Realistic 3D eyes, Grooved head design for better lure action & Extended rear hook placement for better hookups. 178mm Floating 70g, Sinking 80g.

Designed specifically to come through grass, without hanging up or losing effectiveness, the Beast Hunter coordinates the size of the lure’s body and thickness of its sides with the length and width of the lip. On 14-pound fluorocarbon it dominates the 10 to 13 foot range. With a very natural wobble – not too wide, not too tight – a subdued knocking sound not to turn off spooky bass, the Beast Hunter is a power bait that doesn’t overpower the situation.

Its design incorporates a small fixed weight inside, which maximizes diving depth while preventing the lure from tumbling and getting fouled on the cast. The sidewalls are 2.0mm thick which distributes the overall weight proportionately throughout the body enabling it to stop quicker as it doesn’t glide forward. The diving angle is also tuned so when you come in contact with the weeds, softly lift up on the rod.
The Beast Hunter will back slide and glide right over the vegetation. Every aspect of this lure is made to maximize performance.

LENGTH:　67 mm, 2.64 inches
WEIGHT:　23 g, ¾ oz.
HOOKS: #2
DEPTH: 10-13 feet (on 14 lb. fluorocarbon)
CLASS:　Mid-range Crankbait

The ima Yoichi 99 Ballista is a 99mm (3.9"), 36g (1.3 oz) heavy sinking pencil lure engineered for extreme long-distance casting in the surf and open water. Its rear-weighted body cuts through wind to reach breaking fish that other lures can't, then swims with the signature tight slalom S-action of the ima Yoichi series on a steady retrieve. It's a go-to searchbait for covering water fast and drawing reaction strikes from striped bass, sea bass, bluefish and other inshore predators.

Why anglers choose the Yoichi 99 Ballista

• Bombs long casts: the 36g rear-balanced design flies far and stays stable in crosswinds for maximum water coverage from the beach or boat.
• Slalom swimming action: rolls and wobbles side-to-side with a lifelike baitfish motion that triggers aggressive strikes.
• Sinking / count-down: lets you fish the entire water column — skim it just under the surface chop or count it down to deeper holding fish.
• Saltwater-ready hardware: rigged with sharp #3 treble hooks and #4 split rings straight from the box.
• Proven surf & inshore producer: ideal for striped bass, sea bass, bluefish, and other coastal gamefish.

Specifications

Available colors

• #002 Cotton Candy
• #003 Ibaraki Candy
• #006 Mullet
• #009 Black & Black
• #011 Red Head
• #013 Lime Rainbow

Frequently asked questions

Is the ima Yoichi 99 Ballista a floating or sinking lure?
It is a sinking pencil. You can retrieve it just under the surface or let it count down to reach deeper fish.

How much does the Yoichi 99 Ballista weigh and how long is it?
It measures 99 mm (3.9 in) and weighs 36 g (1.3 oz), which is what gives it exceptional casting distance.

What fish can I catch with it?
It excels on striped bass and sea bass, and also catches bluefish and other inshore/surf gamefish.

What hooks does it come with?
It ships ready to fish with #3 treble hooks and #4 split rings.

Why is it good for surf fishing?
The heavy 36g rear-weighted body casts long distances and stays stable in wind, letting you reach fish beyond the breakers.