The Spearhead Ryuki is a minnow lure made by Duo International in Japan. It comes in a variety of colors, several sizes and different versions. This lure can be incredibly effective in a number of situations. It appeals to a number of fish species and has caught fish all around the world.
The Spearhead Ryuki is also designed in a way that makes the lure quite streamlined in both the air and the water. Even the smallest version of the lure which is just under 1 1/2″ (38 mm) in length can be cast with great distance and accuracy. In the water the lure has a thumping wobble action that a lot of fish simply can’t resist.
How to fish the Duo Spearhead Ryuki
The Spearhead Ryuki comes in several sizes. The naming conventions used with the lures make the length easy to discern. For example, the Spearhead Ryuki 38s is 38 millimeters and sinks. The Spearhead Ryuki 50f is 50 millimeters, or 5 centimeters (2 in), and floats. And so on. The MDF model floats but dives deep.
Spearhead Ryuki lures are available from 38s up to 110s (4.33″). The shorter versions are more compact while the longer lures have a rounder shape that almost resembles a floating Rapala. All the lures come with appropriately sized black treble hooks.
The variety of colors is even larger. A number of subdued natural colors are available. There are also bright colors and special editions. The bright Pink Yamame color is very effective for rainbow trout and brown trout across the United States. I’ve caught trout from Kentucky to Pennsylvania on this color in the 45s and 50s sizes.
This nice rainbow trout attacked a Spearhead Ryuki in pink yamame color
In Asia I’ve caught a number of species ranging from hampala barb to tilapia and striped snakehead on the lure in pearl ayu. I’ve even caught large climbing perch on this color. Conversely we have not had much success using the full chart yamame color. That is not to say they wouldn’t work in some conditions. In our fishing however, more natural colors were much more effective.
This is a sinking minnow but it fishes very well in shallower water. It’s great for smaller rivers and streams, but it works in standing water too. Just cast it out and allow it sink to the desired depth then start your retrieve. A stop and go jerking retrieve that allows the lure to pulsate then pause seems to work best. It’s possible to work this minnow in small pockets between rocks and weeds and still catch fish. You can also use a stop and go retrieve in open water. A lot of the takes come on the slight pauses in your presentation. Fish follow the lure due to its action then wait for an opportunity to strike. A slow and steady retrieve can also work, and a rapid retrieve can work well in discolored water or when fishing for actively feeding trout.
Where to buy Duo Spearhead Ryuki lures
Before I tell you where to find this lure, I want to let you know that I may earn commission when you make purchases through links on this page. This commission helps support my website, but it does not influence what I write. I only recommend products that I have found to be effective.
The Duo Spearhead Ryuki is one of the best selling minnows in Japan. Since so many anglers in Japan regularly fish with lures, that is quite notable. The Spearhead Ryuki is also marketed and sold in parts of Europe and Asia. In Europe the lure is available from Angling Pro Shop. In Japan the lure is available from Sansui.
This spotted hampala barb hit a pearly ayu Spearhead Ryuki 45s
Unfortunately Duo has opted not to distribute and market the Spearhead Ryuki in the United States. The lure is available form a number of domestic and international sellers, though it often comes at a premium price. When ordered from international sellers prices can be high and shipping can take quite a while.
At this time, the most reliable sources for purchasing the Duo Spearhead Ryuki in the United States are Amazon and Ebay. Many of the sellers on Ebay are located in Europe or Asia. The Duo Spearhead Ryuki 45s on Amazon ships from the United States.
Beware of imitation lures. There are a number of knock offs sold online that resemble the Spearhead Ryuki. They are usually a lot cheaper than the real lure. Unfortunately they are not made in the same way as the real Spearheads. Everything from the build to the hooks and most importantly the action is off. Buy the real deal made by Duo if you want to fish with this lure. The fakes aren’t worth the money.
