A bluegill-style soft bait that catches fish while swimming through the middle of the water column—that is the quality Masahiko Kouno highlights most about the IMAKATSU BeastBone Elastomer.

For this edition of NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT BY PROSHOP OTSUKA JAPAN, IMAKATSU-sponsored pro angler Masahiko Kouno provided the material and on-the-water insights behind our feature.

His experience offers an interesting look at this unusual bait, from its versatility across different waters to the many ways it can be rigged.

What Stands Out: Bites in Midwater

Kouno’s biggest takeaway is the BeastBone’s ability to draw bites on a swimming presentation in midwater.

In his report, he emphasizes that the bait can catch fish while moving through the water column, without relying on bottom contact.

For anglers exploring bluegill-style soft baits, this is an important part of its appeal. The BeastBone invites experimentation with swimming presentations as well as approaches focused on the fall or bottom.

Kouno describes this midwater performance as the most impressive aspect of his experience with the lure.

Results Across Different Fisheries

Kouno reports catches from clear reservoirs, the Kasumigaura system, and smallmouth fisheries.

He also caught a big bass on the BeastBone during pre-practice for the TOP50 season finale at Kasumigaura.

Another point he highlights is how differently IMAKATSU staff members are fishing it. Rather than everyone relying on one specific setup, anglers are finding success with a variety of rigs and presentations.

That versatility is a recurring theme in his report.

A Closer Look at the Design

The BeastBone Elastomer is a 4-inch bait built around 16 flexible “bones,” fine side hairs, and micro shad tails.

According to IMAKATSU, these elements work together to create movement during slow retrieves and pauses. Its buoyant elastomer material and salt-weighted belly help control its underwater posture.

The silhouette changes with the viewing angle, too. From the side, it suggests a bluegill or other deep-bodied fish; viewed from above, it takes on a more crustacean-like appearance.

Rigging Options from Kouno’s Report

Kouno lists several setups that have produced fish for IMAKATSU staff members:

Football head: often 5 g

Moriken rig: 3.5–5 g

Propeller-equipped offset hook: a recent setup used by Katsutaka Imae

Jighead: 3.5–5 g

Heavy drop shot: 1/2–1 oz

Flex Jig trailer: 2.7–5 g

He also points out that the bait can be used with an offset hook.

These are examples of productive setups, rather than a single formula anglers need to follow. Kouno encourages finding a combination that works for your own fishing.

Nail Weights and Posture

Kouno recommends a 0.6–0.9 g nail weight to adjust the bait’s posture and notes that a dedicated nail-weight hole is provided.

For a more specific reference, IMAKATSU recommends 0.9 g in the Beast Tail’s nail hole. To bring the bait closer to a horizontal posture, the manufacturer suggests placing one 0.45 g nail weight in each of two belly bones.

These recommendations provide starting points for experimenting with balance and presentation.

Another Option: Swimming It Sideways

Kouno also shares a useful alternative for fishing without a nail weight.

He reports catching fish by swimming the bait sideways, particularly when combined with a Flex Jig.

This adds another dimension to the rigging possibilities. Adjusting the posture is one approach, but Kouno’s experience shows that a sideways swimming presentation can also produce results.

It is a detail worth keeping in mind when experimenting with different combinations.

The Takeaway

The most compelling part of Kouno’s report is the midwater bite.

The BeastBone’s unusual appearance catches the eye, but his experience directs attention toward how it can be fished: swimming through the water column, paired with different heads and rigs, and adjusted to create different postures.

For anglers who enjoy learning a bait through experimentation, there is plenty to explore.

Would you begin with a football head, a jighead, or a Flex Jig trailer?

Product: IMAKATSU BeastBone Elastomer
Length: 4 inches
Pack: 1 bait
Material: Elastomer

Storage: IMAKATSU advises storing the bait separately from other lures and keeping it away from high temperatures to prevent deformation or melting.

Special thanks to IMAKATSU-sponsored pro angler Masahiko Kouno for providing the material and insights for this feature.

Read Masahiko Kouno’s original report
View IMAKATSU’s official BeastBone Elastomer product information