IMA Nabarone 125F | 125mm 16g – The Precision Surface Hunter

At Gerry’s Fishing, we consider the IMA Nabarone 125F a true masterclass in collaboration. When two of Japan’s most prestigious lure houses—IMA and Duo—joined forces, they created a lure that combined high-end aesthetics with world-class aerodynamics. The 125F is the floating version of this legend, designed to skim the surface layers and fool the most cautious predators with its refined, high-frequency vibration.

While it is a devastating tool in freshwater for trophy-sized Pike and Perch, it is perhaps most famous in the UK as one of the “G.O.A.T” saltwater bass lures. Its slim, polycarbonate body is built to be a long-casting “search” bait that maintains its composure even when the current is pushing hard.

Why the Nabarone 125F is a Modern Classic

1. Polycarbonate “Armor” Construction

The 125F isn’t just another plastic minnow. It is crafted from high-grade polycarbonate, a material chosen for its incredible impact resistance. Whether you are bouncing it off rocky ledges or facing the punishing jaws of a double-figure bass, this lure is built to stay in the game for the long haul.

2. Subtle, High-Definition Action

Predators that have reached “trophy” size are often the ones that have seen every lure in the book. The Nabarone 125F counters this with an ultra-realistic, subtle swimming action. Its slender profile allows it to move with a natural shimmer that perfectly imitates a cruising baitfish. It doesn’t “over-act,” which is exactly why it is so effective in clear water where a louder lure might be ignored.

3. High-Speed Stability

Many floating lures tend to “blow out” or tumble if retrieved too quickly or caught in a fast current. Thanks to its stable hydrodynamic design and perfect fixing balance, the Nabarone 125F tracks straight and true. This stability makes it an excellent choice for fishing in fast-moving estuary channels or “ripping” the lure through the surface to trigger a reaction strike.

Technical Specifications

Product Details and Uses

Mastering the Surface Layer

The 125F is a shallow-water specialist. Diving to a maximum of around 0.8m, it is the perfect tool for fishing over the top of submerged weed beds, shallow rocky plateaus, and sunken timber. In freshwater environments, this makes it a lethal choice for Pike patrolling the margins. In the salt, it is the ultimate “skinny water” hunter for Bass searching for sprats and sandeels.

The Collaboration Advantage

The influence of Duo is clearly seen in the internal weight system, which allows this 16g lure to punch way above its weight class in terms of distance. The IMA influence is found in the “vane-less” style head and the exquisite, lifelike paint finishes. This combination ensures that you can reach the fish at distance and then fool them once the lure is in the strike zone.

Reliable Hardware

Equipped with three robust treble hooks, the Nabarone 125F ensures a high hook-up ratio. The hooks are designed to penetrate the tough, bony jaws of larger bass and hold fast during the frantic head-shakes and powerful runs that define a trophy catch.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

When fishing the Nabarone 125F in clear water, try the “Burn and Stall” technique. Retrieve the lure at a high speed for a few meters to create a visible wake and vibration, then stop it dead. Because it is a floating lure, it will begin to rise slowly toward the surface. Most “trophy” strikes occur during this rise, as the predator thinks the baitfish has finally run out of energy and is drifting toward the surface.

From clear-water lakes to rugged coastlines, the IMA Nabarone 125F is the resilient, high-performance hunter that sets the standard for long-casting minnows.