IMA Ataru 80S | 80mm 11g – The Finesse Sinking Specialist

At Gerry’s Fishing, we recognize that sometimes the most effective way to target wary predators is with a lure that offers both precision and a subtle, natural presence. The IMA Ataru 80S is a master of the “shallow-sinking” category. At 80mm and 11g, it sits in the perfect “finesse” bracket—heavy enough to cast with accuracy, yet small enough to mimic the exact size of the yearling baitfish that Bass and Trout obsess over.

While it is a sinking minnow, the Ataru 80S is specifically tuned to hunt in the upper layers. It combines a stable weight distribution with a high-response lip, ensuring that it starts its seductive wobbling and rolling action the moment it hits the water.

Why the Ataru 80S is a Finesse Staple

1. Controlled Shallow Search

The standout feature of the Ataru 80S is its specialized depth control. Unlike deep-diving sinking minnows that plummet to the bottom, this lure is designed to work in the 0.2m to 0.6m range (approx. 30cm on a standard retrieve). This makes it an absolute “killer” for fishing over shallow reefs, submerged weed beds, or estuary flats where you need the stability of a sinking lure without the constant risk of snagging the seabed.

2. High-Response Rolling Action

IMA has tuned the Ataru 80S to be highly responsive to rod input. On a straight retrieve, it produces a tight, natural roll that mimics an unsuspecting baitfish cruising the margins. However, because it is a sinking model, it maintains its balance even in fast-moving currents or when fished with aggressive twitches, making it a versatile tool for both still and moving water.

3. “Sniper” Casting Accuracy

At 11g, this 80mm lure is remarkably dense for its size. This compact weight distribution allows it to cut through the air with minimal resistance. For the shore-based angler, this means you can make precise, long-distance “sniping” casts into tight gullies or current seams, ensuring your lure lands exactly where the fish are holding.

Technical Specifications

Product Details and Uses

Mastering the Shallow Water Hunt

The Ataru 80S is at its best when stealth is required. In saltwater, it is an exceptional choice for Bass patrolling very shallow, clear water. Because the lure is small and silent, it doesn’t overwhelm the environment. In freshwater, it is a lethal tool for Trout and large Perch in shallow river glides or along the edges of reservoir dams. The robust construction ensures it can handle being bounced around rocky structures without losing its action.

Techniques for Success

• The “Slow-Sink” Pause: Because it is a sinking lure, you can kill the retrieve to let the Ataru 80S flutter down into deeper pockets. Most strikes occur the second you resume the retrieve.

• The “Twitch-and-Slide”: Use short, sharp snaps of the rod tip to make the lure dart side-to-side. This mimics a panicked sprat or minnow and is often the only way to trigger a “reaction strike” from a territorial predator.

• Steady Retrieve: In fast-moving estuary tides, a simple steady wind is often enough. The “lip” design will catch the flow and keep the lure vibrating and rolling in the strike zone.

Durability and Reliability

IMA uses only high-grade materials and corrosion-resistant hardware. The Ataru 80S is equipped with ultra-sharp treble hooks designed for maximum penetration power. The body is built to withstand the rigorous use of both saltwater and freshwater environments, ensuring that the finish stays vibrant and the internal balance remains perfect session after session.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

When fishing very shallow estuary mouths on a rising tide, try the “Drift-and-Wind” method. Cast the Ataru 80S across the current and let the tide carry it in an arc. Retrieve just fast enough to keep the line tight. Because the lure sinks slowly and swims shallow, it will “swim” perfectly along the current seam where Bass are usually waiting for washed-out baitfish.

Compact, accurate, and incredibly responsive—the IMA Ataru 80S is the precision-tuned sinking minnow that turns shallow-water searching into consistent catching.