Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits' California Roll

For years on end Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits have made soft-plastic baits for finesse anglers, such as the Shad Shape Worm, three-inch Senko, and a variety of worms.

In 2015, they introduced the California Roll to the angling world. And since then it has caught the attention of several Midwest finesse anglers. Recently one of these anglers hinted that we are overdue in writing a gear guide about it. We agree.

The California Roll is five inches long.

Its head is flat. The body is cylinder shaped and encircled with scores of tiny segments or ribs. Some anglers describe the body as being similar to a Senko. The surface of the clitellum, which anglers frequently call an egg sack, is smooth. The clitellum is situated near the middle of its body.

At the end of the body, a spade-shaped tail is attached, which adds a new dimension and action to the standard Senko or stickbait.  The tail is said to move a lot of water, which generates a lot of movement of the body or torso of the California Roll.

The folks at Yamamoto say that anglers can affix it to a neko rig, or employ it on a wacky rig, or rig it on a darter-style jig.

Midwest finesse anglers, however, will rig it on a mushroom-style jig, such as Gopher Tackle's 1/16- or 3/32-ounce Mushroom Head. And this combo will work well with all six of the Midwest finesse retrieves.   Midwest finesse anglers are inveterate trimmers and customizers, and they will shorten it by trimming an inch or more from the front end or head of it.

It is available in the following colors: Baby Bass, Black Blue Flake, Dark Green Pumpkin Purple Amber Black, Green Pumpkin Watermelon Laminate, Green Pumpkin Purple & Copper Flake, Green Pumpkin Red Flake Watermelon Belly, Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Green Pumpkin Green & Purple, Watermelon Black & Red Flake, and Watermelon Black Flake.

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A package of 10 coats $6.39.