Bass Angler Magazine Podcast

Mastering the Urchin Bait – Techniques, Rigging, and Tournament Strategy

Episode Summary

In this episode of the BAM Podcast, Big Ed Everhart sits down with accomplished tournament anglers Joe Mariani and Ty Manterola to discuss one of bass fishing’s fastest-growing lure categories—the Urchin Bait. Originally developed in Japan, this unique soft-plastic lure has quickly become a favorite among anglers using forward-facing sonar and those targeting pressured bass. The discussion covers the history of the bait, why it has become so effective, and how anglers continue to discover new ways to fish it. Joe and Ty explain that while many anglers originally viewed the bait as a tool for targeting fish locked on structure, it has evolved into an incredibly versatile presentation capable of catching suspended, cruising, and shallow fish. Listeners will learn how proper weighting affects the bait’s slow-sinking action, why natural colors consistently outperform more elaborate patterns, and how different hook styles and rigging methods can dramatically change the lure’s performance. The guests also explain how the bait’s unique tentacles create subtle movement that often triggers reluctant bass into striking. The conversation expands beyond lure selection into tackle recommendations, line choices, storage tips for TPE plastics, and the importance of preserving the bait’s natural action. Joe and Ty also discuss the differences between traditional Urchin-style baits and Dice-style baits, when each excels, and why manufacturers continue introducing new versions. The second half of the podcast shifts toward tournament fishing as the group previews upcoming BAM Trail events on the Columbia River. They discuss the challenges anglers will face at Tri-Cities, expected fishing conditions, local favorites, and strategies that could separate the leaders from the field.

Episode Notes

Whether you’re curious about the latest Japanese finesse techniques or preparing for your next tournament, this episode delivers practical advice that anglers can immediately apply on the water.

Episode Highlights

• The origin and rapid rise of the Urchin Bait.
• Why younger anglers are developing innovative techniques with the bait.
• Selecting the correct size for spotted bass versus largemouth bass.
• How bait weight affects fall rate and triggering strikes.
• Best colors to start with, including Green Pumpkin and Shad patterns.
• Fishing around grass, timber, rock, and suspended fish.
• Rigging options using single hooks, treble hooks, and weighted systems.
• Why fluorocarbon line generally outperforms braid for this presentation.
• Proper storage techniques for TPE soft plastics.
• Differences between Dice baits and Urchin baits.
• Creative modifications anglers are making to improve bait performance.
• Tournament preview for the BAM Super 60 on the Columbia River.
• Regional fishing insights from Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Gear & Technique Takeaways

• Match bait size to the species and conditions.
• Focus on achieving a slow, natural sink rate.
• The bait’s movement is more important than exact color selection.
• Strong, stiff tentacles create the best underwater action.
• Experiment with weighted hooks to fine-tune fall speed.
• Fluorocarbon helps maintain better bait control and hook-up percentages.
• Store TPE baits separately to prevent warping and damage.
• Don’t limit the bait to LiveScope fishing—it can be effective around nearly every type of cover.

Tournament Talk

The crew also previews upcoming BAM Trail events, discussing:

• Columbia River fishing conditions.
• Boardman versus Tri-Cities strategies.
• Local anglers expected to contend.
• Wind and current considerations.
• Catch expectations and what it may take to win.
• Rich Craft’s confidence heading into competition.

Featured Sponsors

Thanks to the companies that support BAM and tournament anglers across the West.

• BAM Trail
• Bass Angler Magazine
• BAM Super 60
• Tournament sponsor partners discussed throughout the episode.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve been hearing about Urchin Baits but weren’t sure how or when to fish them, this episode breaks everything down—from lure selection and rigging to real-world tournament applications. Joe Mariani and Ty Manarola share the techniques they’re using to consistently catch bass, while offering insights into one of the fastest-growing trends in modern bass fishing. Whether you fish clear reservoirs, grass lakes, or river systems, you’ll come away with practical tips that can help put more fish in the boat.