Gan Craft: You knew that sooner or later we'd have to delve into the JDM side of the jig market and investigate what's going on overseas. Afterall, the jig is such a basic bait, surely our friends in Japan must have their own interpretation of this product. First up in our brief Enthusiast investigation into the jig is Gan Craft and their Core Head Jig.
Introducing the Gan Craft Core Head Jig.
Gan Craft Core Head Jig
Specifications |
|
Type |
Grass Jig |
|
Skirt |
Fine Rubber |
|
Sizes |
1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, 5/8 oz |
|
Colors/Patterns |
7 |
|
Hook |
Unknown |
|
MSRP |
570 JPY ~ $6.70 (but can be found for under $5 online) |
The Skirt: The Gan Craft Core Head jig features a hand tied, very fine rubber skirt. At least that is the reported fastening method. The interesting thing about this jig is the way in which the head and baitkeeper are designed it almost appears as if the skirt is pressed into the head by the bait keeper. This conceals the threads from any external influences helping the jig's skirt to stay in place as long as possible.
The Gan Craft Core Head reminds us of the belly busting creature that chased Sigourney Weaver around space for a couple of
epic adventure movies.
The Hook: Product information is sketchy on the Core Head jig. All we know for certain is the jig's hook is VERY sharp and finished out in black. We're uncertain as to the brand, but we can say the hook has held up well and comes through the weed guard just fine.
The finish on Gan Craft's jig heads are what we've come to expect from most JDM products.
Head & Line Tie: The interesting tidbit about this jig, of course, is in the streamlined, Alien-like head design. The line tie itself is exposed and our baits were free from paint in the line tie. The head starts out as a hybrid between an arkie and grass/flipping head, but then scoops down the back and cuts in on the sides to provide a very sculpted form. Certainly this will make no difference to the fish, but as with most JDM product, it is fun to admire.
The baitkeeper on the Core Head features a secondary flute that serves to conceal the skirt wrap and protect it from premature wear.
Durability: We're also uncertain as to the actual finish on the jig head, but we can say it's held up quite well to fishing and our requisite sidewalk torture test. We threw this jig up several times, letting it come crashing down, and witnessed no damage.
Did this bass attack the jig or did the jig attack the bass? We're still not clear.
Availability: Gan Craft was represented at this past year's ICAST in Orlando, Florida, so one can only guess they are trying to make their way into the North American fishing tackle market. Hopefully it is just a matter of time. However, for now, if you're interested in this product, the next best way to get it is to send an email to JapanTackle, Plat, or ProShop Otsuka and see if they can order it from Gan Craft on your behalf.
