A craftsman's business
Astufish is an artisanal company, initially specializing in leaded heads. Gradually, other products were added to the catalog, including the Astushad 85 mm shad body and the Talashad 120 mm sandeel body. There are also tenyas with the Astunya and kaburas with the Astupag. All these products are designed by fishing specialists and target all freshwater and saltwater fish.
Each new product is tested by a team of enthusiasts who spend a lot of time on the water. Products are not marketed until they have proved their worth in real-life situations. The head of this small Breton company is Jean-Luc Le Calvez, a master foundryman who worked for several major brands before launching his own small business.
I've had the opportunity to do a few articles on certain products, using them myself, such as soft lures or tenya/kabura. But as the season gets underway, I'm going to introduce you to the tried-and-tested shad heads. They can be fitted with most brands of lure bodies on the market.
Shad heads
Simplexes
Available in 5, 8 and 12 grams with oversized green or red eyes. Particularly recommended for worms, shads, slugs and commas, they work very well in freshwater.
The winshad
They are available in 6, 8, 12, 18, 25, 32, 40 and 50 grams with short shank JIGG hooks to optimize swimming of the soft lure, from 1/0 to 5/0 and 3D silver or red eye colors. A fine groove at the back of the head holds the lure in place without the need for glue.
The lulu
Available in 4, 8, 15, 20, 25, 35, 42 and 50 grams with 3D silver and ruby red eyes. There's also a special series in 4 grams with long shank and 1/0 hook for soft lures from 4 to 5 inches. For use in sea or freshwater. Lulu lures give a rolling effect and are very fishy on a pull or vertical descent. They can be used on the fly, for scratching and, of course, for vertical fishing.
Finesse/worm/shad
Versatility
Available in 8, 12, 20, 30, 40 and 50 grams with 3D silver or ruby eyes and hooks from 1/0 to 5/0. The upper shape of the curved head gives it an erratic swimming action whose amplitude can vary according to retrieve speed or tip movements. Ideal for both sea and freshwater fishing.
The steal head
Available in 7, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 grams with silver or red 3D eyes and hooks from 1/0 to 4/0. Aerodynamic shape for rapid descent to the bottom. Suitable for deep, light fishing and all soft lures. Use without glue thanks to a notched lug. The weight is marked on the heads.
The Abyss
Leaded heads available in 50, 70 and 90 grams and 7/0 Exo hooks. Designed for stalking big fish on wrecks at sea or catfish in freshwater.
The rest of the range will be covered in a second article.
