Megabass Respect 87
GP Sakura Illusion is a legendary finish that traces its aesthetic lineage back to the development of another Megabass lure – the FX9 Prototype – representing a pivotal era in Megabass’s color evolution. Aesthetically, it is defined by a delicate, semi-transparent pink hue—reminiscent of cherry blossoms, overlaying a Guanium Phantom (GP) base that provides a ghostly, iridescent shimmer. This specific colorway was popularized by the company’s FX9 with folding-lip design, where the need for a “disappearing” yet reflective silhouette led to this sophisticated “illusion” effect. For collectors, owning a piece in GP Sakura Illusion, especially within the Respect 87 series, is a tribute to the brand’s experimental history, prized for its ability to blend high-tech light-refraction with a soft, naturalistic beauty that mimics the semi-translucent scales of live forage.
From a technical application standpoint, GP Sakura Illusion is a specialized finesse-trigger color designed to excel in ultra-clear water or under high-pressure conditions where fish are particularly lure-shy. The best technique involves a rhythmic twitch-and-pause retrieve, which allows the guanium finish to emit a subtle, internal flash that mimics the scales of a stressed minnow without the overwhelming glare of solid chrome. Because of its translucent properties and pearl belly, it is exceptionally effective on overcast days or during the low-light transitions of dawn and dusk, where the pink spectrum remains visible to predators while the body of the lure remains elusive. This “illusion” technique forces fish to commit quickly to a strike, as the lure appears to materialize and vanish with every movement, making it a primary choice for technical anglers targeting trophy-class fish in transparent water columns.