SHIMANO ZP-105Q Bantam Macbeth 50 #006 White Splatter

Multi-cover crank "Macbeth 50"

In 2016, the Bantam project started. In the category targeting all ranges from the surface layer to the bottom, each model equipped with the latest amazing gimmick while having a basic appearance seems to have already taken root in the market. Among them, the model that shows the individuality of the development angler most is probably " Macbeth ".

Recently Macbeth has decided to increase the size lineup . That is the downsized version of the so-called " Co-Mac ", or " Macbeth 50 ".

A younger brother "Macbeth 50" who can rely on tough conditions :

Based on Macbeth, which has been refined for cover avoidance performance, Macbeth 50 is packed with all the'selfishness'. Despite the compact body, the lip size is almost the same as the original. We also reviewed the body shape to make swimming stronger. Although it is a design that seems to be unbalanced, it has achieved movement that can only be achieved with this shape and excellent obstacle avoidance performance. The rear hook eye incorporates a thick-axis eye that does not easily deform even when hit by an obstacle, and by adjusting the front and rear hook positions, it is possible to mount a one-size larger hook on the rear hook. Please experience the power of Co-mac , which was born from repeated tests.

The depth of the dive in the short cast is 60-70 cm.
The depth of the dive in the long cast is 1.1-1.2 m.

What is the potential of Co-mac that induces bite even under tough conditions?

Co-mac moves well at any retrieve speed from fast winding to slow, and always draws a straight trajectory even after contacting the cover.

To bring out excellent avoidance ability in cover cranking

The most important things in cover cranking are cover avoidance performance and strong action. For that purpose, it was absolutely necessary to have a fat body and a square building (= square lip)."
The plump body gains high buoyancy due to the amount of air inside, and when it starts retrieving, it produces the "wide and strong wobble and roll". The overwhelming strength of the movement "becomes resistance with buoyancy and does not dive deeply." There is an unwritten rule of the cover crank that captures shallows. The lip has a wide tip and is equipped with a square building that functions as a bumper when it comes in contact with the cover. In addition, the side slash edge lip structure with thin walls on both sides grabs water while cutting it sharply. The development process took a lot of time and effort. It is difficult to develop the downsized version of Macbeth, which has strong action and excellent cover avoidance performance. At the point where development seemed to be abandoned, a sudden breakthrough came to light.

The clue to the solution existed in an unexpected place.

It's a tight fit. As a result, the thicker tail makes the water push stronger, and the strong action gives a sense of stability."
The movement is completed for the time being.

"The strength of action is the same for Macbeth and Co-mac."

Next, started work to improve the cover avoidance performance.
"Lower center of gravity. The weight that sticks out of the body avoids the cover and quickly restores the slanted body."

Equipped with a hook eye integrally molded weight (O's weight) that is indispensable for achieving a quick start-up after avoiding obstacles. This structure, which makes the center of gravity the lowest center of gravity, is also effective for the sharpness of movement.

Both lip sizes are almost the same size. Macbeth (left) has a shape with a dent on the tail side, while Co-mac (right) has a shape that looks like a cut on the tail side.

However, because the body is short, if you set a belly hook eye at the apex of the center of gravity that protrudes like Macbeth, interference with the tail hook is inevitable. It is impossible to even create a strong action before improving the cover avoidance performance. If you get into the so-called "shrimp state" for each cast, you will only get stressed.

Please pay attention to the size of the hook. Looking at the above image, the hook on the tail side certainly looks a little bigger than the hook on the belly side. This is not tuning. This was Bingo! This aims to improve the hooking rate and reduce disparity.

As a plastic crankbait, it can bring out the performance close to the limit.

Although it is small, the pitch is heavy, and because of the thick butt, it has become possible to swim very powerfully, like pushing water with the whole body. Compared to other cranks of the same size, the powerful feeling of swimming is overwhelming. It has a pushing strength that is comparable to the original 60 size, and even in turbid places, it makes a small body shake and appeals firmly.

When the water is muddy, a large body has a stronger appeal, but there are situations where the bass dislikes lures with large silhouettes. In such a situation, the Macbeth 50, which appeals greatly with movement even if it is small, fits in perfectly.

So, please try using it even around the cover where the big one seems to be lurking!