Beautiful place up in the hills of Córdoba

After preparing the kayak, I went directly to one of the top spots between big rocks and a sunken tree. Soon after arriving, I had a few cautious bites on Record‘s ‘Quebrada’. Most of then came right after the lure hit the water. This good start was garnished with the first fish of the day. Once again the strike was almost unnoticeable, but the fight was hard and exciting.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Record de Ligero ‘Quebrada’

Bass where really active and within minutes I had more strikes and a nice catch on Abdeal’s ‘Abstract’. I switched to 2tone‘s ‘Arco-At’ which was part of my latest order at Rotton. As I only have a few minnow-like topwater plugs in my box, I was really looking forward to give this one a first try. Within minutes I had a first strike and the following cast to the same spot brought a fine fish.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: 2tone ‘Arco-At’

I moved to a small bay surrounded by several big rocks and with submerged plants. I was now constantly switching between both rods and was changing lures a few times. So many new arrivals to try out… The next two fish I had on Abdeal‘s ‘Splat’. I really like size and movement of this tiny popper and was able to make some good shots..

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Abdeal ‘Splat’

Around midday there was a mor quiet period with 1-2 bites but no fish. I decided to move to another part of the reservoir that I had in good memory for nice cover and good sized fish. Surprisingly only had a single fish in this area. This time Handsome Lures‘ ‘Wild Walker’ lured the fish away from it’s hideouts between overhanging branches.

Rod: Robelson Charchoal Master, Reel: Conquest 101, Lure: Handsome Lures ‘Wild Walker’

For the remaining hours I was fishing Record de Ligero‘s ‘Romeo’. Besides a few bites I was able to catch two more fish while the 2nd one was caught at one of my secret hot spots. Within three years I always caught a decent fish in this area. Seems to be a perfect hiding spot for the big ones.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Record de Ligero ‘Romeo’

This catch was truly one of the highlights of a great and memorable fishing trip. I don’t know how many bites I had during the day, but I can’t remember a day at Embalse de la Encantada where fish where this active and agressive. Good times..

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Record de Ligero ‘Romeo’

For more pictures browse the gallery of this blog post.

My spanish friends and I arrived about an hour after sunrise and the conditions where just perfect.

During the first hours I had two small bass on 2tone‘s ‘Arco-At’ and Record‘s ‘STF’ and some missed strikes on Tsunami Lures‘ ‘Gaucho+’ while my friends had their first good fish on more conventional lures and baits. Around midday we moved to another part of the reservoir and the field and scenery was just perfect for topwater fishing.

Because of the high water level there where countless sunken trees and thick weed beds which created perfect hiding spots. Upcoming wind made casting difficult at times but we where quite optimistic about the remaining 2 hours of the trip. Close to a huge fallen tree I had a first spectacular strike on Record‘s ‘STF’, the 2nd cast produced two more bites in quick succession. After switching to ‘Quebrada’ of the Record de Ligero series, I got a final good strike and was able to land this beauty of a fish.

Bass in la Breña feature a quite unique and dark color pattern.

Perfect hiding spots…

About an hour later we where fishing some heavy cover of treetops and weed beds and I had a few more strikes on the ‘Gaucho+’. One of them brought another sweet fish. Since fishing this fine lure by Tsunami Lures for the first time on a trip to Córdoba in April 2010, it’s always in my box when travelling to Spain and always created some lasting memories.

Great spot and beautiful fish

After about six hours on the water we left Embalse de la Breña with a bright smile. All I can say is that I need to go back to this beautiful place by kayak someday.

For more pictures browse the gallery of this blog post.

Even with low water level a beautiful view..

After kayaking upstream for around 2 kilometers, I finally reached some promising points and sunken trees, but even after 2 hours fishing I didn’t had a single strike on my favorite lures. With upcoming wind I decided to switch to the other side of this part of the reservoir. After fishing rocky structures with interesting points and cover, I was now paddling through shallow water and sandy bays.

Not wat I would call a top spot for topwater fishing, but you never know…

To my surprise the first fish of the day hit 2tone‘s ‘Arco-At’ in only knee-deep water and after a short but intensive fight the following mid-sized but well-fed bass was ready for some quick photos.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: 2tone ‘Arco-At’

Only a few 100 meters downstream I was fishing parallel to the banks when a promising strike pulled Abdeal‘s ‘Abstract’ below the surface. The fight was much harder and it took me some time to lift this beautiful fish out of the water. For sure one of the best and memorable moments of the entire trip.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Abdeal ‘Abstract’

This one was perfect to get the adrenalin flowing. With new energy I approached a channel with a shallow area in it’s center. At one of it’s edges, I had a first slight strike on Local Lure‘s ‘Kari-kari Mouse’ (カリカリマウス). I think it was only the 3rd or 4th cast with this lure as I was using it for the first time. I really like movement and the noisy sound of the back-prop. The 2nd cast resulted in another strike and after an exciting fight close to the banks this beautiful fish came to light.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core w/ Resion grip, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Local ‘カリカリマウス’

Just after I decided to quit fishing for the day, I came across another promising point. A few casts later I got the last strike of the day. Again on Local‘s ‘Kari-kari Mouse’. Catching these two great fish was a perfect round-up for the last day fishing of this years trip to the Andalusian south.

