Squad Patrol Works

Whether, in the ranks of the BASS Elite, FLW Tour or the front lines of the BassEast.com, Jackall’s Squadminnow is one weapon designed for battle. More tour anglers then you’d expect are witness to marked success because of it’s underwater display. In Japan, the Squadminnow spent several seasons in prototype prior to its introduction to the Japan Professional Top 50 circuit (Japan’s equivalent to the BASS Elite Tour). Jackall prostaff did so well with the bait, they held off on its introduction to the US. When the Squadminnow began showing up in the US, western anglers labeled it just another jerkbait to sit among the many from Korea, Japan and China. However, professional anglers understanding jerkbait actions purported a different story. In 2008, during the Bassmaster Classic Cliff Pace (not yet sponsored by Jackall lures) held nothing back when he unveiled his success of repeatedly catching quality bass off a Japanese jerkbait. The jerkbait? The Squadminnow. What Pace had learned in his several weeks of fishing the lure contributed to his 2nd place finished at the Bassmaster Classic. The story of the Squadminnow didn’t end there. Mike Iaconelli came close to nailing the 2009 Forest Wood CUP. His executions were nearly perfect. A second place finish netted Mike a cool $100,000.00. Iaconelli wasn’t shy about his announcement naming the Squadminnow critical to his 2nd place finish. “We are in the business specific to creating the best tournament lures. It’s always an honor when pros from different entities have success with our baits… a residual of good R&D.” said Jackall’s G.M., Mr. Arawaka. Standout Characteristics The Squadminnow was designed to outperform historical designs by Seiji Kato himself. As many know, Seiji designed jerkbaits for LuckyCraft and Daiwa and eventually branch out to create the Jackall Company with lure designer and Japanese Elite Pro, Ty Ono. The Squadminnow was a planned departure from traditional jerkbaits. The targeted goal was to create a rip-bait that could be used to cover water on the fly, attract fish from a distance or dissect an isolated area when needed. Action is the key to this bait. First employed, rotational movement, this is what anglers recognize as wobble or flash. Increasing the degree of rotation, and the frequency would allow the bait to emit stress-vibration for a longer duration. The poised position of the bait was another critical decision. It was desired by Jackall to create a bait that would actually pause in its tracking when manipulated while maintaining flash. This allowed the bait to give action in tight spaces (like between lily pads) without gliding forward, in essence stopping on a dime. To the average angling eye, Jackall may appear to be a cosmetic beauty but to a serious competitor who has taken a closer look, the Squadminnow’s action will patrol the winner’s circle for years to come.