MADNESS Madshad Soft Shad 85 - 8.5 cm

Product benefits

Born from the close collaboration between Satoshi Iwamoto, president and developer of Madness, and the brand’s team, the MADNESS Madshad soft shad has become over the years a true reference for predator fishing. Designed to deliver an effective swim in a wide range of conditions, it combines ease of use, proven efficiency and great versatility.

Throughout its evolution, the Madshad has benefited from improved materials, featuring a softer rubber than earlier versions. This optimized material enhances the swim frequency, especially when mounted on lighter jigheads or animated at reduced speeds. The result is a versatile shad, capable of producing attractive vibrations both on slow retrieves and during fast fishing.

While retaining the qualities that made it successful for towing retrieves, the Madshad has gradually established itself as an excellent choice for straight retrieves, cranking and finer animations. It is a reliable lure, suitable for both experienced anglers and beginners looking for a proven model.

Technical specifications

• Lure type : soft shad designed for predator fishing.


• Softened material : rubber softer than first generations, optimized for better swim frequency.


• Reactive action : quick activation, including with lighter jigheads or during slow animations.


• Animation versatility : designed to excel in towing, but also in straight retrieves and cranking.


• Japanese design : developed in collaboration with Satoshi Iwamoto, ensuring a high level of design standards.


• Jighead compatibility : works perfectly with classic rigs, notably with Xorus Ultihead Evo jigheads and other heads adapted to shads.


• Target use : fishing for various predators in freshwater or saltwater, depending on the jighead and the chosen search area.


• Versatile range : available in several variants to suit different environments and angler preferences.

Advantages and strengths

The main asset of the Madshad lies in its proven effectiveness over many years. It is not an experimental lure: it has widely proven itself in the field, making it a safe bet to have in your box. Its swim, which combines attractive vibrations and great stability, triggers strikes from wary or lethargic fish.

Thanks to its softer material, the MADNESS Madshad soft shad excels when predators are suspicious and the animation must be slowed. Mounted on lighter jigheads, it continues to work effectively and remains very lively even at low speed. Conversely, when used for fast towing retrieves, it retains the qualities that built its reputation: a dynamic, well-marked swim capable of covering ground quickly.

Another major advantage is its technical versatility. The same lure allows different approaches:

• Towing retrieves : ideal for prospecting deep areas or large expanses by alternating strong pulls and controlled releases.


• Straight retrieve : steady retrieve at an adapted speed to follow contours or graze the bottom.


• Cranking : continuous, more sustained retrieve, useful for quickly locating active areas.

This ability to adapt to different speeds and types of animations makes it an excellent choice for anglers who want a versatile soft lure capable of handling most situations encountered on the water.

Usage tips

To fully exploit the potential of the MADNESS Madshad, it is important to choose a jighead adapted to fishing conditions: depth, current, wind and fish activity. A lighter rig takes advantage of its soft material and optimizes the swim at low speed, while a heavier rig offers better control in towing or strong currents.

In straight retrieve, let the lure descend to the desired depth, then retrieve steadily, sometimes adding slight pauses or small accelerations. This simple animation perfectly showcases the shad’s natural swim.

In towing retrieves, let the lure touch the bottom, lift the rod with short or long pulls then follow the fall while keeping constant contact. The Madshad will work both on the rise and during the fall, often decisive in triggering strikes.

In cranking, a continuous retrieve at moderate to fast speed quickly covers ground and locates active fish. Don’t hesitate to vary speed or add short stops to provoke hesitant followers.

Finally, adapt the size and hook type of the jighead to your target and gear, always ensuring good freedom of movement to get the best from this soft shad lure.

Testimonials

FAQ

Question 1 : For which fish is the MADNESS Madshad recommended?

Answer: The Madshad is designed for predator fishing in general. Depending on the chosen size and jighead used, it can be employed in freshwater or saltwater on various predators.

Question 2 : Is the lure suitable for beginners?

Answer: Yes, its effective swim with simple animations makes it an excellent choice for beginner anglers while remaining technical enough to satisfy experienced anglers.

Question 3 : Which animation techniques are most suitable?

Answer: The Madshad performs very well in towing retrieves, straight retrieves and cranking. Simply adjust the jighead and retrieve speed according to depth and fish activity.