Fishing Rod Database

海煙VSM

Dedicated vertical squid (ika-metal) boat rod with ergonomic grip systems for sustained one-handed jigging

Models
7
Length
5.9'–7.0'
Type
Casting / Spinning

The Megabass 海煙VSM (Caiyen VSM, Vertical Squid Master) is a dedicated squid metal (ika metal) game rod for vertical squid fishing, an increasingly popular Japanese saltwater technique involving metal squid jigs fished vertically from a boat. Shore casting rod, or general saltwater tool. The target angler is a committed ika-metal specialist fishing from a boat in Japanese coastal and offshore waters made for squid species. The series sits in the premium tier of the ika-metal rod market. The baitcasting models (VSM-511MC, VSM-60M+C, VSM-65MHC, VSM-66MHC) feature Megabass's proprietary Spiral Guide arrangement, available in both left-reel and right-reel hand configurations to counteract blank twist from reel-side loading, plus the ITO Full Palming Seat (IFPS, D.

PAT. P) reel seat, engineered for deep palm grip during sustained vertical jigging. The spinning models (VSM-63MS, VSM-68MHS, VSM-70M+S) use the MBCS (D. PAT.) reel seat with a Megane Bridge-inspired curved rib for palm-fit sensitivity. All models are one-piece, PE line rated (max PE0.8–PE1.0), jig-rated to 30–40 号 (110–150g). Tip sensitivity for detecting subtle squid grabs is the primary engineering goal. Seven models: four baitcasting (ika-metal style) and three spinning (omori-rig/omori-gu style). Lengths 5'11" to 7'.

Baitcasting models (shorter, stiffer) are for metal squid jig vertical work; spinning models (longer, softer tip) are for the omori-gu rig variant where the weight is separate from the lure. The VSM-66MHC and VSM-70M+S are designated omori-gu models per the manufacturer.


Deeper Dive

A closer look at notable models.

VSM-511MC Casting · 5'11"

Shortest baitcast model (5'11"), max PE0.8, jig to 110g. Configured for compact boat situations and precise jig control at close range. Available in left-reel (LR) and right-reel (RR) spiral guide orientations.

VSM-65MHC Casting · 6'5" · XUL

Mid-range baitcast model stepping up to MH power and 150g max jig weight. Suited for deeper or windier conditions where a heavier jig maintains vertical presentation. Spiral guide system in both LR and RR variants.

VSM-66MHC Casting · 6'6" · XUL

Designated as omori-gu model despite being baitcast, the longer 6'6" casting tool for the omori-gu presentation style, bridging the gap between pure ika-metal baitcast rods and the spinning omori-gu variants. No spiral guide on this model per the spec table.

VSM-68MHS Spinning · 6'8" · MH

The longest and heaviest spinning (omori-gu) model. MH power, max 40号/150g, PE1.0. For deeper water omori-gu fishing where additional length and power improve rig control and fish fighting leverage.


Rods in this series

Model Length Power Price
VSM-511MC 5'11"
VSM-60M+C 6' XULI
VSM-63MS 6'3" M
VSM-65MHC 6'5" XULI
VSM-66MHC 6'6" XULI
VSM-68MHS 6'8" MH
VSM-70M+S 7' M

I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.