Wed, January 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

100% Topwater – Japanese Surface Game

Diving into the fascinating microcosm of custom rods, grips and handmade plugs

You’re dead right… It feels a bit odd to write a post about top water fishing while going through the coldest period since a decade, but here we go. My ‘Tokyo connection” already recommended to have a closer look at Japanese top water tackle a while back, but it seems I was all to lulled by the ultra technologized world of the well known and popular JDM (Japan Domestic Market) tackle makers to give it a try.

Time to have a closer look behind that pretty, shiny curtain to get a glimpse on the diversity and unique style of japanese surface game.

As usual, further research is complicated by the fact that most online resources are Japanese only manufacturer websites and a multitudinous number of small but exciting online shops. Surface game in Japan is heavily rooted in originality and appreciation of traditional rod building and first of all characterized by a passion for highly customized tackle and hand-crafted materials.

It’s amzing to see the unique approach and aesthetic of countless independent tackle and lure makers, which are constantly rethinking existing design concepts while keeping alive the vintage look and feel of traditional forms and shapes. The following pictures are just quoting the multifaceted output of some selected makers I came across during my research.

This first blog about surface game is supposed to give a rough overview about Japanese makers and online resources related to this highly fascinating and multifaceted field. Before focussing on particular makers and products, let’s start with a collection of links for further reference and reading (watching).

Surface Game Links

• Hiyoko Brand – Fishing Tackle Technology (Lures, Reels & Grips)
• Abdeal – Beautiful Handmade Lures
• Wild Dancer – Topwater Tackle
• Frog Products (Handmade Lures, Reels & Blanks)
• Slowtaper (Custom Rod Grips & Blanks)
• Tengu Baits – Handmade Lures
• Robelseon – Old, Good Hardware Company (Reels, Grips & Rods)
• Wild Dancer – Handmade Lures, Rods and other Goods
• Code – Lifetime Design (Wooden Topwater Plugs)
• Match Box – Collectibles (Lures & More)
• Will Lure – Handmade Plugs
• Tet Norichika (Handmade Lures & Goods)
• Childheart Lures
• Salamander – Original Handmade Lure

Blogs & Diaries

• Higedancer Blog – one of the Wild Dancer staff blogs
• Headz Blog – run by the people at Headhunters
• Frog Products Blog
• Sun River Diary
• Elephant’s Today

Online Shopping Resources

• Bass Pond – Surface Game Store
• Sun River – Topwater Store
• Match Box Collectibles – Topwater stuff and more
• Headhunters – Topwater Store
• BAPS – Surface Bait Libertaria
• Oh! Chuck – Topwater Store
• Magnum K’s Outlet Shop – Huge Top Water Store
• Opa! – Genuine Fishing Tackle Store
• Sarasi – Fishing Speciality Shop

To be continued…