Issei Umitaro

issei’s Umitaro is a saltwater lure brand that pursues designs based on real-world fishing experience, tailored to specific techniques and target species—from light saltwater game to ikametal squid fishing. Among its small squid jigs, the Kibiko, modeled after a Japanese anchovy, is a representative model. It features a profile reminiscent of baitfish at an ideal feeding size, along with a structure designed to maintain a stable posture while staying or falling. The 2.0 size uses a two-fin design and is engineered to present a low-resistance posture that helps entice finicky squid. A small single umbrella-style hook is used to reduce the squid’s wariness of the hook while supporting solid hookups with its sharp point when touched.

For ikametal fishing, it is rigged as a dropper above a metal squid jig. The Umitaro Nukegake Ikametal Rig lineup is designed for use with the Kibiko and Nukegake Sutte, with the overall rig length, branch spacing, and leader length configured accordingly. The Single features a short leader that makes it easier to impart action to the Kibiko, while the Twin uses branches of different lengths to give the upper and lower jigs different actions. Swiveling beads are used at the connections to help prevent tangles and reduce unnecessary movement from the Kibiko, making it easier to create a natural stationary posture.