Vagabond Swims into the Mainstream

Introduction: In the tackle industry, there's eye candy, and then there are companies like Vagabond. Always with a presence at past ICAST events, we long ago adopted a look, but don't touch approach when it came to this Japanese lure manufacturer known for hand carved, hand painted works of lure art and equally impressive, hand built rods. They are a prime example of the difference between the Japanese and US markets - until this year.

Thanks to their new baits like the Simson, Vagabonds are no longer in the look but don't touch category of baits.

The Simson is priced at only $30 and will come in 6 different colors.

Simson: Yes, we said this year. Vagabond crosses to this side of the pond in 2012 with their first injection molded baits made to the same painstaking detail as their other baits, but on a larger production scale. The Simson is the first in this lineup of new baits from Vagabond and measures in a just over 4 inches (officially 105mm) weighing just under one ounce (24 grams). It will be available in 6 realistic colors and retail for all of $30.

Right behind the Simson is the new Swim Hustler.

The Swim Hustler is a six inch bait weighing 1.3 ounces and will retail for $28.

Swim Hustler: Next is the Swim Hustler, a six inch (150mm), 1.3 ounce (37grams) two jointed surface bait with a minnow like profile. This bait will be available in eight different colors and retail for $28.

The V-alive Crust Bug resembles a reef tank cleaner shrimp.

V-alive Crust Bug 4.5": Vagabond enters the soft bait market much in the same manner they approach the hard bait market - with baits so realistic, hopefully any swimming fish will have no choice but to try and sample what is in front of them. The Crust Bug resembles a large shrimp out on the prowl looking for food.

The Air Bait Slim is Vagabond's take on the trick worm.

It will come in 4.5 and 7.7 inch lengths and retail for $6.99.

M.H.C. Worms Air Bait Slim: Looking for a high end trick worm? the Air Bait Slim will be available in 4.5 and 7.7 inch lengths and features a ribbed tail section together with a more traditional head. The bait can be rigged in the nose, on a ball head jig, darter head, as a jig trailer, and of course wacky. Just about any way you want to put a hook in it is likely worth trying. They will sell in packs of 10 or 5 depending on the length all for $6.99.

Naturally, there were plenty of the look but don't touch lures in Vagabond's booth at ICAST as well.