Much of Optimum Baits’ success in Japan is due in large part because of “Satan Shimada.” One of Madness Japan’s lure designers he is known throughout Japan as being one of the best “MONSTER BASS HUNTERS”… and there is a good reason for that.
On April 22nd 2003, at Lake Ikehara in Nara Japan, Satan broke the Japanese largemouth bass record. This monster was caught on an Optimum Heavy Cover Double Spin and tipped the scales at 19.2lbs!
Satan is one of the most influential swimbait anglers in Japan and continues to develop some of the best-known swimbaits in Japan including the Madness Japan Balam 300.
Satan Shimada, has been fishing for Madness Japan since 2000. Here he hoists a trophy Lake Ikehara largemouth caught on his Balam 300!
Optimum Baits CEO Matt Paino gives us a rundown on the monster bait from Madness Japan.
 The Silicon Tail can easily be changed as it’s equipped with two side pins. |
 60LB Split Rings should be used instead of tying direct. |
 Shimada prefers to use egg snaps as he says the lure is not restricted and it avoids the possibility of the line getting caught in the split rings. |
Made out of ABS plastic and a silicone tail, this 300mm (12inches) four jointed bait weighs in at 6.5oz. Check out the video below for a glance at just how unique this monster bait is under the surface.
Videos
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BALAM 300 Specifications:
Size 300mm (12 Inches)
Sinking: Weight 182g (6.5oz)
Hook: Decoy 1/0
Material: ABS Plastic
Tail: Silicon
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Colors: Double click to open colors tab and click to rotate through all of the available colors.
The Balam comes in a classy custom box.
The Balam can be retrieved at all speeds, but Shimada says it excels when it is burned. The body quivers tightly producing a rolling action in it’s front joint and then a tight frantic action followed up with the back 3 joints.
