VAGABOND Iwashi Pencil #044HGN Iwashi

100kg Pull Strength. Through-Wire Construction. Built to Handle Monster-Class Gamefish.

The IWASHI PENCIL is a meticulously designed pencil bait that combines realism and ease of use, inspired by one of the world’s most iconic baitfish — the sardine (iwashi). VAGABOND's original design captures the lifelike shape and shimmer of a living sardine in astonishing detail.

Target species include yellowtail (buri), amberjack (hiramasa), various tuna species, and massive dolphinfish (mahi-mahi). With its robust through-wire construction rated to withstand 100 kg of pulling force, this bait is fully equipped to take on monster-class fish. The recommended leader setting is based around 80 lb.

Despite its 130 mm length, it maintains a castable weight of 45 g when equipped with Cultiva ST-66 #2/0 hooks. This allows for long, stress-free casts and stable flight posture, enabling pinpoint accuracy even when casting past surface boils or toward distant strike zones.

The bait features a distinct side profile with a downward arch, optimized for enhanced water contact during long-stroke jerks. This shape generates a stable diving action, producing a natural S-curve movement with trailing bubbles. The frontal cross-section is designed close to a pentagon, with a flat, roof-like back that grabs water efficiently during long-stroke jerks and sustains the S-action. The belly’s smoothly curved underside helps displace water effectively, making it easier to initiate a dog-walking action at the surface.

Developed through years of foundational research, the IWASHI PENCIL delivers seductive action, responsive control, and superb castability — all tuned to captivate predatory fish. A saltwater pencil bait that represents the pinnacle of VAGABOND’s design philosophy.

Note on Recommended Hooks & Weight

For tuna game, VAGABOND recommends the Cultiva ST-66 #2/0 as the optimal hook. With these hooks, the total bait weight is approximately 45 g.
The factory-installed hooks are versatile VMC trebles, bringing the total weight to about 41 g. The weight difference between the ST-66 and VMC is roughly 2.36 g per hook, totaling about 4.7 g with two hooks.
If converting to single hooks, the Shout! Kudako #5/0 is a suitable alternative that closely matches the ST-66’s weight.