Every year I look forward to attending ICAST and seeing all the cool, new products including new lures, rods, reels and more. One of the products I’ve been most excited to use is the new Nuki Bug from Yamamoto. I’ve been a long time user of Yamamoto plastics, and this bait has all the same great features I’ve grown to love.
NUKI BUG BUILD
The Yamamoto Nuki Bug enhances the popular Yamatanuki with added legs and claws for an irresistible action. Featuring Yamamoto’s famous soft plastic material known for its high salt content, this bait is sure to get you bites. Designed for weightless Texas-rigging and numerous other casting presentations, the Nuki Bug includes a hook slot for weedless use that accommodates your favorite wide-gap hook, perfect for snag-free fishing around heavy cover and structure.
Its thick, ribbed body provides excellent castability. Two flanged craw appendages deliver a lively kicking action that attracts attention in open water. Suitable for various water conditions, currents, and environments, the Yamamoto Nuki Bug comes in classic color schemes, making it versatile for different techniques and rigging options.
FAVORITE FEATURES
I’ve used the Nuki bug for the last several months, and I’ve found a few scenarios where it really shines. I’ve been a long time user of the Yamatanuki, and this bait shares many of the same qualities I love in that bait. I prefer the Nuki Bug over the Yamatanuki whenever I’m around stained water or fishing a weighted hook. The added arms and flapper allow this bait to displace water as it moves through the water column, all while maintaining the same sink rate as traditional Yamamoto baits.
These appendages are great when fishing this lure with an added weight such as on a Carolina Rig or Texas Rig. The Yamatanuki was designed with a weightless presentation in mind, however the Nuki Bug’s added claws allow for faster moving presentations. I’ve used this bait on a Texas Rig, Wobble Head and on a jig, all of which have caught loads of bass.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I’ve used this bait on three different fisheries, practicing a variety of techniques. My most productive day using the Yamatanuki was targeting clumps of hydrilla on Lake Guntersville. I rigged the Nuki Bug on a Texas Rig using a 4/0 Gamakatsu Flippin’ Hook and a 1-ounce tungsten flipping weight. I would flip this bait into thick, matted clumps of hydrilla, often getting bit on the initial fall. I caught numerous bass that day, and I believe the added action of the appendages helped draw fish in from a distance.
I’ve also fished this bait on offshore hard spots throughout the late summer and early fall. Most of the remaining ledge fish this time of year are fairly skittish. I typically rely on slower moving bottom baits this time of year, and I’ve had lots of success throwing the Yamamoto Nuki Bug. I typically throw this bait on a Wobble head, and I’ve landed numerous 4 and 5-pound bass practicing this technique. I typically fish this bait by dragging it slowly along the bottom, however I’ll change my retrieve based on their reaction.
I’m always excited to test each year’s ICAST releases, and this year was no different. I’ve had a blast throwing the Yamamoto Nuki Bug, and I’m confident it will catch tons of bass for me this season. If you’re looking for your next new craw-style bait, the Yamamoto Nuki Bug might just be your answer.
