Heddon Planking Bather

Heddon’s PLUNKING BASSER is a topwater plug developed for “PLUNKING,” a technique for targeting specific spots on the surface. Its Basser silhouette has been downsized to suit fishing conditions in Japan. It is a compact model in the Basser family, and current versions are available in standard colors without reflective inserts.

This darter-style lure combines a highly buoyant body with a long, forward-projecting lower jaw. When retrieved, it maintains a balance between trying to dive and being pushed back to the surface by its buoyancy, producing an irregular, unstable, wobbling action. Because it does not have a projecting upper jaw, its popping sound is more subdued than that of the Lucky 13. From a floating position, a quick short jerk makes the lure dive beneath the surface headfirst and then rise again, creating a kickback action. It can continue attracting fish at the targeted spot while minimizing forward movement. During a steady retrieve, it produces an unstable swimming action and also responds well to stop-and-jerk techniques.

It measures 89 mm in length, weighs approximately 17 g, and is fitted with size #2 hooks. Its surface-diving, rising, and wobbling actions make it easy to use when you want to keep the lure in one area for an extended period, such as along cover or around structure.