Illex Squad Minnow 95 SP: the suspending jerkbait that nails wary bass
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There's floating, there's sinking, and then there's suspending — the one that often makes the difference on a wary bass. The Squad Minnow 95 SP from Illex hangs motionless mid-water the moment you stop the retrieve, giving a fish all the time in the world to close in and hit what looks like a baitfish frozen with fear — exactly the kind of detail that turns a follow into a strike.
A suspending jerkbait, not just another diver
The distinction matters and is often missed: a standard diving minnow slowly rises the second you stop reeling, which gives you a very short strike window. The Squad Minnow 95 SP, by contrast, holds its position — neither sinking nor rising — thanks to carefully calibrated internal weighting. That vertical stability allows pauses of several seconds without losing contact with the strike zone, a luxury few saltwater minnows offer at this size.
Actual running depth: 0.5 to 1.5 m
At 9.5 cm and 14 g, this jerkbait works a relatively shallow band of water — ideal for margin spots, cove entrances, and shallow rocky ground where bass hunt close to bottom without sitting right on the substrate. It's not a deep-water lure: past 1.5 m, a lipless minnow like the Baïner 105S becomes the more relevant tool.
The stop-and-go that triggers strikes
- Two or three sharp rod-tip snaps, firm enough to make the lure dart sideways with each pull.
- A long pause, two to four seconds depending on how active the bass are. The colder the water, the longer the pause can run.
- Watch the line during the pause: a strike on the drop often shows up as a small twitch rather than a hard pull.
- Ease back into the retrieve — a lot of strikes come right at the restart, when the lure suddenly darts off from its frozen position.
Field rule: the longer the pause, the more time the fish has to commit. On a bass that's following without striking, extend the pause before switching lures.
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Small lure, real wind exposure: casting notes
At 14 g, this lure stays sensitive to wind, especially on an exposed beach or point. Favour a rod with a progressive action that loads properly even with a light lure, and avoid overly forced casts that can spin this kind of compact minnow on landing.
Where this lure wins
The Squad Minnow 95 SP shines in three specific situations: shallow rocky margins at dawn, harbour entrances where bass cruise mid-water, and the lull between feeding spells, when a patient stop-and-go wakes up a fish that's stopped actively hunting. It's a lure for patience more than fast-paced scouting.
Picking the right lure never replaces reading tide and spot — that's exactly why CarnaFish exists, reading a photo of your spot against the day's conditions to tell you whether to keep working a stop-and-go or switch retrieves. For a deeper dive into tides and bass spots, our guide to sea bass lure fishing is the best starting point.
Quick reference
- 9.5 cm, 14 g, suspending: holds mid-water during pauses, neither sinking nor rising.
- Working depth: 0.5-1.5 m — a margin lure, not a deep-water tool.
- Stop-and-go with long pauses (2-4 s) for wary or inactive bass.
- Light lure: cast smoothly and favour a progressive-action rod.
FAQ
What exactly is a suspending jerkbait?
It's a lure weighted to hang in balance in the water: at rest, it neither sinks nor rises, unlike a standard floating or diving minnow. That stillness extends the strike window during pauses.
How deep does the Squad Minnow 95 SP run?
Between 0.5 and 1.5 m depending on retrieve and speed. It's a shallow, margin-water lure, not a deep-diving model.
How long should the pause last in a stop-and-go retrieve?
Generally two to four seconds, longer in cold water or on an inactive bass that needs time to decide. Watch the line during the pause — a light strike often shows there before you feel it.
Is this lure hard to cast in strong wind?
Its light weight (14 g) makes it more wind-sensitive than a heavier lure. A progressive-action rod and a smooth, unforced cast reduce the risk of tangling on landing.
What leader should I pair with this jerkbait?
A 25-30 lb fluorocarbon leader is plenty and preserves the lure's suspending action, unlike a thicker leader that can slightly alter its buoyancy.
When should I use a heavier lipless minnow instead?
On shallow spots fished patiently with long pauses, this lure wins. For covering distance or fishing deeper, a lipless minnow like the Baïner 105S becomes the better choice.
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