Illex Chubby Bug 35 Insect Crankbait HL Crystal

Illex Chubby Bug 35: Insect Lures with Silicone Legs for Perch, Trout and Chub

When beetles and other insects drop onto the water in summer, perch, trout and chub often hold just below the surface, waiting for exactly this prey. The Illex Chubby Bug 35 is a hybrid super shallow crankbait that recreates such an insect with striking realism. Unlike most fishing lures with a baitfish profile, this small surface lure combines a finely textured beetle look with mobile silicone legs arranged on two levels.

What sets the Chubby Bug 35 apart

• Insect imitation with silicone legs on two levels
• Enticing action even when paused
• Longer casts thanks to a weight transfer system
• Floating, for the surface and just below it
• Natural colours inspired by beetles, bees and wasps

Upper legs: wing beats on the surface

On a steady retrieve, the upper legs leave a fine, natural trail through the surface film. When you stop the lure, it floats up and twitches erratically, like the wings of an insect struggling to free itself from the water. This is often the very moment that triggers the bite. The legs also create slight resistance, so you can feel and control the lure better on the retrieve.

Lower legs: kicking beneath the surface

The lower legs imitate the legs or wings of a small insect kicking just below the surface. Even a light current or the slightest water movement sets them in motion. This keeps the lure alive during pauses too. That is a clear advantage with experienced black bass, wary trout and cautious perch.

Casting, action and fittings

A weight transfer system improves casting distance and swimming action without altering the realistic profile. This floating hardbait is 3,5 cm long, weighs 3.7 g and runs with a wobble-and-roll action on or just below the surface. It comes fitted with a Jackall Genuine RB Medium hook in size 12.

How to fish this Illex lure successfully

Cast the Chubby Bug 35 under overhanging branches, along reed edges or between water lilies, where insects often fall into the water. Let it rest for a few seconds after landing before giving it a short twitch or retrieving it slowly. As a perch, trout and black bass lure, this topwater lure shows its strengths on calm summer days, when fish ignore larger perch crankbaits. A light spinning rod with thin line gets the most out of its low weight.