Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named 'Tonttu Wader'. 'Tonttu Wader' is part of the Angler Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can stand on it's own or on the wooden holder. It stands 7 inches tall not on the wooded holder. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late!When summer approaches bringing those summer doldrums a small silver fish called the kissu makes themselves commonly found around beaches, harbors and bays. Since Japan is simply covered with these types of environments fishing for these oishi fish is a great way to spend a day on the beach with family and friends. Kids can easily master how to catch some and it will certainly bring a smile to their faces. As we all know young ones are easily bored if there are no fish being caught and they will soon develop a non interest in sport fishing. So this type of action is great for their self confidence........remember it's not the size that counts for kids it's just the fun in catching them.
Lets get started with some key information you are going to need to start your kissu fishing. The bait is very simple, worms or as we say in Japanese gokae.
The fishing rod can be as simple as you make it. I myself just use a short 7 foot bass rod that is usually used for boat sea bass fishing. Some anglers in Japan like using 10 foot plus rods but I much prefer the light hit and the battle that will persist.
My reel of choice is a Shimano NAVI 4000 series. Now you may wonder why I use such a large reel. The reason is simple, the spool is larger so I can make longer casts. If you use a smaller reel you will not be able to spool off large amounts line as quickly as a larger one. Keep your main line nice and light with some braided line of 10-15lbs.
For the leaders I use store bought ones that are specially designed for this type of fishing. Depending on what type of area you will be fishing you might have to experiment with different types of packaged leaders. In Japanese harisu means leader so choosing the right strength is important. Using a lower numbered one like a 1 or 2 could result in many break offs from puffer fish. (god I hate those things) Puffer fish are your enemy at times because they can bite off your hook or leader in one fowl swoop. Many times you will have the choice between a leader with 2-5 hooks, it's really just personal so choose one that best fits your style. Also in the stores in can be quite confusing, so make sure to just look for the package that has a kissu on it. Do not forget to always ask for help when choosing the right leader package.....it has always worked for me.
Next you are going to need to add a weight and a metal wire rig. For the weight I have become very fond of #8's. They seem to get out far and do not put too much stress on the rod making it perfect for feeling those bites. For the rigs you can choose just about any size but do not go too long.
For technique it is actually quite simple. Let your set up hit the bottom of the beach or sand and slowly reel in. Place your rod on a side ways position ready to slightly twitch when you feel a hit. Try to stay clear of rocky or points that constantly snag you up, if you do run into these problem areas move onto somewhere else where you will not loose your gear every cast.
Some x-tra things that are important are tripod rod holders, a pair of scissors to cut off the heads of those nasty worms, folding plastic buckets, a fish towel, a sun hat, suntan lotion, chairs, a sun umbrella for the wife to keep her cool and happy, a cooler which can filled with ice for 100 yen at just about any fishing port, of course a few beers with the cell phone turned onto manner mode.....and a crazy friend to keep you entertained!
Tight lines, Nigel Paquin.
shimano fishing