FEATURE

Translated By DeepL

HOUYHNHNM FISHING CLUB visits Lake Kawaguchi, a famous bass fishing spot, for the first time!
Fishin' in the Rain

HOUYHNHNM FISHING CLUB visits Lake Kawaguchi, a famous bass fishing spot, for the first time!

Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is a perfect place for a relaxing day trip, only about an hour and a half drive from central Tokyo. While there are plenty of tourist spots where you can enjoy a relaxing autumn outing, Lake Kawaguchi is also popular for bass fishing. And yet, we hadn't been there yet, so HOUYHNHNM FISHING CLUB set out! Fuji and the clear water of the lake. Fuji and the clear waters of the lake. Let's detoxify your daily fatigue by fishing in the beautiful nature!

  • Photo_Fumihiko Ikemoto
  • Text_Shogo Komatsu
  • Illustration_TOMASON
  • Edit_Yosuke Ishii
  • Special Thanks_DAIWA

Let's fish in the rain!

Bass fishing is popular at Lake Kawaguchi because of the environment . Parking lots and restrooms are provided for anglers by the lake. Fishing requires the purchase of a recreational fishing ticket, which is managed in such a way that anglers can enjoy and comfortably fish. And for environmental conservation, the use of worms is prohibited. The same was true of Lake Nishiko, also one of the five lakes of Fuji, and Lake Ashi in Hakone, which I visited last year with HOUYHNHNM's FISHING CLUB. After purchasing a recreational fishing ticket, we immediately went to the field! This time, as in Shikoku, we were going to try a land-based fishing method, casting from the shore and running from place to place.

It was colder than I thought it would be , and the temperature was 9 degrees. We started the day with a rod in the pouring rain!

Sasaki:. It's cold today, so it's a day when the fish don't want to move either. Kawaguchi Lake is full of weeds (waterweeds), so they may be hiding in them , or they may be hiding in the crevices in the bottom of the lake in the lava belt unique to the Fuji Five Lakes. You might get a reaction if you try to catch them there.

Mr. Hara, who joined us on this fishing trip, is a topwater plugger, or so-called topper, a fishing style that uses only topwater lures that swim on the surface. He loves handmade and old lures and vintage gear, which is cool as a thing.

Hara:From the shore, I aim at the reeds, but I may not be good at this kind of flat area with no obstacles. . But since it's raining, I'm thinking that the tops will be the best.

It is said that topwater fishing is easier when it rains because the fish are more active and less cautious. Mr. Hara , I am looking forward to it!

This is the head of the department, who was very tense.

Ishii:I was throwing my favorite minnows and vibrations , probing the weeds. I couldn't use my proven and trusted worm, so I brought a poke lure just in case , but I'll save it as a last resort.

A natural pork lure made from pigskin and fat. With its unique soft movement, it is used as an alternative to worms . Such a bullish footing of Ishii is also reassuring.

The upper is made of tough Cordura nylon , and the booties are made of waterproof and breathable material. These shoes from DAIWA are equipped with an original sole developed in collaboration with Vibram.

Ishii:I also use them as street shoes on rainy days, but they do not slip at all on wet tiles. I was really surprised at the high grip. I feel safe even in situations near water. The toe bumper is also well reinforced, so I can wear them in the outdoor field without hesitation.

. Ichikawa is pushing hard to launch a new fishing magazine, BEFORE YOU WAKE UP. . He seems to be in a good mood today because he can devote the whole day to fishing.

Ichikawa:I can see baits (small fish that serve as bait), and fish jumped earlier, so I think I can catch them. Lake Kawaguchi has clear and pleasant water. . It is close to Tokyo and the air is good because of the high altitude. After we are done, let's take a bath and go home.

. and Komatsu is in a good mood after a long absence from fishing. . HOUYHNHNM FISHING CLUB" has collaborated with "Columbia PFG" to produce a jacket and hat. This collection seems to be quite popular!

Komatsu:I heard it was raining and cold, so I put it on here. It has a water-repellent finish, so it can handle this much rain. . It is convenient because it has many large and small pockets.

How is Ikemoto, who was eager to throw the big lure, doing?

Ikemoto:I enjoy trying different lures without being spoiled by worms because I can't use them. . but I am nervous about throwing my prized big baits.

We try for a while, but the bass seem to be away , so we move to a different location.

INFORMATION

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