Ima Beast Hunter

ima’s Beast Hunter is a cover-contact crankbait developed by Lake Biwa guide Jun Shoji for targeting large fish holding at depths of 10–13 feet. By combining the body size and side thickness with the length and width of the lip, it is designed to resist snagging in weeds while protecting the hooks with the body and lip without compromising hook-setting performance. The 67 mm, 23 g body contains small fixed weights to reduce rotation and hook tangles during casting while maintaining diving depth. With 2.0 mm-thick sides and weight distributed throughout the body, it is less likely to slide forward when the retrieve is stopped and has the characteristic of slowing down quickly.

Its action is a natural wobble that is neither too wide nor too tight, with a deliberately subdued rattle sound. When using 14 lb fluorocarbon, the intended diving range is 10–13 feet. It is compatible with standard crankbait tackle, but a medium-heavy or heavier cranking rod capable of handling its 23 g weight is recommended. When the lure contacts weeds or cover, the basic technique is to slightly raise the rod, allowing the lip to avoid the obstacle and slide backward to free itself. The hooks are positioned to be protected by the body and lip, and the standard hook size is #2.