Weekly material / FishUs Cerberus Lite: a modular swimbait that can't be ignored

© Emilien Feron

FishUs has forged a solid reputation for itself with one of its iconic models: the Cerberus, a nervous and powerful swimbait designed to target big predators. But the Cerberus Lite is not a watered-down version: it's a lure designed in its own right, with its own identity, for anglers looking for a finer, more modular, but just as expressive swimbait. After several pike-oriented sessions, it quickly became apparent that this Lite version had a character quite distinct from its predecessor.

A rethought design focused on modularity

The Cerberus Lite is a 13 cm, 30 g articulated swimbait that doesn't just provide a smooth swimming action: it also offers a real evolutionary platform. The removable lip, detachable balls and interchangeable soft tail allow you to instantly modify its behaviour, making it one of the most adaptable lures on the market.

Unlike some modular swimbaits that require tedious disassembly or accessories that are difficult to change, FishUs has focused on simplicity and efficiency. In a matter of seconds, you can switch from a quiet glidebait to a noisy wakebait, without tools, without micro-adjustments, and above all without compromising the overall balance of the lure. This is a real advantage over references such as Biwaa or Savage Gear modulables, which are often effective but not as quick to set up.

Un look bien distinctif de la ligne Fishus by Lorenzo
A distinctive look for the Fishus by Lorenzo line

The expertise of FishUs by Lurenzo is evident from the moment you open the box. The multi-layered paints reveal natural reflections, fine nuances and meticulous realism. Textured scales, 3D eyes and a slightly compressed silhouette reinforce the illusion of a living fish.

The joints, fluid yet perfectly robust, testify to a serious design. The Japanese treble hooks, with their perfect bite, immediately inspire confidence.

In action: one decoy, three distinct behaviours

The Cerberus Lite really comes into its own when fishing. The Cerberus Lite's center of gravity ensures exemplary stability both when casting and retrieving: the lure goes straight and far, and doesn't stall, even in windy conditions or when passing through congested areas.

Adaptable d'un geste : avec ou sans bavette, ondulations fortes ou légères.
Adaptable in a single gesture: with or without bib, strong or light waves.

Depending on the configuration chosen, it adopts three very different faces.

In glidebait mode this lure, which has no lip or beads, has a wide, silent swimming action, perfect for seducing wary pike in calm water. Long pauses are particularly effective: the lure remains suspended for a few moments before setting off again with an almost organic softness, often triggering an attack.

In swimbait mode with the soft tail and beads, the swim becomes tighter and denser, with a continuous vibration that can be felt all the way through the rod. This configuration shines in slow prospection, especially when fish follow but hesitate to make up their minds.

In wakebait mode the Cerberus Lite is a real surface bulldozer. The lure pushes out of the water, creates a marked wake and provokes spectacular reflex attacks, particularly early in the morning or at the edge of vegetation.

In each of these configurations, the balance remains impeccable: no random rolling or misalignment. The lure retains exemplary stability, which is far from the case with many all-purpose swimbaits.

Effective animations... and a few pitfalls to avoid

With the Cerberus Lite, the temptation is to overdo it. In glidebait mode, slow pulls followed by long pauses trigger more fish than nervous twitching.

In swimbait configuration, subtly vary the retrieve speed to provoke opportunistic attacks, especially in transition zones. And when using wakebait, there's no need to force the lure: just let the lip work on its own to create an irresistible wake.

Un swimbait polyvalent dans les usages et dans les espèces.
A swimbait with a wide range of uses and species.

A lure that ages well

After several sessions, the Cerberus Lite shows very good resistance. The paintwork holds up remarkably well, even after several pikes and a few bumps against obstacles. The joints retain their fluidity without becoming slack, proof of masterful manufacturing.

A point worth emphasizing: the soft tail doesn't melt when in contact with other lures, unlike the PVC tails of many brands that break down at the bottom of a poorly organized box. It's a detail, but a detail that changes the angler's life. The downside is that this tail, though tough, can still show signs of wear after several clean attacks â?" fortunately, it's replaceable.

Detachable accessories, on the other hand, require a minimum of attention to avoid misplacing them, but their sturdiness is beyond doubt.

De nombreux coloris pour palier à toutes les situations.
Numerous colors to suit every situation.

An innovative, technical and irresistible swimbait

Over the years, the FishUs Cerberus Lite has established itself as one of the most accomplished modular swimbaits in my box. Its exemplary finish, realism and ability to change personality in a matter of seconds make it a formidable tool for pike fishing. More than a versatile swimbait, it's a real evolution, designed for demanding anglers who want to adapt to every situation without changing lures.

Un leurre à essayer, et à adopter.
A lure to try and adopt.

A smart, versatile, superbly constructed lure... and clearly made to last.

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