Megabass Genma 85S | 8.5cm 17g – The Stealth King of Sinking Pencils

When the bass are finicky and a standard bibbed minnow is just “too much,” the Megabass Genma 85S is the lure we reach for at Gerry’s Fishing. This is a high-performance sinking pencil (lipless minnow) designed with a singular focus: providing a natural, stealthy presentation without sacrificing the ability to “feel” what the lure is doing in the tide.

The Genma 85S is unique because it features a small vertical “plate fin” on the front of the head. This isn’t just for looks—it creates just enough water resistance so that you can feel the lure’s vibration through your rod tip, even on a slow retrieve, which is a game-changer for night fishing or windy days.

Why the Genma 85S is a Tactical Essential

1. The Horizontal “Shimmy” Fall

Most sinking lures tumble or nose-dive, which can spook wary bass. The Genma 85S is meticulously balanced to fall perfectly horizontal while emitting a seductive “shimmy” or body roll. Many of our customers report that the strike often happens the second the lure begins to flutter down on a paused retrieve.

2. High-Density Long Casting

At 17g for a compact 8.5cm body, the Genma 85S is a heavy-hitter. Its high density and aerodynamic shape allow it to cut through coastal headwinds that would stall other lures. It allows you to cover vast amounts of water and reach distant boiling baitfish that are just out of range for standard hard baits.

3. Natural S-Motion Action

On a steady retrieve, the Genma 85S performs a wide, natural S-shaped swimming motion. Unlike the aggressive “thump” of a diving minnow, this “slalom” action mimics a relaxed, unsuspecting baitfish, making it the ultimate tool for clear water and pressured marks where fish have seen it all.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Shallow Reefs & Kelp Beds: Because it is lipless, you can “skim” it just under the surface. If you feel it tick the weed, simply speed up your retrieve to lift it back into the clear zone.

• Estuary Mouths & Tide Rips: The internal “plate fin” helps the lure stay stable in fast-moving water, preventing it from “blowing out” or spinning when it hits a heavy current seam.

• Calm, Clear Mornings: When the water is like glass, the subtle S-motion of the Genma is far more effective than a loud, vibrating lure that might overwhelm the fish.

• Vertical Structures: Use it around pier pilings or steep rock edges. Cast past the structure, retrieve it into the strike zone, and then let it “shimmy” down the face of the rocks.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

The Genma 85S is a “search and destroy” lure. Don’t just reel it in! Use a “Lift and Fall” technique. Raise your rod tip to bring the lure up in the water column, then lower the rod and reel in the slack as it flutters down. This vertical movement often triggers a predatory response from bass that are sitting deep and looking up for an easy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Genma 85S sink?

It has a medium-fast sink rate (17g in a small body), which makes it excellent for fishing the entire water column. If you want to fish it shallow, start your retrieve as soon as it hits the water. If you want it deeper, count it down—it sinks roughly 30-40cm per second.

Is it better for Fixed Spool or Multiplier?

Due to its weight and compact shape, it is a dream to cast on a fixed spool lure setup. However, its aerodynamic stability also makes it very “backlash-friendly” for those using modern BFS or light baitcasting reels.

What rod rating do you recommend?

We recommend a rod rated roughly 7-28g or 10-30g. You want a rod with enough “feel” in the tip to register the subtle resistance of that front fin, but enough backbone to punch that 17g weight out to the horizon.