A bottom-specific crayfish jig designed to resist snagging

Swimming Action

1. A crayfish model of the SLEEPER series, known for its strength at the bottom

The SLEEPER series by MEGABASS, popular not only in Japan but around the world, has seen several notable releases. In 2016, the DARK SLEEPER, inspired by gobies, was launched, followed by the SLEEPER GILL, themed after bluegills, in 2022. The latest addition in 2023 is the crawfish-shaped jig, the SLEEPER CRAW.
What makes it particularly appealing is its highly realistic shape, eliminating the need to laboriously mimic a crawfish with rubber jigs or Texas rigs—it simply looks unmistakably like a crawfish. In the photo, the SLEEPER CRAW is on the left, and a real crawfish is on the right, and at a glance, it's hard to tell them apart.

(Photo by LureMaga)

When bass are not actively pursuing small fish or are in high-pressure environments, their focus often shifts downwards, seeking prey near the bottom, in shaded areas, or hidden spots. During such times, crawfish, which commonly hide in the cover along shallow shores, become a primary target for bass predation.

Eliminating Snags with an Integrated Jig Head Hook

Thanks to a design where the hook is fully enclosed within the body and not exposed, you can drag it across the bottom without worrying about snags. Additionally, the hidden hook makes it less likely for bass to detect and avoid it. There might be concerns about a reduced hooking rate, but the area around the hook is designed with a hollow structure where material has been removed, ensuring that the body does not interfere with hooking and effectively secures the bass's jaw.

Mimicking and Intimidating: The Threatening Pose of a Crawfish with Raised Claws

The claws are hollow inside, which causes them to raise when the jig touches down, closely mimicking the threatening posture of a crawfish. The arms are attached by thin, flexible joints, making the movement resemble that of a living crawfish. Additionally, the four legs attached on each side of the torso twitch, enhancing the realism further.

2. Simulating a Fleeing Crawfish on the Drag to Trigger the Predatory Instinct

The SLEEPER CRAW is ideally used with a dragging technique. This involves lifting the rod, dragging the lure, and then reeling in the slack before repeating the process.
Its relatively heavy weight allows for long-distance casts and ensures it sinks properly to the bottom. This sequence of casting, sinking, and dragging creates an effective fishing rhythm. The SLEEPER CRAW is especially useful in areas with cover, where crawfish often hide, thanks to its renowned ability for easy skipping.
By combining dragging with pauses, you mimic a crawfish moving along the bottom and occasionally kicking up clouds of sand. This movement, when paused, can pique a bass's interest, leading to a bite at the opportune moment.

SLEEPER CRAW or Texas/Rubber Jigs: The Choice Simplified

While crawfish-themed Texas rigs or rubber jigs with claw-style soft-plastics are also effective, the SLEEPER CRAW offers a distinct advantage. With the SLEEPER CRAW, there's no need to assemble a rig; it's ready to use right out of the package, making it incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

A key difference between the SLEEPER CRAW and Texas rigs or rubber jigs is its ability to remain belly down when stationary, without flipping over. This ensures that the hook is always pointing upwards, resulting in fewer snags and a higher hook-up ratio during bites.

The belly portion is designed to be slightly firm, ensuring high durability and alleviating concerns about it quickly deteriorating like soft-plastic materials.

Of course, there's also a place for Texas rigs/rubber jigs. While the SLEEPER CRAW is available in one size as of 2024, measuring 7.6cm (approximately 3 inches) in length and weighing 18g (approximately 0.63 oz), with Texas rigs or rubber jigs, you can adjust the soft plastic or rubber used according to the situation. This allows you to downsize for a finesse approach or increase the size for a more pronounced presence, providing the flexibility to adapt to different conditions.

BOTTLE SHRIMP 3" [Brand New]

$9.99

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3. Tailoring Your Use of the SLEEPER Series Based on the Season

The SLEEPER series includes "Goby," "Bluegill," and "Crayfish" in its lineup. To effectively select the right bait based on what the bass are preying on, it's important to understand the seasonal patterns during which each bait is commonly preyed upon.

DARK SLEEPER: Goby Technique

Spring to Summer
As temperatures rise from spring to summer, increasing the activity of gobies, bass in their spawning to recovery phase begin to actively feed on gobies.

DARK SLEEPER 3" 3/4oz [Brand New]

$7.99

BIWAKO YOSHINOBORI - $7.99 CLEAR CHART - $7.99 CLEAR PINK - $7.99 DARK SHAD - $7.99 DONKO - $7.99 HANAHZE - Sold out HAZE - $7.99 MUTSUGOROU - $7.99 SHIRAUO - $7.99 WAKASAGI - $7.99

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SLEEPER GILL: Bluegill Technique

Spring, March to May
Bluegill, attracted to the eggs laid by bass, will approach them, prompting the bass to occasionally lunge and bite in what is known as "defensive feeding." This behavior is a response to bluegill threatening their spawn.
Early Summer to Mid-Summer
The spawning period for bluegill occurs from early to mid-summer, during which bass target the less energetic bluegill. This period coincides with the bass's post-spawn recovery phase, making bluegill an ideal baitfish for bass.

SLEEPER GILL 3.2" 3/4oz [Brand New]

$9.99

BLACK GILL - $9.99 BROWNIE - $9.99 CICHLID - $9.99 GHOST LIME CHART GILL - $9.99 GILL - $9.99 GILLKKO - $9.99 GLITTER NOIKE GILL - $9.99 GLITTER WILD GILL - $9.99 MB GIZZARD - $9.99 PERCH - $9.99 PINK BACK GILL - $9.99 PUMPKIN SEED - $9.99 SECRET BLUEGILL - $9.99 SUNSHINE GILL OB - $9.99 WILD GILL - $9.99

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SLEEPER CRAW: Crayfish Technique

Fall, September to November
Crayfish are active from March to November, but they are particularly sought after as bait by bass in the fall. As autumn arrives, bass aim to efficiently intake nutrients by consuming high-nutritional-value crustaceans in preparation for winter hibernation. Crayfish become more active and undergo frequent molting in the stable water temperatures of fall, making them easier to eat due to their softer shells.