Artisanship and advanced design combine to produce DAIWA’s latest masterpiece, the 2025 SALTIGA® Cuddler 185S.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (June 5, 2025) – Most modern lures are borne from complex digital renderings using sophisticated software that ultimately spit information into a 3D printer and out pops a prototype. Voila! The concept might’ve been first documented on a damp bar napkin in a dingy bar, but that’s where the handcrafting ended.
Now consider DAIWA’s new 2025 SALTIGA® Cuddler 185S long casting diving pencil, a first-of-its-kind subsurface weapon.
It began in the brain of renowned Japanese lure designer Ryota Segawa. From his cognition came the first carving. Yes, like craftsmen of yesteryear, he whittled the first Cuddler with wood. Segawa then bounced prototypes back and forth with DAIWA as the parties transformed wood into ABS plastic, DAIWA using all their fancy machines and technical knowhow, Segawa meticulously testing them on the water. Eventually, the stars aligned, seas parted, and a production model came to life – the one you can buy right now.
Segawa’s original concept was to create a long-casting subsurface lure for saltwater leviathans that could defy wind and be launched with 65- to 100-lb braid. DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin, spoke about the finished product. “The Cuddler met all the criteria and is one of the hottest baits on the ocean, wreaking havoc on tuna, kingfish, GT’s, yellowtail, stripers, and more.”
He continued, “Not surprisingly, it’s all about the design. One of the first things you’ll notice with the Cuddler is its unique body shape, which resembles an airplane wing. The goal, which was achieved, was creating a modest drag on the uptake that would lift the lure upward to ultimately extend casting distance. And you can check that box. The thing flies…”
Casting potency and the Cuddler’s consistent, rhythmic swimming motion are augmented with a sophisticated weighting system. Precision weights in the rear add distance and maintain stability through the cast, while a counterweight in the head moves freely left-to-right to promote the spiraling, swimming action.
The combination of its inimitable profile, head shape, and weighting produces its exceptional action. “The Cuddler hits the water and dives just beneath the surface and then retrieves with a spiraling swimming action, whether it’s calm or choppy. And it’s important to know that the Cuddler does not turn over – the bait is always upright.”
The Cuddler’s durable thermoplastic ABS body is further fortified internally. “The lure’s wire-through design ensures the hooks remain secured to the body, even under the stress of giant fish,” said Martin. The hooks are BKK Big Game Hooks – one treble on the belly and a single inline hook in the rear. The saltwater grade hooks are made from high-carbon steel, chemically sharpened, and specially coated for corrosion resistance.
Additional attention to detail resulted in a diamond shaped line-tie. “The unique shape forces the knot to a fixed-point, preventing knot movement that would otherwise diminish the swimming action and affect the lure’s consistency,” said Martin.
SALTIGA® Cuddler 185F FEATURES:
- Big game subsurface lure
- Unique dive and spiral swimming action just below the surface, triggered by a freely moving head counterweight
- Aerodynamic, winged shape ensures stability in crosswinds and choppy waters
- Rear-weighted for extended casting distance, even with heavy braid
- Heavy-duty BKK hooks (3/0 front and 7/0 back)
- Durable thermoform ABS plastic body
- Wire-through design
- WEIGHT: 3.35 OZ.
- LENGTH: 7.3”
- DEPTH: Subsurface
- COLORS: BLUE BACK, SHADOW KILLER, GLOW KILLER, CHARTREUSE BACK, CLEAR RED KILLER, MACKEREL, and PINK MACK
MSRP $34.99
About DAIWA Corporation
DAIWA’s first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, DAIWA Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Cypress, California, DAIWA Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America. From the very beginning, DAIWA’s emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. DAIWA’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on most tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at DAIWA.us
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