Yes, the mystery bluegill lure from Japan has finally been reviewed :)
Check it out @

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/bluegill/fw_bluegill/index.html
http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/lures/bluegills/fw_bluegill/fw_bluegill_side.jpg

If you happen to have one of these guys and want to add your comments, please do so at this handy URL:
http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/comment.html?product_id=860

Hi Rob! As far as the hook eye placement goes, I have lots of Japanese crankbaits that incorporate this perpendicular placement. They usually are canted towards the back a little though,whereas these appear to be straight up and down. Some actually use hooks tht have the hook-eye at a different angle than we're used to,which effectively lets the hook sit "properly" flush to the bottom. Why, I don't know,but I'm seeing this placement more and more.That super tight wobble is KILLER at certain times of the year around here...especially colder water.Alot less intimidating to a fish in clearer water,feeding on sight versus dirty water and vibration/water displacement as the trigger....... Be Well, Alex

Rob: Why not turn the screw-eye so it's parallel?

And where are they available state-side?


Dan

hey Dan,

I don't have any communication with the mfgr. of the baits so I don't really know if they will ever be available in the US. I did get an email from someone with this link that shows the baits on a Japanese language site

http://www.fishing-land.jp/tenpoint/tp.html

I looked at the baits to see about turning the screw eye but I'm reluctant to do it because the clear epoxy coating on the bait would get cracked around the screw eyes if I turned them. I'm going to just live with the current positioning.

That is interesting to hear that other hooks position correctly when the screw eye is perpendicular to the bait. I've never noticed that on a hook before but now I want to look at some of my Japan baits.