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Match the hatch. Almost any expert will tell you the key to catching more fish is to offer a bait or lure that matches what they are naturally eating. It makes sense, after all, that a hungry fish is more likely to be enticed by something that they are already searching for. But one of the most popular lures to hit the market is ignoring all the rules. The Coike baits, also known as an urchin or dice bait, do not look like anything bass eat or even see in freshwater. Yet they are catching fish and reeling in a lot of anglers.
So, what is the Coike bait? Basically, it is a plastic comprised of a round body surrounded by numerous long, floppy tentacles or legs. Hence the nickname urchin. Some models go even further towards bizarre by replacing the round body with a square center, earning it the second nickname of dice bait. In either case the resulting bait does not resemble a fish, or any other potential meal, a bass might encounter in its natural habitat. As I said, it ignores all the rules of selecting bait or lure.
Regardless of how it looks, the Coike works. In fact, it works so well that many tackle stores find it difficult to keep up with demand and almost every major manufacturer introduced their own version at the 2026 iCast show.
Why does it work? This is something that no one can conclusively answer. Some suggest it has to do with the multiple legs looking like a school of baitfish. Others say the shape allows it to sink slowly, thus staying in the strike zone longer. Finally, there are those who admit they have no idea, but think bass may just be curious.
The big question anglers have after seeing a Coike for the first time is "how do I use it?" Again, there do not appear to be many rules. It can be worked weightless and on top of the water. A small pencil weight causes it to slowly sink, like a drop shot. If you want it can also be attached to a jig and worked on the bottom. Like I said, no rules.
One thing that you need is the proper hook. Due to the shape of the body, standard bass rigs often do not allow the clearance between hook and shaft necessary to achieve a proper hook set. For smaller or medium-sized models, a wide-gap, short-shaft hook works well. For the larger models many anglers have found a large treble hook works well.
Finally, there is the matter of your rod and reel. This is fishing through finesse not brute strength. No neck breaking hook sets, no wrestling fish from the cover. The Coike relies on subtle movements, a slow descent, and little twitches. For this you will need to downsize to 10-12 pound braid with a fluorocarbon leader paired with a medium-light spinning rod and 2500-3000 reel. This will provide the perfect combination of finesse and quick hooksets needed when targeting finicky fish, something at which the Coike excels.
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Tom Burrell is a retired Waterways Conservation Officer, veteran and lifelong outdoorsman. He now spends his days hunting, fishing and sharing his experiences with readers.