It’s uncommon to see a very progressive lure launched into the bass fishing house, however such is the case with the Geecrack Bellows Gill. Although this Japanese Home Market (JDM) lure has been out for a number of years now — and is a well-liked decide amongst anglers within the know — it’s flown comparatively beneath the radar. That’s, till lately.
As of late, this bait is gaining some traction right here within the States. However its odd development undoubtedly has a large variety of bass anglers nonetheless asking, “What is that this factor good for?” and “How would I even rig it?”
Properly, these are the precise questions we’re right here that will help you with at this time. To raised perceive the Bellows Gill myself, I leaned on the experience of bass fishing stud Mike Meisenheimer higher often known as Mikey Balzz. He’s been tinkering with this bait this summer season, and his current YouTube video on the lure really sparked our curiosity in doing a chunk about it. Right here’s what Meisenheimer needed to say about why he thinks the Geecrack Bellows Gill is so particular, and learn how to use it.
Understanding the Geecrack Bellows Gill
The Bellows Gill has a physique formed like a flattened soccer. There’s a pin tail on one finish and a stubbed nostril on the opposite, with a backbone connecting the 2. Skinny ribs span the bait from nostril to tail, and the ribs differ regularly in thickness and width as you progress alongside the bait.
The Bellows Gill is available in 31 colour selections in addition to 4 sizes: 2-inch, 2.8-inch, 3.8-inch, and 5.8-inch. Retailing for $9.49 per pack, you get 7, 6, 5 and three per pack respectively.
The right way to Rig the Bellows Gill
The Bellows Gill is as versatile as it’s distinctive. You possibly can fish it on a belly-weighted swimbait hook in case you’d like or you possibly can rig it up on a Carolina rig. You might additionally slide one on the again of a jig or chatterbait as a trailer, or use one on a skirtless buzzbait, pair it with a swing head or Tokyo rig, and even slip the 2-inch model on a Ned rig. The choices are limitless.
Nonetheless the only solution to rig the Bellows Gill is on a Texas rig. Right here’s how.
Step 1: Choose your bullet weight measurement. One thing round 1/4-ounce will permit for extra of a horizontal glide on the autumn. Heavier weights will generate a extra vertical fall.
Step 2: Choose your hook. An EWG is the most effective guess, since this bait has quite a lot of plastic to it. The additional vast hole offers extra chew and generates a greater hookup than conventional worm hooks with spherical bends.
Step 3: Run your line by means of the bullet weight, then tie on the hook utilizing your knot of alternative.
Step 4: Orient the bait in order that it lays flat after which run the hook level into the nostril of the bait a couple of half inch and out the underside. Slide the nostril of the bait up onto the bend of the hook.
Step 5: Run the hook level again by means of the underside of the bait and out of its again. Then pores and skin the purpose of the hook again into the highest of the bait.
What Makes the Bellows Gill so Efficient
“It’s a very totally different profile,” says Meisenheimer. “The ribs actually give it this attention-grabbing motion, even in your hand. You’ll be amazed at how pliable it’s once you take it out of the bundle. It’s a really tender and delicate bait. It actually jiggles and strikes with little or no power imparted on it.”
When looking for different baits to match the Bellows Gill too, Meisenheimer landed on a cross between a Roboworm Zipper Worm and a Response Improvements 5.20 Beaver.
“It’s like a magnum oval-esque Zipper Worm from just like the mid-90s out of California,” he says. “It has that very tender type of Roboworm poured plastic to it. And it’s like flipping a 5.20 Beaver. It’s acquired a glide and also you don’t want that a lot weight. You possibly can simply flip it on the market and it does its little glide, jiggle factor.”
Meisenheimer credit the motion and effectiveness of this bait not solely to the profile of it, but in addition to the fabric used to make it.
“The ribs are very skinny which provides to that motion. They tear up fairly simply. However I believe that’s a part of the explanation they’ve such good motion.”
Meisenheimer additionally dropped at my consideration the Floating Elastomer model of the Geecrack Bellows Gill. This model of the bait has the identical profile however is made from an excellent buoyant materials. This makes the bait much more versatile and higher fitted to a Carolina rig, drop shot, and free rig. The Floating Elastomer model is available in a handful of colours and one measurement (2.8 inches).
Remaining Ideas on the Geecrack Bellows Gill
There’s quite a bit you are able to do with the Bellows Gill. In case you’re going to rig the bait weedless on a Texas rig, Carolina rig, Tokyo rig or swing head, you’ll wish to use both an EWG hook or at the least a straight shank one. These hooks are higher suited to accommodate the additional plastic this lure brings to the desk. You can even rig the bait with the hook level uncovered on jigs, Ned rigs, chatterbaits and different baits.
In any case, remember the fact that a lighter weight will permit the bait to do extra. The heavier the burden, the extra vertical the autumn. However the fantastic thing about this bait is in its glide and extra intricate actions — from the undulation of the physique to the wave of its ribs to the wag of its little tail. All of those finer features of the bait could have a greater impact whereas working the bait slower, with lighter weight. So maintain it gentle together with your weights and let the Geecrack Bellows Gill actually shine.