Daiwa Zakana Jig

A purpose-built saltwater casting jig engineered for maximum distance, precision, and durability, the Daiwa Zakana Jig combines an aerodynamic and hydrodynamic profile with a rear weight design that delivers exceptional casting distance even in smaller sizes. Once in the water, the Zakana's subtle, lifelike swimming action mimics a helpless baitfish drifting through the water column — the profile that triggers reaction strikes from yellowtail, calico bass, tuna, and other predatory saltwater species.

Versatile enough to be cast, jigged, or trolled, and available in 7 weights from 20g to 130g across 13 colors including Japanese forage imitations. From $7.99.

Key Features

• Rear Weight Design — Weight concentrated at the rear of the jig for maximum casting distance even in smaller sizes; rear weighting also produces a pronounced side-to-side kick on the retrieve that mimics a fleeing or injured baitfish.
• Wire-Through Construction — Internal wire runs through the full length of the jig body for maximum durability against violent strikes; wire-through design holds up to strikes that would damage or destroy standard screw-in hardware on conventional jigs.
• Horizontal Line Tie — Horizontal line tie orientation allows for a wider, more unrestricted swimming action than a standard vertical line tie; produces a more natural baitfish swimming motion on the retrieve.
• VMC 9626 Hooks — High-quality VMC 9626 hooks with heavy-duty split rings for maximum hook-up ratio and durability against the toughest saltwater predators.
• Aerodynamic & Hydrodynamic Profile — Streamlined body shape minimizes air resistance on the cast for longer, more accurate casts; hydrodynamic profile produces subtle, lifelike swimming action in the water with minimal angler input.
• Large Black Eyes — Realistic large black eyes add visual appeal and target focus for predatory species that key on the eye of baitfish when attacking.
• Cast, Jig & Troll Versatility — Profile and weight distribution effective for casting and retrieving, vertical jigging, and trolling; one jig that covers multiple saltwater fishing techniques.

Product Specifications

Color Guide

• Maiwashi — Japanese sardine imitation; one of the most effective natural forage colors for yellowtail, tuna, and pelagic species when sardines are the primary bait; translucent silver/blue profile.
• Katakutchi — Japanese anchovy imitation; slim, translucent profile that matches the anchovy forage common in Southern California and Pacific waters; effective for yellowtail and calico bass.
• Blue Pink — Blue/pink combination; natural baitfish profile with pink belly flash; effective for a wide range of saltwater species in clear to lightly stained water.
• Blue White — Classic blue/white baitfish imitation; high-contrast color effective for yellowtail, tuna, and pelagic species in clear water conditions.
• Mint White — Light mint/white combination; subtle natural baitfish imitation effective in clear water where a less aggressive color profile is preferred.
• Toothpaste — Blue/white/green combination; natural baitfish imitation with a subtle green tint effective for calico bass and inshore species around kelp.
• Scrambled Egg — Yellow/white attractor; high-visibility color effective for species that key on yellow-toned forage; good all-around color for mixed species applications.
• Gold Mint — Gold/mint combination; warm gold flash with mint accent; effective in stained water and for species that respond to gold-toned patterns.
• Lemon Squash — Yellow/chartreuse attractor; high-visibility color effective in stained water and low-light conditions where a bright attractor pattern is needed.
• Chewed Gum — Pink/white combination; effective attractor pattern for yellowtail and pelagic species; one of the most consistent colors for casting jigs in offshore applications.
• Red Crab — Red/orange crab imitation; effective for calico bass and inshore species that key on crustacean forage around kelp and rocky structure.
• Bone — Off-white/cream natural imitation; subtle color effective in clear water for pressured fish that have seen more aggressive attractor patterns.
• Zebra Glow — Zebra stripe pattern with glow finish; high-contrast pattern with glow visibility for low-light conditions and deeper water applications.

Weight Selection Guide

• 20–30g (0.75–1.0 oz) — Lighter weights for shorter casts, shallower water, and situations where a slower fall rate and more subtle action is desired. Best for calico bass in kelp and inshore applications on lighter tackle.
• 40–60g (1.4–2.1 oz) — Mid-range weights for general casting applications; balance of casting distance and fall rate for yellowtail and calico bass in moderate depth.
• 80–100g (2.8–3.5 oz) — Heavier weights for longer casts, deeper water, and offshore applications. Best for yellowtail and tuna where maximum casting distance and faster sink rate are needed.
• 130g (4.6 oz) — Maximum weight for longest casts and deepest applications; best for offshore yellowtail and tuna where extreme casting distance or fast sink rate to depth is required.

Best For

• Yellowtail — Rear weight design delivers the long casts needed for yellowtail on iron; horizontal line tie and wire-through construction handle the violent strikes and sustained runs of large yellowtail.
• Calico Bass — Lighter weights (20–40g) and natural forage colors (Maiwashi, Katakutchi, Toothpaste) effective for calico bass around kelp and rocky inshore structure on casting presentations.
• Tuna & Pelagic Species — Heavier weights (80–130g) and natural forage imitations (Maiwashi, Blue White, Blue Pink) for tuna and pelagic species requiring long casts and fast sink rates.
• Vertical Jigging — Profile and weight distribution effective for vertical jigging applications; rear weight produces a distinct action on the fall that triggers strikes from fish holding at depth.