Optimum Baits Co. Newsletter August, 2026

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August 2026

Rigged & Ready Tackle Update

FRILLED SHAD — 5.7" NEW SIZE & 4.7" RESTOCK

The realistic, baitfish-inspired FRILLED SHAD is now available in a new 5.7″ size, giving anglers a larger profile while maintaining the lifelike action that makes the original so effective.
 
Designed to mimic streamlined baitfish such as smelt, the FRILLED SHAD produces a subtle quivering and twisting action, combined with a natural rolling motion on the retrieve. Its ultra-realistic body, lifelike eyes, and detailed scale-like grooves add to its natural appearance, helping it fool fish even in tough conditions.
 
The new 5.7″ FRILLED SHAD comes four per pack, while the 4.7″ size is also back in stock and comes five per pack.

Optimum Bait Co. Newsletter AUGUST, 2026

August is bringing plenty of new options to the lineup. From new sizes and colors of some of our most popular baits to long-awaited arrivals and restocks, there’s a lot to look forward to this month.
deps is bringing several new and returning favorites this month, starting with the new Frilled Shad 5.7″, followed by the restock of the Korrigan Break 800 and Barbute 3.5″. The popular Sakamata Shad 3″ also returns with two new colors making their U.S. debut.
From Zappu and Fish Magnet, look for new colors of the Limboo 4″ and Magatail 4.5″, along with the U.S. debut of Fish Magnet’s new ZXY 4.5″ soft bait.
ima continues to expand its lineup with new saltwater and freshwater colors, while AA Worms adds the long-awaited GLOW colors to the popular Bad Bubba Shad 3″, 4″, and 5″.
Take a look at what’s new and back in stock this August!

Quick Review for JUNE's release and arrival items

[deps]

  • 5.7″ Frilled Shad
  • Korrigan Break 800 
  • Barbute 3.5″
  • Sakamata 3″ 

[FISH MAGNET]

  • ZXY 4.5″
  • Magatail 4.5″

[ZAPPU]

  • Limboo 4″

[AA WORMS]

  • Bad Bubba Shad 3″,4″ and 5″ #GLOW

Click the above button to see full list of new items, colors, and sizes for each brand

deps KORRIGAN BREAK 800
Back in Stock

The KORRIGAN BREAK 800 is back in stock. Built to reach extreme depths, this 106mm, 66g crankbait can dive as deep as 33 feet with 16lb fluorocarbon, making it ideal for targeting deep-holding bass.
A thin 1.2mm circuit board lip and large moving tungsten weight help maintain its tight, stable action and long-distance casting performance even in deep water.

DISCOVER THE BARBUTE 3.5"
The BARBUTE 3.5" is back in stock. Since its release in 2014, the BARBUTE has earned a loyal following among anglers across Japan, with its unique performance shining especially when fished on a Free Rig.
But what makes this bait so effective—and why has it continued to catch bass for more than a decade?
We sent our U.S. team to Lake Biwa, Japan, where former Bassmaster Elite Series pro MASA, the creator of the BARBUTE, breaks down the bait and shares the secrets behind its proven Free Rig performance.

Watch the video below to see the BARBUTE in action on Lake Biwa.

Bass Catch Compilation & Former Elite Pro Masa Breaks Down BARBUTE
In the second video, MASA takes a closer look at the BARBUTE while sharing more insight into its design, action, and proven bass-catching performance.

deps Sakamata 3" —NEW COLORS & RESTOCK

The popular SAKAMATA SHAD 3" is back, now featuring two colors making their U.S. debut: #39 Pearl White and #129 Reservoir Shad. Several additional colors have also been restocked, giving anglers even more options for downsizing and finesse presentations.

The SAKAMATA SHAD 2" and 2.5" are also back in stock.
For complete color and availability details, check the Order Sheet or visit our New Releases & Arrivals page.

FISH MAGNET – New Soft Baits ZXY 4.5inch

FISH MAGNET ZXY 4.5″ — U.S. DEBUT –
THE XYZ Golden Ratio
A modern lure designed for fishing you can see, the ZXY 4.5″, developed by Takuma Hata, features a unique square cross-section refined through extensive testing.
The Golden Ratio That Comes Alive Underwater
The ZXY features precisely engineered flat surfaces created around a specific “Golden Ratio” of its X, Y, and Z dimensions. These surfaces catch and displace water, directly influencing the lure’s action and producing a seductive, lifelike movement.
Its highly visible presentation allows anglers to track the lure, watch its movement, and see the strike happen—adding a visual dimension to the fishing experience.
Recommended Settings for Various Rigs
[Weightless Wacky] ZAPPU Rigid Finesse #2 or #3
[Weightless Offset] ZAPPU Bellows Hook #2 or #1
[Jig Head (Mid-Strolling/Midst Setting)] Round-type jig head recommended.
▶️ MUST SEE ACTION ↓
Featuring four fresh new colors introduced earlier this year, the Zappu Limboo 4″ and Fish Magnet Magatail 4.5″ are now available in the latest additions to their color lineups.

FISHING TOKYO BAY WITH ima JAPAN

The ima USA team teamed up with ima Japan for a day on Tokyo Bay, targeting black sea bream (kurodai) and sea bass (suzuki) aboard ORCA Tokyo Bay Fishing Navigator with Captain Tomo.
From Japan to the U.S., see how the IMA team puts their saltwater lineup to work on the water.
WATCH THE VIDEO
YOICHI 99 BALLISTA
After the trip to Japan, we brought the YOICHI 99 BALLISTA back to the U.S. This heavy, long-casting sinking minnow is designed for targeting saltwater species when distance and depth matter.
Explore the latest ima Saltwater Colors, developed specifically for American waters, along with the new Scaled Colors, designed to bring a realistic, detailed baitfish look to your freshwater lineup. The ima Glide is also producing great results in both saltwater and freshwater.

AA WORMS BAD BUBBA SHAD #GlOW

The popular AA BAD BUBBA SHAD is now available in #GLOW color in 3″, 4″, and 5″, joining the existing 7″ and 9″ sizes.
Glow adds a bold, highly visible presentation for low-light and deep-water conditions.
The BAD BUBBA SHAD features a realistic 3D scale pattern, a thick body designed to accommodate large hooks and jigheads, and a proven combination of body roll, tail vibration, and water displacement. Whether slow-rolled, burned fast, or rigged on an A-rig, it maintains its natural action.

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