Shimano Bantam World Minnow 115F Flash Boost Jerkbait

The Shimano Bantam World Minnow 115F Flash Boost is a floating jerkbait designed for shallow-water bass fishing around grass, reeds, wood, rock, and other cover. Measuring 115 mm and weighing 14 g, it combines responsive darting action with a controlled rise during pauses.

Unlike a suspending jerkbait that remains at depth when stopped, the World Minnow 115F gradually returns toward the surface. This floating behaviour allows anglers to work the lure close to shallow vegetation and submerged structure, then pause it to rise above potential snags.

Shimano equips the World Minnow 115F with three of its signature lure technologies: Flash Boost for continued internal flash during pauses, Jet Boost for stable casting performance, and Scale Boost for a realistic baitfish-scale appearance.

Shimano Bantam World Minnow 115F Technical Specifications

Floating Action for Shallow Cover

The World Minnow 115F is designed to rise toward the surface when the retrieve is paused. This makes it especially useful around shallow grass, reeds, laydowns, branches, rocks, and other structure where a deeper-running or suspending jerkbait may become snagged.

Anglers can twitch the lure down beside cover and then pause it, allowing the body to rise before beginning the next sequence. The combination of darting movement and upward travel creates a visible change in direction that can trigger fish following from below.

The actual running depth and rise rate can vary with line type, line diameter, water temperature, hook condition, and retrieve speed. Test the lure beside the boat or shoreline before working it over shallow cover.

Flash Boost Attraction During the Pause

Shimano’s Flash Boost system suspends a reflective foil plate on small springs inside the lure body. Movement from the lure, rod inputs, and surrounding water causes the plate to vibrate and reflect light.

This allows the World Minnow 115F to continue producing subtle internal flash even when the body is paused or rising slowly. The added visual movement is particularly useful when fish follow the lure but hesitate to strike immediately.

Flash Boost does not replace proper retrieve cadence, but it adds a secondary attraction element during the pauses that are central to jerkbait fishing.

Jet Boost Casting System

The Jet Boost system uses an internal moving weight supported by a shaft and spring. During the cast, the weight shifts rearward to help stabilize the lure’s flight. After the lure lands, the system returns the weight to its swimming position.

This moving-weight design improves casting stability and helps the lure begin swimming properly once line tension is applied. It is useful when covering wide flats, reaching distant weed edges, or casting into wind.

Scale Boost Baitfish Finish

Shimano’s Scale Boost finish uses composite-pitch holographic patterns to imitate the complex reflections produced by natural baitfish scales.

As the World Minnow darts, rolls, and changes direction, the exterior pattern reflects light from multiple angles. The effect complements the internal Flash Boost plate and gives the lure visual attraction both while moving and during pauses.

Responsive Darting and Rolling Action

Sharp rod-tip twitches make the World Minnow 115F move from side to side like a fleeing or injured baitfish. The lure can be worked aggressively when bass are active or with softer inputs when fish are pressured.

On a steady retrieve, the lure produces a more consistent swimming and rolling action. This allows it to function not only as a traditional jerkbait but also as a shallow-running search bait.

Start with controlled twitches rather than excessively forceful snaps. The ideal amount of rod input depends on line stretch, rod action, water temperature, and the activity level of the fish.

Recommended Tackle Setup

• Rod: Use a medium-power casting or spinning rod with a lure rating that comfortably includes 14 g. A fast or moderate-fast action provides responsive lure control while retaining enough flex for treble-hook fishing.
• Reel: A medium- or high-speed reel makes it easier to recover slack line between twitches. Reel speed should still be controlled to prevent the lure from travelling too quickly through the strike zone.
• Fluorocarbon: Fluorocarbon can help the lure run slightly deeper and may slow its rise. It is a practical option for clear water and open-water presentations.
• Monofilament: Monofilament generally helps the lure remain higher in the water column and can support a quicker rise over shallow cover.
• Braid with Leader: Braided main line provides strong sensitivity and crisp lure response. Pair it with an appropriate fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to add abrasion resistance and control the presentation.

Four Ways to Fish the Shimano World Minnow 115F

1. Twitch-Pause-Float:
   Cast beside reeds, shallow grass, laydowns, or rock. Use one or two controlled twitches, then pause and allow the lure to begin rising. Resume the retrieve before it reaches the surface or allow it to float higher when crossing cover.
2. Steady Search Retrieve:
   Retrieve the lure at a moderate, consistent pace across shallow flats and open water. Add occasional twitches to interrupt the swimming action and imitate a baitfish changing direction.
3. Fast Twitch Sequence:
   When fish are active, use several sharper twitches followed by a short pause. This creates an erratic escape action before the lure begins its upward movement.
4. Slow Cold-Water Retrieve:
   In cooler water or under heavy fishing pressure, use softer twitches and longer pauses. Flash Boost continues to add subtle visual attraction while the lure slows and rises.

Where to Fish the World Minnow 115F

The floating design is most useful in shallow and moderately shallow areas where anglers need to control the lure around cover. Productive locations may include:

• Shallow weed flats and emerging vegetation
• Outside grass edges and open lanes
• Reed walls and shoreline vegetation
• Laydowns, branches, and flooded timber
• Rocky shorelines and shallow points
• Docks, retaining walls, and marina structures
• Shallow flats holding minnows, smelt, or other baitfish

Use the floating rise to guide the lure above shallow obstacles, but remember that the exposed treble hooks are not weedless. Avoid pulling the lure directly through dense vegetation or heavy wood.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano World Minnow 115F