Megabass Respect 33
The Hakusei Muddy Gori Copper is a highly sought-after, deep-cut color from the Megabass “Respect Color” series, drawing its aesthetic from one of the brand’s earliest and most artistic concepts. The term “Hakusei” refers to an almost taxidermy-like artistry, and the overall pattern is a novel coloration inspired by bottom-dwelling baitfish like gobies. The look is a sophisticated blend of dark tones, featuring a muddy or earthy base color with an attractive copper or metallic flash on the side — a subtle, realistic gleam that is less aggressive than chrome but powerfully lifelike. Originating on a deep-diving crankbait called the Live X Leviathan in 1994, this unique, lifelike lustre and dark profile make it a valued collectible for those who appreciate Megabass’s history of complex, hand-painted finishes that faithfully replicate native Japanese freshwater forage.
This color is specifically designed to target bass that are keyed in on bottom-hugging prey in their natural habitat. Despite its name containing “Muddy,” the Hakusei Muddy Gori Copper is lauded for its high versatility, making it effective in a wide range of fields and water conditions, not just stained or dark water. It excels as a subtle, “match-the-hatch” option when a lure is retrieved near or along the bottom, providing a natural, non-threatening appearance that appeals to more selective fish, especially in recent years as fishing pressure has increased. Its dark back and copper-flashed sides offer a stark contrast against a light bottom, making it a compelling choice for crankbaits, jerkbaits like the Vision Oneten, or even topwater poppers like the Popmax when a darker, realistic profile is needed for shadowing cover.