JDM Handmade crankbaits

[socal cranker]

Japanese handmade crankbaits are my weakness. The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship are outstanding. Many have actions that you simply will not find in US produced baits.

First crank up for your viewing pleasure:

TH Tackle - THF-2

[RMCatchNrelease]

Very unique design. Does it have a tight wobble?

[Hogsticker2]

Nice. Looks like a slippery slope. Where do you view and acquire your cranks?

[socal cranker]

RM, yes it does have a tight wiggle (side to side) action. Not a lot of wobble (body roll). This bait is unique in that the line tie is placed in a hole in the lip. If you bend the line tie down further into the slot in the lip the action gets stronger or wider.

[socal cranker]

Hog, I have been tracking these things down for years and have now made friends with many guys in Japan. And yes it is a slippery slope. Some of the stuff available over there is not matched by baits over here.

[socal cranker]

The THF-2 has a little brother too

THF-1

[socal cranker]

Flat Flicker: One of my favorite little balsa cranks. This thing is super lively action wise - fast fluttering.

[socal cranker]

Here is another favorite. Tight action crank great for cold water

[spookybaits]

Very nice! I hear those TH swimbaits aren't too shabby either...
I'm a big fan of the Arcadia reef cranks(or AR here in the states- if there are any left). Not the most durable but that's common with many balsa plugs. Great action.
I've been trying to get my hands on some Sakura baits for a long time, no luck.
And some others...
I held off on hunting any more jdm wood cranks down, figure I'll save my money and wait till I visit Japan.
That, and I've been more than happy with the new Bagley B1's & Honey B's. The paint schemes are lame/dated, but the action is incredible, just like the old ones, and will hunt right out of the package. A few of the Zoom balsa crank models are pretty badass too- the model that's a knockoff of the Bagley B... Think it's e1, and another model that escapes me.
And Tennessee tuffy Tiny-T's & T-S's are great tight action shallow baits too...


Yeah.. handmade baits are the sh*t. And tight actions... For the longest time I thought wide wobblers in warm water, tight actions in cold water. Now I fish tight actions year round. IM sure the wide wobblers catch plenty fish, but I've just lost confidence in them. They just don't look realistic, and fish seem to get smarter every year.

[socal cranker]

spookybaits,

The main problem I have found with the Japanese handmades is the very small numbers they are produced in. Most tackle shops sell out a short time after getting stock in.

I have not tried the TH Tackle swimbaits yet. I have only used the THF-1 and THF-2 with some THR-2 on the way now.

The Sukura baits have a much wider action than I would have thought. But, I only have the Masakari Jr and Ripping Flat.

I tend to agree with you on the tight action thing...The vast majority of my cranks have a tighter action.

The Sukura do have a crazy design

[socal cranker]

Remembered to take a pic of the lowered line tine on the THF-1

[socal cranker]

Just got this as part of my Christmas present from a buddy in Japan. I love the color Lime Coach Dog, LCD, his take on it is way cool!

[carl-c]

Simply awesome , love the colors.

[stalking coyote]

Nice Baits SoCal .. perhaps I will have to post some of mine .. since we share the same addiction .. LOL !

[stalking coyote]

Here is an Abalone FD Customs Kunai Bloody Gold Snake.