BassinOnTop

Hey SU, In March I am taking a trip with some buddies to Japan and will be spending most of our time between Tokyo and Kyoto. Obviously Kyoto is pretty close to Biwa, but I am not travelling with other fisherman so my fishing will be solo and probably from the bank. Has anyone spent any time shore-pounding near the south-west end of Biwa or local smaller bodies of water near these cities. Any advice on finding legal and productive water would be greatly appreciated. Not expecting people to give spots, I am mainly just not trying to end up trespassing or travelling far out of my way to some dead or not-fishable water. Also an aside, if anyone has some can't miss tackle shops I'm open to any recs to geek out on some JDM gear and bring home a couple baits as souvenirs.

This looks great, how are you doing the line tie? Love the profile.

The rat is something I have tied on almost year and have settled on throwing it on straight braid or braid to mono leader if I’m fishing super clean water. Something to keep in mind if you’re fishing straight braid, I think it’s extra crucial to fish on a super moderate rod to help pin the fish once they eat. These baits are usually super buoyant and it definitely takes a little extra for these fish to flush them down. I was having some trouble keeping fish pinned when throwing it on a faster, heavier rod and switched to throwing straight mono and noticed a little better hookup and land ratio.

As far as comfort of a reel in your hand if your new to swim baiting, the lexa 300’s are amazing at that price point. The 400 is huge the line capacity would never be an issue if you’re respooling regularly. I started with this reel and pick it up over my round reels almost always. Fished it on the 6.3 and the 7.1 and couldn’t pick a favorite, outside of feeling like the faster ratio becomes most useful in warmer water.

I purchased 2 baits 3 weeks ago that he said are shipping end of the week. But he’s been quick to respond to emails and the baits look great

The grind is about more than just putting the time, it’s all about strengthening the community. Well deserved.

Nice fish man. Fun, unique spot to shore pound and learn the behavior of these super pressured fish. Always a grind, respect on getting a stud.

Damn these look money for my home lake that only has this mid sized forage. Would love to give that bluegill or shad pattern a test.

Butterball

Pigs! Now it’s time to upgrade the bait size!