WHAT IS IT?
Daiwa Bessie
WHAT SETS IT APART?
Named for the legendary “Lake Erie Monster,” this hulking 6.5-inch rip bait comes in slow-sinking (SS) and fast-sinking (FS) models, which feature a reverse prop on the nose for maximum disturbance and efficient vegetation chopping. Floating models are made with a forward-facing prop for enticing buzz. All models sport an added stainless-steel blade on the belly for extra vibration and fish-calling sound. Available in six colors, each Bessie boasts a hand-carved scale pattern, as well as realistic 3D eyes, and a pair of ultra-sharp 4/0 treble hooks.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Built tough, the Bessie was designed to traverse submerged vegetation and emulate forage darting in and out of cover. When an angler rips the Bessie through weeds, that forceful action creates an attention-getting commotion, as the props chew their way through the salad. Equally effective in taller growing weed beds in 8 to 20 feet of water or shorter stuff carpeting the bottom, this bait is made with specific sink rates. The SS drops from .8- to 1-foot per second, while the FS falls at 1.2- to 1.4-feet per second.
HOW MUCH?
$69.99
MORE INFORMATION:
ANGLER’S INSIGHT:
Introduced at ICAST, this bait was actually made with Muskie in mind, but bass anglers quickly recognized the Bessie’s multispecies application. Like a huskier version of a spybait, this lure comes with Custom Daiwa Extra Tough Parts that ensure it’ll stand up to whatever bites. While it’s built to bully its way through underwater weeds, the Bessie’s also a good bet for covering lots of water to draw in big fish. Think: deep points, when big bass target schools of gizzard shad.
