Eclipse x Gan Craft Jointed Claw 178F

A lipless jointed swimbait, the Jointed Claw produces a pronounced S-shaped swimming action on a straight retrieve, and can also be worked with dead-sticking, twitches and jerks for a range of presentations from one hull. Being lipless, all of its swimming action comes from the joint and the retrieve rather than a diving bill, which is what allows it to be fished shallow, on the surface, or twitched in place.

A big-bait option for seabass and other saltwater shore sportfish, it suits river mouths, harbours and open coastal marks where a large, undulating swimbait profile is needed to draw a reaction from big fish. It's best reserved for sessions specifically targeting larger-than-average seabass, since its size and profile are built to draw a reaction from big fish rather than to fish efficiently for average-sized ones.

A straight, steady retrieve shows off the S-curve swim at its best; slow right down or dead-stick it over known holding water, and use sharp twitches or jerks to change the rhythm when fish are following. Because it's lipless, take care not to retrieve it too fast, since losing the S-curve roll into a flat, straight tracking swim removes most of what makes this lure effective.

A heavy-power big-bait spinning or baitcasting rod, a 4000-5000 reel, PE2-3 braid and a 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader suit the 178mm, roughly 56.6g Jointed Claw and its twin-hook rigging. Given the size and weight of the lure and the fish it's built to draw, check the twin-hook system and split rings regularly and land big fish with a net.