There’s a new monster in the lake with the new Prorex BESSIE, Daiwa’s monstrously premium muskie bait. The Bessie is rip-bait meant for use in or over weeds in the water column. So weeds that are growing up into the water column in 8 to 20 feet of water along with shorter carpets of grass that mat the bottom in deeper water. Let Bessie sink down into the greenery and start ripping it through to draw in that muskie.
“At the core it’s a rip-bait,” said DAIWA Marketing Director Marc Mills, defining BESSIE’s stylism. Excellent for fishing submerged vegetation, Mills says, “when you rip BESSIE through weeds, it creates a lot of commotion, chewing up the greens like a blender while not getting snagged.”
Bessie’s action relies on the dual props on the lure, in the slow-sinking (SS) and fast-sinking (FS) models the nose prop is a reverse prop for maximum water disturbance and weed mincing. In the floating model of Bessie, the prop is forward facing to create a hearty buzz and commotion on the surface. All three of the models feature an added stainless-steel blade in the middle of the body for extra vibration, flash, and noise.
Both muskies and muskie anglers are very particular when it comes to lure selection, requiring critical precision. For that Daiwa made sure to pay close attention to the design of the lure, making sure sink rates are exact on these baits. The SS drops from .8 to 1 foot per second, while the FS falls at 1.2 to 1.4 feet per second. Another exacting detail for Bessie is the hand-carved scale pattern, realistic 3D eyes, and a museum-quality paint job. The lure is rounded off with a pair of ultra-sharp 4/0 treble hooks.
Fishing such a refined lure begs for expert gear selection. Mills, a bonafide muskellunge master, offers his insights: “DAIWA’s Prorex TW baitcaster was developed on a muskie fishing platform – it’s ideal for chunking and ripping a BESSIE. I like the 400 size with its 7.1:1 gear ratio. Pair that with a Prorex Muskie Rod. Choose the 8’ 6” model in either heavy or extra-heavy, and you’re in business.”
Mills goes on to suggest spooling the Prorex reel with DAIWA J-Braid Grand x8 in 50- or 65-lb test. And, before affixing that brand-spanking-new BESSIE, Mills offers his thoughts on leaders. “The tide is finally changing. Muskie anglers are realizing the benefits of fluorocarbon leaders, and without giving up the toughness of steel. Heavier weight fluorocarbon leaders hold up to saltwater wahoo and tuna, so they can certainly tame a muskie.” Mills recommends connecting your braid to 80- or 100-pound DAIWA J-Fluoro with an FG Knot. (Plenty of tutorial videos online.) From there, button up ‘ol BESSIE with a Perfection Loop or crimp with an inch of play to let the lure do its thing.
This lure has roots with the world-renowned tackle designer Nishine Lure Works on the development. Lure collectors and aficionados will understand the impeccable quality refinements that Nishine Lure Works puts into anything they touch.
Daiwa’s NEW Beast: Bessie the Lake Monster
DAIWA’s new BESSIE is available in 6 colors, to include Muskie, Perch, Fire Tiger, Cisco, Walleye and Loon. (Loon is only available as a floater.)
MSRP $69.99
BESSIE Key Features:
- Custom Daiwa Extra Tough Parts
- Molded Using Hand Carved Scale Pattern
- Forward Facing Front Prop on Floating Model
- Reverse Prop on SS and FS
- Stainless Steel Blade for Added Vibration, Noise and Action
- 4/0 Ultra Sharp Hooks
- Realistic 3D Eyes
