We want to keep the frontage open without leaving beginners behind.
PROFILE
He first encountered bass fishing in junior high school and has been chasing black bass ever since. 2004, he started his own handmade lure manufacturer, Chimushi. Specializing in topwater lures, he has gained popularity for his high catch rate. He also actively participates in tournaments.
Instagram:@chimush1kun
I have bought many kinds of lures, but I am interested in handmade lures. When did you start making lures in the first place?
There is a local fishing tackle shop that I have been going to since I first started fishing, and the old man there had handmade lures. They were too expensive to buy, but he taught me how to make them, so I started making them myself. That was when I was a sophomore or junior in high school. It was based on the motif of ZEAL, a lure maker that I had always admired. About half of the lures I made actually caught fish.
I see that you still treasure it. Must have been a great feeling to catch a fish with a lure you made yourself?
The thrill was different. I think the first one I caught was a pink panda? When I actually used it, it didn't move like I thought it would at all. Still, I kept using it for a while, and then it bit me. I was really happy, even though I caught a fish even though it was not accompanied by any function.
Sam Griffin Moonshine Special
It must be a great pleasure to catch a fish with a lure that you made yourself.
By the way, this is Sam Griffin's "Moonshine Special," a series that I learned about as an adult. I have been collecting them in the "Moonshine Special" series, which I came to know after I became an adult. I feel that it is similar to the "Mamushi" series because it is basic but to the point and pursues fishing results.
What were you particularly particular about in the production of "Lasciviousness"?
It looks like this, but it is a fishing result. Of course, design is important, and the cooler the better, but that alone is not enough. It is fundamentally a tool for fishing, so I am attracted to functional beauty rather than design that only looks good. It is a great luxury to have both function and coolness, isn't it? Even if you choose a product for its appearance, it is better if it comes with results.
I see. What are you aiming for at this point?
We want to create an introductory lure that can be used by topwater beginners while also being understood by enthusiasts. We want to keep the front door open without leaving beginners behind.
Moley Moth Pracaibird Mini
That's great news for us beginners!
That's how we arrived at our first plastic lure, the Pracaibird Mini. We made it more affordable than handmade ones, so that people can easily get their hands on it. It has been about three months since we released it, and we have received many fishing reports. We've incorporated the functionality of the "Hippocampus" model, which is what made the "Lover's Bug" so famous. Sakuraba, a professional wrestler, challenged himself to a stiff mixed martial arts match and won the actual fight by pretending it was a painless wrestling move. Like that, we aimed to create a lure that can be chosen for its appearance and still catch fish.
Lepidoptera: Hornworms / Moths
It's cute! I would love to try it. In addition to "Hippocampus," I would like to hear about other lures that you have a strong attachment to.
We first released the "Kabumez" (photo at left) and "Kuwamez" (photo at right) more than 10 years ago. We thought we had completed a good lure, but at first we didn't get a lot of understanding. But slowly over the years, they became popular. It is thanks to the customers who like it and continue to use it. As a designer, I am grateful for that, and I learned a lot from it. This lure made me realize that there is hope for the future if we continue to make good products. I believe that we all helped to nurture it.
What is your advice on how to catch fish?
When I want someone to catch a fish, I lower the size of the lure. If I use a slightly smaller size, they may respond to it as if they are playing with it. For example, even adults eat snacks. Even adults are limited to those who can eat a big steak for a snack. However, if potato chips were put in front of them, they would bite into at least one piece. I think you should consider these differences when choosing a lure.
(Left) Rod: [Northfork Composites] ACR70MH, reel: [Shimano] Scorpion XT 1500-7. (Right) Rod: original rod sample, reel: [Shimano] Calcutta Conquest 200HG.
