Pro Quick Tips

Why These New ima Saltwater Colors Were Designed for American Waters

July 20, 2026
By ima lures

When it comes to saltwater fishing, color matters—but the “right” color often depends on where you fish.

For years, anglers across the U.S. have relied on ima’s legendary JDM saltwater lures, trusting their proven actions and craftsmanship to catch everything from striped bass and bluefish to halibut, surf perch, and snook.

Now, for the first time, ima is introducing a collection of colors developed specifically with American waters in mind.

A First-Ever Collaboration Between ima USA & ima Japan

For the first time, ima USA Saltwater Pro Staff collaborated with ima Japan to develop colors inspired by the baitfish found throughout North American fisheries.

Drawing from their experience on the water, the ima USA team shared the forage patterns and local fishing conditions they encounter every season. Those ideas were then brought to life by the color designers at ima Japan, blending local knowledge with the precision and craftsmanship that have made JDM lures respected around the world.

The result isn’t a replacement for the existing lineup—it’s an expansion, giving anglers even more options to match the waters they fish.

Available on Five Proven ima Saltwater Lures

The new USA-developed colors are now available on five of ima’s most trusted saltwater lures:

Jetty 135S
Gyodo 110MD
Gyodo 130MD
Gyodo Heavy Surfer 90
Sasuke 130 Goriki

Each lure delivers the same proven action anglers already trust—now paired with eight colors designed specifically for American waters.

See the Colors for the First Time

When the ima USA Saltwater Pro Staff visited Japan, they got their first look at the finished colors. Watch their first impressions and hear what makes each color unique.

Meet the 8 New USA-Developed Colors

Each of these colors was selected by the ima USA Saltwater Pro Staff based on the baitfish and fishing conditions they encounter across American waters.

1. Tomcod

A natural baitfish pattern designed to imitate a brown bait or Tomcod. An excellent choice whenever predators are feeding on smaller baitfish.

2. Sardine

Inspired by one of the most important forage species on both coast lines. A proven, local favorite that’s sure to become a go-to color for saltwater anglers.

3. Scaled Smelt

A realistic scale finish paired with a vibrant hot pink belly adds just the right amount of flash and visibility without sacrificing a natural appearance.

4. Pink Glow

A soft pink finish blends naturally into a white belly rather than creating a harsh contrast. The glow shines through the pink finish, while the entire belly glows for added visibility in low-light conditions

5. Bone

One of the most requested colors from anglers. A clean, classic Bone finish that’s deadly in virtually any water condition.

6. Glow Sardine

A realistic sardine pattern enhanced with subtle silver flake for extra flash, combined with a glowing finish for increased visibility when light conditions are less than ideal.

7. Red Gold Fire

Designed for stained water, this pattern combines rich gold flash with a vibrant orange-gold belly. An excellent choice for targeting calico bass and other aggressive inshore predators.

8. Black Back Chovy

Inspired by the anchovies commonly found in oceans across the globe, specifically west coast waters, featuring the distinctive dark blue back, reflective scales, and subtle red nose that local predators see every day.

Explore the USA-Developed Color Collection

Discover the complete collection of eight USA-developed colors, available across five proven ima Saltwater lures.