TSUYOKI Balam 245 Jointed Swimbait Big Bait Glide Lure
TSUYOKI Balam 245 Jointed Swimbait Big Bait Glide Lure
The TSUYOKI Balam 245 is a multi-jointed swimbait built for anglers chasing big bass and other predatory gamefish. Its segmented body creates a wide, rolling swim action that mimics an injured baitfish, while the flexible joints let the tail kick independently for realistic movement even at slow retrieve speeds. The detailed scale pattern, 3D eyes, and natural shad-style finish give it a lifelike profile that holds up under close inspection in clear water.
This is a big bait built for big bass tactics: bomb it into open water or along deep structure, work it with a steady swim or slow rolling retrieve, and let the joints do the work. It shines when largemouth are keyed in on large forage like gizzard shad or when smallmouth are chasing baitfish over deep flats and drop-offs. The reinforced hook hangers and heavy-duty trebles are built to handle solid strikes from trophy-class bass.
Specifications
| Type | Jointed swimbait / glide bait |
| Length | 245 mm (approx. 9.6 in) |
| Weight | Heavy, built for big bait casting gear |
| Depth | Floating and sinking versions, surface to mid-depth |
| Action | Segmented swimming action with independent tail kick |
| Hooks | Two heavy-duty treble hooks |
| Best for | Trophy largemouth and smallmouth, big bait presentations |
How to fish it
- Cast past target structure and let the bait settle before starting a slow, steady retrieve.
- Use a low, sweeping rod motion to accentuate the joint action and tail kick.
- Pause briefly near cover or drop-offs to let the bait glide and hang, triggering reaction strikes.
- Vary retrieve speed on follow-up casts until you find the cadence that draws committed bites.
Frequently asked
It's designed as a big bait for targeting trophy-class largemouth and smallmouth, so it works best in waters known to hold larger fish or when fishing for a quality bite over quantity.
Pick the floating model for working timber, weed edges, and shallow flats, and the sinking model when you need to reach deeper structure or maintain depth on a slow retrieve.
A heavy or extra-heavy casting rod with a reel rated for big baits works best, paired with 50 to 65 lb braid or heavy fluorocarbon to handle the lure's size and hook set.
Big swimbaits perform well when bass are actively feeding on large baitfish, often in fall and spring, and during low light periods when bigger fish move shallow to feed.