IMA Miniel 35 | 35mm 2.2g – The Ultra-Light Finesse Master

At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that sometimes “big” isn’t better—it’s just more likely to spook a wary fish. The IMA Miniel 35 is the definition of “micro-sized but mighty.” Measuring just 35mm (1.4 inches) and weighing a mere 2.2g, this is a dedicated ultra-light (UL) finesse lure designed to “match the hatch” when predators are keyed into tiny young-of-the-year fry or micro-baitfish.

Don’t let the diminutive size fool you; this is a high-performance hard bait. It offers the durability and consistent action of a premium plug in a package that fits on a fingernail. It’s a “secret weapon” for clear water, high-pressure venues, and those days when the fish are following larger lures but refusing to commit.

Why the Miniel 35 is an Ultra-Light Essential

1. Consistent “Speed-Independent” Action

One of the most impressive features of the Miniel 35 is its stability. Unlike many micro-lures that “blow out” or stop working if you change your retrieval speed, the Miniel 35 maintains a natural, seductive swimming action whether you are crawling it back at a snail’s pace or burning it through a current. It mimics the erratic, vibrating shiver of tiny forage perfectly.

2. Micro-Aerodynamics

Casting a 2.2g lure can be a challenge, but IMA has utilized a compact, dense design that helps the Miniel 35 cut through the air better than most lures in its weight class. When paired with the correct Ultra-Light (UL) gear, it allows for the precise, “sniping” casts needed to hit pockets under overhanging trees or along reed fringes.

3. High-Definition Realism

Despite its tiny surface area, IMA has packed the Miniel 35 with detail. It features highly realistic 3D eyes and a range of “fry-pattern” colors that mimic the translucent and shimmering nature of freshwater baitfish. To a Perch, Chub, or Bass, it looks less like a lure and more like a lost snack.

Technical Specifications

Product Details and Uses

The Ultimate Perch and Chub Tool

While it is a world-class Bass lure, the Miniel 35 is a devastating tool for UK and European species.

• Perch: The 35mm profile is the exact size of the “pin-fry” that Perch obsess over during the summer and autumn.

• Chub: Its small size makes it a perfect “imitation” of a small bleak or minnow—deadly when cast near overhanging bushes or bridge pilings.

• Trout: In clear streams, the subtle, slow-sinking action can entice territorial Trout that would be spooked by a larger, louder lure.

Stealth and Subtle Retrieves

The lightweight construction makes the Miniel 35 ideal for slow and subtle retrieves. Because it sinks slowly, you can work it through the upper and middle layers of the water column with a “twitch-and-drift” style. This mimics a wounded or dying fry drifting in the current, which is an irresistible trigger for any nearby predator.

Reliable Micro-Hardware

Small lures need sharp hooks to ensure the weight of the fish is enough to set the barb. IMA has equipped the Miniel 35 with sharp, high-durability treble hooks that provide quick penetration. Even on the light, flexible rods used for UL fishing, these hooks ensure a secure hold.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

To get the absolute best out of the Miniel 35, you must use the right gear. Pair it with a 0.5–5g or 1–7g rated Ultra-Light rod and the thinnest braid you can manage (typically 0.04mm to 0.06mm). If you find the fish are shadowing the lure but not striking, try a “Dead-Stick” pause—let the lure slowly sink for two seconds before giving it one tiny, sharp “shiver” with the rod tip.

Finesse, realism, and precision—the IMA Miniel 35 is the micro-specialist that turns a quiet day into a busy one.