DAIWA replicates Lake Erie’s legendary creature in the form of a an exceptional muskie lure. Cypress, CA (February 1, 2023) – It’s said, that while duck hunting north of Sandusky, Ohio, in 1793, the captain of the sloop Felicity spied a strange creature that was more than a rod in length – a rod being 16 ½ feet. Later, in July of 1817, the crew of a schooner reported seeing a 30- to 40-foot-long serpent slithering in Lake Erie. Sightings of “The Lake Erie Monster” continued, even accelerated in succeeding years.
In Ohio and Michigan folklore, BESSIE is the name given to the mythological beast. For DAIWA, Prorex BESSIE is the name bequeathed to this new monstrously-premium muskie bait.
DAIWA BESSIE (shown with SS and FF front prop)
“At the core it’s a rip-bait,” said DAIWA Marketing Director Marc Mills, defining BESSIE’s stylism. Excellent for fishing submerged vegetation, Mills says, “when you rip BESSIE through weeds, it creates a lot of commotion, chewing up the greens like a blender while not getting snagged.”
BESSIE is effective through and over weeds that offer some headroom. That means weeds growing up the water column in 8- to 20-feet, as well as shorter carpets of grass in even deeper water. Let it sink down into the greenery and start ripping.
BESSIE’s props are at the epicenter of the action. The slow-sinking (SS) and fast-sinking (FS) models feature a reverse prop on the nose for maximum disturbance and cutlery-grade weed mincing. Floating models yield a forward-facing prop for a hearty buzz. All models sport an added stainless-steel blade for extra vibration and irresistible noise.
Muskie anglers choose their lures with a critical precision. To that, DAIWA paid close attention to sink rates on the 6 ½-inch bait. The SS drops from .8- to 1-foot per second, while the FS falls at 1.2- to 1.4-feet per second.
Also crucial to a lure of this caliber is attention to anatomical detail. Each BESSIE pattern dons a hand carved scale pattern, as well as realistic 3D eyes, and museum-quality paintjobs. Incoming muskie strikes are tamed with a pair of ultra-sharp 4/0 treble hooks.
Note, too, BESSIE’s remarkable similarity to a spybait, just huskier. Bass fishing partisans know the stealthy effectiveness of the Japanese taught technique. BESSIE, too, can be fished over weedless expanses, sliding through the water, attacks driven by its natural wobble, finely tuned blades, and incomparable cosmetics.
Fishing such a refined lure begs for expert gear selection. Mills, a bonafide muskellunge master, offers his insights: “DAIWA’s Prorex TW baitcaster was developed on a muskie fishing platform – it’s ideal for chunking and ripping a BESSIE. I like the 400 size with its 7.1:1 gear ratio. Pair that with a Prorex Muskie Rod. Choose the 8’ 6” model in either heavy or extra-heavy, and you’re in business.”
Mills goes on to suggest spooling the Prorex reel with DAIWA J-Braid Grand x8 in 50- or 65-lb test. And, before affixing that brand-spanking-new BESSIE, Mills offers his thoughts on leaders. “The tide is finally changing. Muskie anglers are realizing the benefits of fluorocarbon leaders, and without giving up the toughness of steel. Heavier weight fluorocarbon leaders hold up to saltwater wahoo and tuna, so they can certainly tame a muskie.” Mills recommends connecting your braid to 80- or 100-pound DAIWA J-Fluoro with an FG Knot. (Plenty of tutorial videos online.) From there, button up ‘ol BESSIE with a Perfection Loop or crimp with an inch of play to let the lure do its thing.
In parting, DAIWA wants to share a nugget about the birth of BESSIE, the lure, not the critter in the lake. The company worked with world renowned tackle designer Nishine Lure Works on the development of BESSIE. Fanatic lure aficionados understand the impeccable quality and unimaginable refinement built into their baits.
DAIWA’s new BESSIE is available in 6 colors, to include Muskie, Perch, Fire Tiger, Cisco, Walleye and Loon. (Loon is only available as a floater.)
MSRP $69.99
BESSIE Key Features:
Custom Daiwa Extra Tough Parts
Molded Using Hand Carved Scale Pattern
Forward Facing Front Prop on Floating Model
Reverse Prop on SS and FS
Stainless Steel Blade for Added Vibration, Noise and Action
4/0 Ultra Sharp Hooks
Realistic 3D Eyes
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us.
