Megabass DOT Crawler

The Megabass DOT Crawler is manufactured in three sizes. But the 4.8-inch one is the one that catches the eyes of Midwest finesse anglers, which they will rig on a 1/16- or 3/32-ounce mushroom-style jig. It can also be affixed to a wacky jig or on a Neko rig.

It was introduced to American anglers at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show in Orlando, Florida, on July 15.

Megabass and Tetsuya Nakamura, who is a much heralded largemouth bass angler from Osaka, Japan, worked together on this rendition of Megabass' Custom Worm Series. According to Nakamura and many of the folks at Megabass, the DOT Crawler possesses an intrinsic ability to allure largemouth bass — especially lunker-size ones — when it is presented in a do-nothing manner.

It squirms and wriggles as it plummets towards the bottom in a horizontal position. It also quivers alluringly when anglers crawl and shake it as they retrieve it across the bottom.

Its body is supple and exhibits what Megabass calls "a perfect balance between hard and soft." It is impregnated with salt and shrimp scent. Its entire torso is stippled with scores of small pin holes, and Megabass says the holes help to "provide consistency while rigging the bait." These holes also enhance "its lifelike, undulating action," which "is perfect for wacky rigging or using with a Neko Rig."

In addition to the various gyrations that its body exhibits, its pintail also vibrates provocatively. Its tail is similar to the one on Jackall's I Shad and several other acclaimed  finesse baits from Japan.

It is heavy, dense, and easy to cast — even when it is rigged wacky style on a sinkerless hook.

It is manufactured in 14 matte finish and lifelike colors: Ayu, Chartreuse and Pearl, Clear Red, Doba, Green Pumpkin Blue, Natural Pro Blue, Numa Ebi, Ochi Ayu, Real, Scuppernong, Scuppernong Silver Flake, Trout, Ugui, and Unagi.

A package of five can be purchased on some online venues for about $9.99.

---