Castaic, CA, November 5, 2008 – Marking their bold resurgence into a lure category they helped create, Castaic revealed today a breakthrough new swimbait. The Catch22 holds major implications in the design of soft-bodied fishing lures. Possessing traits never before seen in a softbait, the Catch22 couples a supple, lifelike action with the durability and longevity of a hardbait. This innovation, however, is but the first of many built into the exceptional swimbait.
“In my world of chasing monster bass, paying attention to every possible lure detail is a must, not an option,” says Mike Long, the giant bass sage from Southern California. “Castaic has done their homework with the Catch22. They’ve created a first— a super durable, soft-bodied swimbait that swims perfectly and catches fish right out of the package. I’ve been fishing swimbaits for over 30 years, and the Catch22 is unquestionably one of the finest soft swimbaits I have ever used.”
Innovation #1 – Castaic’s exclusive patent-pending INNER ARMOR Fiber Skeleton prevents the Catch22 (C22) from tearing and losing its natural swimming motion. While other soft baits break down after just a few fish, the Catch22 keeps on kicking. Similar to the interior cartilage structure of a live shark, this soft, flexible skeleton reinforces vital joint sections, while preserving the lure body’s integrity. Fish may cut the skin, but the bait will remain intact and continue swimming. In an industry with few true breakthroughs, the Inner Armor Skeleton is an undeniable design advancement—one that’s likely to change the way anglers view soft-bodied fishing lures for years to come.
The CATCH22 GUARANTEE – To back its claims of toughness, Castaic is offering an unheard of 22 bass guarantee. If you catch fewer than 22 bass before the C22 loses its ability to swim, return the bait, along with $7.50 shipping and handling, for a one-time lure replacement.
Innovation #2 – Ingenious NO-THROW Sliding Hook System keeps fish hooked solidly from strike to lip-lock. This critical design element allows the C22 to slide freely up the line when fish are hooked. This yields more successful hooksets, while also preventing fish from using the weight of the lure as leverage against you, and throwing the hook. With most swimbaits this can be a real problem. The No-Throw system eliminates this dilemma. “This is the only swimbait that folds up and collapses inside the fish’s mouth,” states Long. “Combine this feature with the No-Throw system, and you’ve got the best hooking swimbait on the market.”
Innovation #3 – Another patented Castaic exclusive—the MAGNETIC HOOK HOLDER®—keeps the Tri-Claw hook aligned perfectly parallel to the C22’s body. When retrieved, a special magnet pins the hook to the belly of the lure, precisely positioned for a sound hookset. This streamlined hook placement yields an ultra natural appearance and presentation, while also helping the lure resist snags.
Innovation #4 – Castaic’s advanced TRI-CLAW® hook is unique among swimbaits today. Coupled with the Magnetic Hook Holder, which pins the Tri-Claw hook against the lure body, all three hook gaps lie exposed and away from the bait, where they’re in ideal position to penetrate and hold. For pro-level swimbait fishing, this radical hook system is a must.
Innovation #5 – REAL SWIM™ Technology allows the C22 to swim naturally at multiple retrieve speeds. From a slow crawl to a speedy burn, the C22 is one of the most versatile swimbaits available. While most swimbaits require the angler to learn and master one specific retrieve, the C22 swims flawlessly at almost any speed. Crank it slowly and seductively. Burn it like a freaked-out baitfish. Deadstick it. Twitch it with the allure of a preyfish death dance.
“The Catch22 is the biggest breakthrough in swimbaits in a long time,” Long asserts. “Fishermen are going to catch a lot of bass with this lure.” One of America’s original swimbait tacticians, Long has boated 27 of the top 100 heaviest bass ever documented. Throwing Castaic Swimbaits, he has caught twelve bass over 15-pounds. In 2001, Long boated the ninth largest bass ever documented, a 20-pound 12-ounce monster using a 6-inch Castaic Trout.
Crafted to precisely mimic the shapes, textures and hues of live fish, and coupled with Real Swim Technology, Castaic’s Catch22 swims with a fluid, seductive motion seen only in nature. Initially available as a 4”, 6”, 8” and 10” Rainbow Trout (as either Slow Sink or Floating), the Catch22 will be officially unveiled during Bass-A-Thon 2008. This huge annual event showcases the year’s hottest bass tackle. Come see the Catch22 in action, and talk swimbaits with Mike Long, November 22