The DUO Spinbait 80 and the Art of Spybaiting (continued)

We found the finishes on the Spinbaits to be quite abrasion resistant and each lure, though compact, felt very solid. In the tank the lure sinks quickly and evenly thanks to proper weighting from two lead weights positioned strategically in the belly of the lure. The lure also features an internal fixed ballast that helps keep the bait perfectly positioned in the water as it is slowly retrieved.

Props can be found on both ends of this lure

Thought the bait may look like simply like a miniature jerkbait a closer inspection of the body reveals angles on the underbelly that help the bait deliver that subtle shimmy as it tracks back in the water. The bait is armed with two treble hooks and the propellers and line ties are all secured into place with long screws which can be tightened or loosened by hand.

They are screwed into place

When we cut open the Spinbait we got to take a closer look at the internal fixed ballast design as well as the chambers that hold the weights firmly in place. Nothing moves inside this bait and the tolerances are superb. The belly hook is held in place with a wire loop that is anchored firmly between the dual weights. The overall design is simple and elegant, something we can appreciate in a lure as you want to reduce your points of potential failure.

Time for the autopsy

Part of the allure of fishing the Spinbait 80 is that you can effectively target fish in crystal clear water, something that is a challenge even for experienced anglers. This bait definitely gets small fish to chase but it is designed to draw strikes from trophy class fish as well. Anglers in Lake Biwa Japan have caught many fish larger than 10lbs. with this lure and technique and David has already done the same on the Columbia River and also found the technique deadly effective for smallmouth as well.

Inside you can see the internal fixed ballast

Because ultra-light lines like 4 and 5lb. test is ideal for this technique a spinning outfit is preferred. This will allow you to cast the lure further. Because the hooks are exposed you will want to make sure to keep the bait moving, albeit slowly, to prevent it from hanging up with structure. As you can imagine getting hung up in deep water with 4lb. line and a 13 dollar lure at the end of your line is no fun at all. The slow (and I mean slooooow) retrieve may seem brain numbing at first but the second you hook up any decent fish the fun begins and the ensuing battle on light line will really get your heart pumping.

A look at all the components that make up the Spinbait 80

Now that you have seen this bait inside and out stay tuned for our complete review of the Spinbait 80 or tie one on yourself and see what this new technique is all about. Will the art of Japanese “supaibeiting” or what we call Spybaiting become as big a trend as some of the other finesse techniques that have crossed over? Only time will tell, but for now Duo is poised to support the growing demand with their lineup of Spinbait 80 lures which are just now starting to become available stateside.
 

Looking for the DUO Spinbait 80? Try Tackle Warehouse