Megabass X Layer: A legendary lure that's a must-see
A lure that has been emblematic of the Megabass brand for many years, the Megabass X Layer has been in the news ever since it was introduced on the French market.. We've lost count of the number of fish this lure has brought in, whether in the sea or freshwater. Since its launch, the Megabass X layer is a must-have for anglers the world over because of its innovative design, build quality and formidable efficiency. That's why we've dedicated this article to helping you understand everything there is to know about the Megabass X Layer, from its features to how to fish it and how to rig it.
History of Megabass X Layer
The Megabass X Layer is a lure designed by Yuki Ito, renowned Japanese angler and designer and founder of the Megabass brand. From the outset, Yuki Ito has been renowned for his high-end, innovative lures. Thanks to his skills as a keen angler and his talent for design, Yuki Ito has created many popular lures such as the Vision One Ten and the Pop-X. Behind the Megabass X LayerYuki confessed that he wanted to create a lure with a distinctive design, a realistic action and a texture that would appeal to any predator. A rather complicated triptych, but one that Yuki managed to master over 30 years ago.
Megabass X Layer features
The Megabass X Layer is part of the slug family. As soon as it hit the market, this lure raised a number of questions and controversies among the fishing community. And we can understand why. What stands out at first glance is that it really doesn't look like much. A body in the shape of a large slug and nothing else? But a closer look reveals a number of details that make all the difference.
Its first distinctive feature is the 5 large ribs on its round belly, which produce distinctive vibrations underwater. In addition to the vibrations, the X Layer emits a thumping sound thanks to an insert of glass balls in the tail of the lure. These little balls clatter together when animated, creating a provocative clicking sound that no other soft lure currently has.
Secondly, the Megabass X Layer is impregnated with an aniseed flavoured attractant which seems to attract predators. We've noticed that fish tend to keep the lure in their mouths for longer. This maximises your chances of a successful strike.
Finally, this lure is made from high-quality materials, making it durable and tear-resistant while maintaining its flexibility.
If you're still in any doubt as to whether this lure has enough 'features' that pay off, just take it to the water's edge. As a general rule, you won't have to wait too long for the results. The big drawback with this lure is that the part containing the rattles is particularly fragile.
How do you animate a Megabass X Layer?
Megabass X Layer has the advantage of be animated in different ways to respond to different types of environment and actions.
When it comes to bass fishing, one of the most common techniques is the fly-fishing. The X Layer This causes the lure to jerk up and down like a lift through the water. This lively animation makes the lure rattle, attracting the attention of bass or other predators from a distance. Touches often occur during descent.
Another animation that ne like to use the Megabass X LayerOne of the most popular fishing methods, particularly for black bass, perch and sea bass in salt ponds, is scratch fishing. This technique consists of moving the lure along the bottom in small jumps. Carnivores generally pick up the lure on the bottom.
Finally, another way we use the Megabass X Layer is by animating it in weightless sub-surface. The animation then resembles that of a stickbait, walking the dog. This technique is particularly effective on black bass when fishing under foliage or near plant cover. On bass, we like to use the X Layer in this way above oyster beds or in shallow areas around the edges.
The other X Layer variants: The Giant, Tiny and Curly versions
The Megabass X Layer is available in the original 10.5 cm version. But over the years, it has come in several sizes and versions, much to our delight.
The Megabass X Layer is available in 2 other sizes: Giant and Tiny. The Version Giant du X layer is 15 cm. This size targets large bass and pike-perch. We advise you to use this size at the end of the season, particularly when predators are after large prey. The Tiny X-Layer is 7.5 cm. This size is perfect for mimicking the swimming action of a small fry. We particularly use this size on perch, mounted on a small TP or as a drop-shot in winter.
The Megabass X Layer is also available in its Curly version with a flagellum on its caudal fin. The flagellum is activated at the slightest touch and produces very discreet vibrations. In our opinion, this feature is very useful for targeting the most wary predators.
We love fishing at Mebagass X Layer Curly Linear with a 7 and 12 gram lead head for targeting pike-perch near drop-offs. Its all-purpose size (14 cm) will allow you to target all types of predators.
Useful links to complete this article on the Megabass X Layer
Carolina rig fishing - Everything you need to know about this fishing technique
Wacky fishing - Everything you need to know about the wacky fishing technique
Chatterbait fishing - Everything you need to know about chatterbaits and how to fish them
Pike crankbait: 5 essential pike crankbaits
Pike jerkbait: our selection of 5 pike jerkbaits
Pike lures: 10 pike lures to have in your box of lures
The 10 best types of black bass lures
About The Author
Rodmaps
Rodmaps is above all the story of Nicolas and Matthieu, two friends passionate about fishing. Since our childhood, our passion drives us to travel through France and to travel around the world in search of adventure and trophy fish. Through Rodmaps, we want to share our passion for fishing with as many people as possible and make people discover the joys of this sport around us, because yes, fishing is a sport!