BALSAM
Custom Popper for Monster Tuna Hunters
The origin of Balsam's development
Calculation from carrying a Big Decoy 10/0
The development of Balsam began with a shocking encounter with a monster tuna in the Genkai Sea in summer. The "selected balsa wood" was what we arrived at to catch that size.
The keywords were "stable buoyancy when using a Big Decoy 10/0" and "establishment of a 'leave-it-alone' method with vertical trajectory." The decisive factor in its completion was the lightweight wood, "balsa."
The challenge was how to process balsa, which has unstable quality, and the issue of buoyancy. So, we decided to inspect the buoyancy of each piece one by one! This led to an analog development method. The completed product guarantees 100% buoyancy.
As of May 2026, we have received many rave reviews about Balsam from various regions, and we sincerely thank you. Even in situations with small bait schools where other plugs are ignored, many cases have been reported where only Balsam was eaten when a 265 was cast. This is believed to be due to the effect of its precise vertical trajectory and buoyancy response. We have also received praise from anglers who have caught monsters. It seems to perform excellently for both boils and enticing strikes. There have also been reports of body damage due to prolonged fights.
✦ Proving amazing buoyancy
Balsam 265 lightly shakes on the surface even with Big Decoy 10/0 attached
All Balsam sizes can be equipped with two Big Decoy 10/0s
Recommended treble hooks: 7/0 - 10/0 plus ♾️ / BKK GT-REX 7/0, etc.
✦ Carving Process Infusing Soul
After inspecting the weight of the balsa wood, we proceed with the carving process. Balsa is characterized by its extreme softness, making lathe adjustments difficult. Compared to other woods, it has more surface irregularities, making processing very time-consuming. Unevenness is also prone to occur in how edges are shaped.
✦ Commitment to 100% buoyancy guarantee for all products
Each piece is visually inspected for buoyancy. We inspect the buoyancy resistance at 245: 75g / 225: 78g / 265: 83g. Approximately 15% are rejected at this stage. Manual homogenization is the source of Balsam's hyper-responsiveness.
✦ Armor Coating & Durability Philosophy
As of late March 2026, it has been upgraded to an Armor Coat version. It features an armor-like coating that protects the body from heavy hooks. Even after 20 casts with a Decoy 10/0, only minor scratches from the hook points were observed, with no damage allowing water intrusion. The Armor Coat significantly enhances durability, allowing for confident casting even with large hooks. This can be considered a major evolution, cladding the soft balsa material in armor.
✦ The Theory of the "Leave-it-Alone" Method
01. Explosive Fish-Attracting Sound
The sound of impact stimulates feeding instincts. A unique balanced design maintains a vertical posture.
02. Ultra-Vertical Trajectory
Guaranteed buoyancy to carry heavy, large hooks. Try leaving it alone for 30 seconds!
03. Ultra-Fine Vibration Shake Trajectory
Balsa's characteristic responsiveness. It quivers gently with just waves and wind, inducing bites.
✦ BALSAM SERIES SPEC
| Item | BALSAM 225 | BALSAM 245 | BALSAM 265 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (tax included) | ¥16,500 | ¥17,600 | ¥18,700 |
| Overall Length / Weight | 225mm / 95g | 245mm / 110g | 265mm / 125g
PE12, PE15Best casting distance in the series |
| Recommended Hooks | Big Decoy 10/0 or BKK GT-REX 7/0 | ||
BALSAM PERFORMANCERecommended Big Trebles
to maximize Balsam's performance.
| ブランド | ISOLABLEU / Isola Blue |
|---|---|
| 商品名 | BALSAM |
