Lures

The Balam: An essential lure for pike fishing

5/5 - (2 votes)

The Balam lure has quickly established itself as a must-have for pike fishing in France. We've been testing this articulated swimbait for over two years now and one thing's for sure, the results have been nothing short of amazing! Here's our complete guide to the Balam, its fishing, animation and all the techniques for using this lure effectively.

What are the characteristics of the Balam lure?

Balam is a 4-section articulated swimbait with flexible tailThis big bait was developed by Madness in collaboration with Satan Shimada, pro staff at the legendary Evergreen brand. This big bait was developed by Madness in collaboration with Satan Shimada, pro staff at the legendary Evergreen brand. However, it is perfectly suited to pike fishing in France, especially for record pikes ! Here are the main characteristics of this lure:

  • 4-segment ABS body with silicone tail
  • Initially a floating lure, this 300 version is now available in a sinking version.
  • An S-shaped stroke with slight rolling on recovery
  • A lure that can withstand recoveries as slow as they are fast
  • The Balam can be weighted to adapt its swimming depth.
  • A lure with an incredible, highly realistic finish
  • Fitted with Decoy YF 33 F treble hooks.

During our many fishing sessions with this lure, especially on the Balam 245We were particularly impressed by the lure's swimming action, regardless of its retrieve speed. In fact, its S-shaped swimming action combined with its light rolling action imitates perfectly the escape of a forage fish. This striking resemblance often provokes spectacular sight attackseven from pike the most distrustful.

The Balam lure is available in three sizes, including two major ones. Each of these sizes is adapted to specific fishing conditions:

Decoy modelSizeWeightSwimming depth
Balam 30030 cm168g0-2m
Balam 24524.5 cm104g0-1,5m
Balam 255 Variant25.5 cm115g0-2m
Balam 35035 cm247g0-1,5m

If the Balam 245 and the Balam 300 are the most popular lures in the family, we also enjoy fishing with the Balam 255 Variant. Unlike its predecessors, this lure is equipped with a soft flap allowing a more natural descent. This feature has proved particularly effective in luring wary pike in the clear waters of Lake Annecy.

How to fish with the Balam?

Here are a few tips based on our experience in the field to get the most out of this lure:

  1. Choose the right equipment : Because of its weight (over 100gr), the Balam is a lure that requires suitable equipment. A powerful rod (XH to XXH from 100/120 gr), a strong reel (Calcutta 401) and strong braid will enable you to support its weight and resist the violent attacks of large predators such as pike or catfish.
  2. Vary recovery speeds The Balam is a big bait that can be retrieved very quickly. So don't hesitate to take advantage of it if you're fishing above the hebiers. This animation can often trigger reflex attacks. Don't hesitate to alternate between slow retrieves and sudden accelerations.
  3. Adapt the depth Even if the Balam is initially a floating lure, you can lead it to explore lower water layers. To do this, you can add a sinker to the eyelet or the triple ventral. This subtlety will allow you to reach the desired depth.
  4. Make the most of its versatility The Balam is effective in both shallow and deeper water. We have used it successfully in the shallow grass beds of small ponds, but also on boats in deeper areas of Alpine lakes.

The Balam: a profitable lure for keen anglers

Even though the Balam is a highly successful lure, it is no less expensive. Its price varies between €135 and €155 depending on the model, which may put off some anglers. However, our experience has convinced us that it is a good value for money for keen anglers.

These are the factors that we believe make the Balam 245 as the Balam 300 is a decoy that deserves its place in our box:

  • Its effectiveness on large pike and black-bass has reached record levels. Countless catches have been made with this lure.
  • Its versatility means you can fish in a wide range of conditions and at different depths.
  • Quality materials and a sublime finish. This set guarantees that you will keep this lure for a long time.
  • The variety of colours available, making it possible to adapt to all the conditions of our open waters.

The Balam lure has become an established must-have in our predator fishing arsenal. Its remarkable efficiency, versatility and build quality make it a wise investment for any keen angler looking to maximise their chances of catching the fish of a lifetime. Don't hesitate to try it out during your next session. You could be in for some unforgettable fishing!

Rodmaps

Through Rodmaps, we want to share our passion for lure fishing.

Recent Posts

Tableau des couleurs de leurres : Choisir la meilleure couleur selon les conditions

La couleur d'un lerre joue un rôle prépondérant parmi les nombreux facteurs à considérer dans…

13 hours ago

Le barbeau, un poisson rustique et sportif de nos rivières européennes

Le barbeau est un poisson qui fascine les pêcheurs depuis des générations. En effet, ce…

7 days ago

Pike world record: the biggest pikes in history

The world record for pike is much more than a figure: it's a symbol...

2 weeks ago

Tassergal: find out more about this fish and how it is caught in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean

The tassergal is a fascinating fish from both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic that attracts fishermen...

3 weeks ago

How to fish with a popper Our techniques for popper fishing

Popper fishing is as much fun as it is exciting for any lure angler. We have...

3 weeks ago

Fishing in Costa Rica, an exotic fishing paradise

With its lush jungle, palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters, fishing in Costa Rica is a...

4 weeks ago