Gear

Big Japanese bass

Since producing a world record bass in 2009, all eyes have been on Japan and Lake Biwa for good reason.

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<p> Manabu Kurita’s world record tying catch of a 22-5 largemouth from Lake Biwa in 2009 put Japan front and center in the bass fishing world for nearly a year (Here he is with an 18-pounder, the previous Biwa record). His catch brought tremendous notoriety to bass fishing in the Far East, where the green invaders are treated as an outlaw’s gamefish. Regardless of the light they’re seen in, bass are well-established in Japan and are thriving. Proof is in the following slides.</p>
Manabu Kurita’s world record tying catch of a 22-5 largemouth from Lake Biwa in 2009 put Japan front and center in the bass fishing world for nearly a year (Here he is with an 18-pounder, the previous Biwa record). His catch brought tremendous notoriety to bass fishing in the Far East, where the green invaders are treated as an outlaw’s gamefish. Regardless of the light they’re seen in, bass are well-established in Japan and are thriving. Proof is in the following slides.
<p> Despite enormous pressure on Biwa’s bass, the natural lake regularly produces catches like this and larger.</p>
Despite enormous pressure on Biwa’s bass, the natural lake regularly produces catches like this and larger.
<p> Like American trophy hunters, the Japanese also prefer large, high-end swimbaits like this one from Roman Made.</p>
Like American trophy hunters, the Japanese also prefer large, high-end swimbaits like this one from Roman Made.
<p> This is Manabu Kurita’s Lake Biwa record before his 22-5 smashed it. This fish weighed 18-7.</p>
This is Manabu Kurita’s Lake Biwa record before his 22-5 smashed it. This fish weighed 18-7.
<p> This baitfish was regurgitated from the belly of a trophy bass. As ugly as it is, it’s a model for lure designers.</p>
This baitfish was regurgitated from the belly of a trophy bass. As ugly as it is, it’s a model for lure designers.
<p> This chunky bass has been gorging on plus-sized baitfish, but should’ve left that pink one alone.</p>
This chunky bass has been gorging on plus-sized baitfish, but should’ve left that pink one alone.
<p> Fishing conditions in Japan aren’t much different from here in the U.S.</p>
Fishing conditions in Japan aren’t much different from here in the U.S.
<p> Color schemes of swimbaits closely resemble forage in Japan’s Lake Biwa.</p>
Color schemes of swimbaits closely resemble forage in Japan’s Lake Biwa.
<p> Another custom-painted lure gets the job done.</p>
Another custom-painted lure gets the job done.
<p> This swimbait is Roman Made’s Mother, a $400 number that is perfectly matched to the Centurion Mind rod next to the fish.</p>
This swimbait is Roman Made’s Mother, a $400 number that is perfectly matched to the Centurion Mind rod next to the fish.
<p> If bass got much bigger, people would be on the menu.</p>
If bass got much bigger, people would be on the menu.
<p> According to Japanese law, every bass that is caught must be killed. However, many anglers “accidentally” drop their catch back in the water.</p>
According to Japanese law, every bass that is caught must be killed. However, many anglers “accidentally” drop their catch back in the water.
<p> This swimbait has two top hooks rather than two trebles on the bottom, an ideal setup for grassy areas.</p>
This swimbait has two top hooks rather than two trebles on the bottom, an ideal setup for grassy areas.
<p> This is proof that pink is a color that shouldn’t be relegated to floating worms alone.</p>
This is proof that pink is a color that shouldn’t be relegated to floating worms alone.
<p> If caught releasing bass, anglers face stiff fines. However, the rate of accidental release remains high.</p>
If caught releasing bass, anglers face stiff fines. However, the rate of accidental release remains high.
<p> Like you’ve heard, big baits equal big bass.</p>
Like you’ve heard, big baits equal big bass.
<p> Big fish are universally liked and appreciated, whether they’re caught in Japan or the U.S.</p>
Big fish are universally liked and appreciated, whether they’re caught in Japan or the U.S.
<p> Kurita’s 18-pounder stood as the record until his 22-5 catch in 2009.</p>
Kurita’s 18-pounder stood as the record until his 22-5 catch in 2009.

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