Daiwa Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow Lure

A big-profile soft swimbait with responsive slow-speed action, designed to tempt serious Australian predators including barramundi, Murray cod, mulloway and XL flathead.

The Daiwa Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow Lure is a 215.9mm soft plastic built for anglers wanting a substantial baitfish presentation for large predatory fish. Its balanced design produces a wide body roll, flash and natural searching action, while exceptionally low start-up inertia allows the lure to swim effectively even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds.

Constructed from Daiwa's salted Elastomax material and infused with Amino-X natural flavour and scent, the Mega Minnow combines durability, buoyancy and an enticing presentation. Premium painted finishes, lifelike 3D eyes, versatile rigging slots and a ribbed belly cavity for optional stinger hooks make this oversized swimbait adaptable to estuaries, ocean breakwalls, impoundments, inland rivers and creeks.

Key Benefits

• 215.9mm baitfish profile – Presents a substantial 8.5-inch meal for large predators such as barramundi, Murray cod, mulloway and XL flathead.
• Low start-up inertia – Produces swimming action at ultra-slow retrieve speeds and allows the lure to be fished virtually unweighted for a natural presentation.
• Salted Elastomax material – Stretchy, durable and buoyant construction supports responsive swimming action without sacrificing strength.
• Amino-X flavour and scent – Natural-based flavour and scent masks unnatural plastic odours and encourages fish to hold on longer, giving anglers more time to react.
• Wide body roll and flash – Creates a meandering, searching action designed to attract predatory fish and imitate a substantial baitfish.
• Versatile rigging design – Rigging slots and a ribbed belly cavity provide flexibility when setting up the soft plastic, including provision for an optional stinger hook.

Product Information

• Brand: Daiwa
• Model: Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow
• Length: 215.9mm / 8.5 inches
• Material: Salted Elastomax
• Target Species: Barramundi, Murray cod, mulloway and XL flathead
• Technique: Soft plastic and swimbait fishing
• Environment: Estuaries, ocean breakwalls, impoundments, inland rivers and creeks
• Pack Quantity: 1

Expert Advice

The 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow is the model to reach for when you want to show large predators a serious meal. Its ability to swim at very slow speeds makes it particularly useful around structure, current lines, deeper edges and ambush zones where keeping a big soft plastic in the strike zone can be more effective than retrieving it quickly. Start with the lightest practical rigging for the depth and current so the lure retains its natural body roll, then increase weight only when necessary. When fishing around powerful fish or heavy structure, use appropriately matched tackle and consider the optional stinger provision when your rigging and fishing situation call for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is the Daiwa Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow designed for?

The 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow is designed for large Australian predators including barramundi, Murray cod, mulloway and XL flathead. Its oversized baitfish profile is particularly suited to situations where these fish are feeding on larger prey.

How big is the Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow?

The lure measures 215.9mm, or 8.5 inches, making it a genuine big-profile soft swimbait for targeting larger freshwater and saltwater predators.

Can the 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow be fished slowly?

Yes. The Mega Minnow has exceptionally low start-up inertia, allowing it to swim at ultra-slow retrieve speeds. It can also be fished virtually unweighted when conditions allow, producing a slow and natural presentation.

How many Daiwa Bait Junkie 8.5 Inch Mega Minnows are in a pack?

Each pack contains one 8.5 Inch Mega Minnow soft plastic. This differs from the smaller 6.5-inch Mega Minnow, which is supplied as a two-piece pack.