Shimano | thetightline

Beyond the huge stands of Daiwa and Shimano, other big players like Evergreen, Megabass and Jackall all had a large presence. Megabass showed off new topwater plugs, cranks, weedless frogs, and a bluewater stickbait. Evergreen had their new overhead jigging reel on display as well as a bunch of new Kaleido bass rods as well as a seabass rod featuring Daiwa’s AGS guides. Jackall had a smaller stand than usual after the giant bass tank they usually display was banned due to a tank cracking (not Jackalls) at a show last year. Jackall had new topwater lures, some bass cranks and interesting metal jigs for sable (hairtail)

There were so many other forms of fishing covered at the show, from traditional ayu and hera fishing to bait fishing the rocks with floats, burley and a multitude of accessories. Northcraft were showing off some heavy duty jointed swimbaits for hard crunching species like impoundment barramundi. Designer Kitade san (KD) was proudly showing off a pic of a 127cm Japanese barramundi caught on the test lure. Duo had an awesome new topwater cicada lure with rubber legs similar to some of the soft topwater bugs as well as a larger version of the Rough Trail stickbait that has earned them many fans in Australia.

Elsewhere it was obvious that some of the stands were not as over the top as previous years. Many of the regular exhibitors had downsized their stands, but they seemed to make that up with exuberant promotion including loudspeakers and plenty of attractive booth girls to draw the crowds in. At the opposite end of the spectrum, many of the exhibitors were working hard to draw in female anglers, with prominent placing of the professional women on the stands and in the presentations. There was also a lot more female oriented tackle and accessories on display.

The Crowds were plentiful on the Saturday when the show is open to the public.

MEGABASS

EVERGREEN

JACKALL

DRESS

ENGINE

AKASHI BRAND

FLYERS

FROG PRODUCTS

MISUKE & HONEY

GEECRACK

NORTHCRAFT

SPORT LIFE PLANETS- SLP

IMAKATSU

ITO CRAFT

JIGGING ALLEY

JAPAN ABALONE

BOOTH GIRLS

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For a tackle junky like myself, there is not much better than checking out a heap of new fishing gear. Some of the best new gear appears at the Japan Fishing shows, starting with the Osaka show in February each year. The first day of this show is for the trade only, which gives a great opportunity to get a handle on new gear. The following two days are open to the public, during which time tens of thousands of local anglers cram the large halls to check out the new gear, listen to presentations and maybe meet their favourite Pro-Angler. Some of the top anglers are treated like rock stars here, with fans lining up for hours for the chance to meet their fishing idols

The two biggest companies Daiwa and Shimano came out this year with all guns blazing. Daiwa has released a new Saltiga including the largest spin reel they have ever produced, Their Mag Seal technology has been extended into bail rollers and bearings. At the other end of the spectrum, Shimano released a new Stella in the 1000-4000 size range with new gears, improved body design and balance. In baitcasters, daiwa has released super tuned Steez models at the top end and Japan spec versions of the Tatula reels.

Shimano has a new Scorpion baitcaster and a new version of the famous Conquest reel. The Conquest has been significantly redesigned so that the new 200 model reel is as compact as the old 50 size!