OHUB Review: Shimano Zumverno 95 SP

Last year, Shimano released a world series of bass lures, including the World Pop, World Crank, World Minnow, and World Diver, all featuring their innovative FlashBoost technology. I was really impressed by those lures, so I was eager to try their latest twitch bait.

My goal was simple: find a suspended minnow that could target 3-5 feet of water without diving too aggressively. The lake I fish during winter has largemouth bass that, for some reason, hang out in open water and feed on shad. While the sight is exciting, I’ve had trouble catching them.

I decided to test the new Zumverno 95 SP with its smaller profile.

After unboxing it, I was immediately struck by the lure’s holographic scales which is a key component of Shimano’s Flash Boost technology. The mirror foil, suspended on internal springs, created a unique flash effect even when the lure stops moving. This seemed perfect for the finicky winter bass I was targeting.

After tying the lure to my line, I cast it into the lake’s center. The Zumverno’s performance was remarkable. Its “Jet Boost” weight transfer system allowed the weight to slide to the lure’s tail, extending casting distance by an impressive 20 feet. My Shimano Curado  handled the lure beautifully with fluorocarbon line.

Suddenly, an explosive splash to my right caught my attention. Minnows skittered across the water’s surface. I quickly cast toward the commotion, retrieving the lure with intermittent twitches every five seconds. After several unproductive casts, I adjusted my technique.

Previously, I’d been holding the rod horizontally, keeping the lure around 5 feet below the surface. This time, I raised the rod to an 11 o’clock angle and began a more deliberate twitch-and-pause retrieve. Unlike a crankbait’s wobble, the Zumverno moved with a pure twitch bait action.

Within moments—BAM!—a solid strike. Setting the hook was immensely satisfying, especially with the lure’s three sets of treble hooks. The fish was securely hooked in multiple spots, leaving no chance of escape.

A word of caution: these hooks are incredibly sharp. One hook tip effortlessly pierced my finger with minimal pressure—easily the sharpest hooks I’ve encountered.

By the end of the session, I’d caught five bass using the lifted rod technique. I can confidently say the Zumverno 95 SP will be my go-to cold water twitch bait, ideal for waters below 55 degrees.

Recommendation: Pair this lure with a baitcast combo, straight fluorocarbon line, and a slower 7:1 gear ratio. Available in 10 colors and retailing at $18.99, it’s a worthy addition to any winter bass angler’s tackle box.