Rod: Robelson Grace Core w/ Resion grip, Reel: Conquest 101DC, Lure: Local ‘カリカリマウス’

For more pictures browse the gallery of this blog post.

Let’s start with one of the probably most sought-after topwater plugs in Japan – Local’s “Sori Tonbo” (ローカル 反りトンボ). The first time I came across Local and this very special lure was back in 2009 when my friend Tsuyoshi introduced me to the vibrant macrocosm of Japanese Surface Game.

ローカル 反りトンボ 2nd * Size: 113mm, Weight: 1oz under, Color: Kenomo (ケモノ)

This lure’s most distinguishing feature – the big front-prop and the very characteristic body shape made it instantly become one of my personal favorites. Not forgetting the brilliant and highly unique style of Local’s visual output. I really like to recommend you to visit his website – it’s worth a closer look!

Close-up shot of Sori Tonbo’s most distinguishing feature – the big front-prop

It’s been a few times that I wrote to known shops and kindly asked to apply for the lotteries that where held at rare release dates, but without luck. Let me explain this lottery thingy a bit more.. Once the lure is officially released, you can apply by sending in your name, contact details and preferred lure color to the shop of your choice. The lucky winners are drawn by lot and can buy the lure. Even if I didn’t had much luck with my inquiries as yet, I kind of like this unusual procedure.

I had no other option but to try my luck at Yahoo Auctions again. I don’t (want to) know how much time I spent and how many bids where placed until I got this lure at a halfway reasonable price. I’m really happy I finally made it! Thanks again to my friend Tsuyoshi for his kind help and patience.

ワイルドダンサー　ビッグディール * Size: 100mm, Weight: 3/4oz, Color: unknown

The 2nd lure – Wild Dancer‘s “Big Deal” pops up at selected Topwater shops here and then, but my favorite colors where really hard to find. Again it took me a lot of time and a handful of missed opportunities to finally get it.

ワイルドダンサー　ビッグディール * Size: 100mm, Weight: 3/4oz, Color: unknown

As you can imagine, it feels really good that these two incredible lures are now part of my arsenal and I’m looking forward to give them a first try soon.

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Don’t miss to browse this blog post’s gallery to see all additions to the tackle box.

This highly limited lure was released for Field Recording 2010 and the name “926″ originates from the date – 26th of September. If I got it right, this date marks Genuine Record’s anniversary, but I’m not 100% sure about that.

I decided to give this fine lure a little polish as the body has some wounds and tiny scratches. Hooks and props where slightly rusty and partly twisted, but I already had Record’s original parts and some spare hooks in reserve.

After carefully removing hooks and metal parts, I repaired little wounds with superglue and prepared screw holes with silicone.

After about 30 minutes glue spots where hardened and re-assembling hooks and metal fittings was easy done.

And here you can see the final outcome..

I really like the polished look and can’t wait to give this beautiful lure a try during the upcoming fishing trip to Spain!

At the begin of April, I will fly down to Spain and I can’t wait to finally try new lures and have some “cervecitas fresquitas” with my grood friend Enrique. I hope to rent a Wilderness Tarpon again and to explore some new reservoirs.

Peaceful scenery at one of my favorite Andalusian reservoirs

A second trip is planned for early June and will bring me back to Japan! I’m really excited to get the chance to go back and to meet the amazingly friendly people again that I got to know during last year’s trip. During my stay, I will travel between Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Detailed travel plans and live blog coverage to follow..

Within the last weeks I spent a lot of time browsing my favorite Japanese Topwater shops and again Yahoo auctions and was able to buy some amazing and highly unique lures. Hirayama-san of Genuine Record released two sweat new plugs. First is a follow-up to the “Julieta” release on Récord de Ligero – guess how it’s called? Exactly, Romeo! The 2nd lure is a follow up release to the highly limited “Study To Be Quiet” series.

It’s a reissue of the “Sixty-Nine” originally released in 2003. The limited model is a bit smaller than it’s predecessor, but the three color patterns are just amazing. My favorite “69″ color is called “Modernism” and features simple, yet beautiful geometric shapes that blend perfectly with the original wood pattern. But see for yourself.

From left to right: Record “69″ Color: Modernism & Horror, Récord de Ligero “Romeo” Color: Clásico, 2tone “Issen90″ Color: Glitter Shad » Photos are courtesy of Rotton

I also got hands on 2tone‘s “Issen90″. I saw it in action while fishing with Takeshi Fukuma (creative head behind 2tone) at Takayama-dam in August last year. It’s a fine pencil lure with truly unique action and movement.

Most lures I bought in recent weeks still need to be shipped to Germany, so I will post more pictures and details soon.
Stay tuned!

The sending contained lures that I carried together since September. With the help of my good friend Tsuyoshi, I was able to place an Order at the famous Rotton shop – based in Sennan, Osaka Prefecture. He also supported me getting a few rare and sought-after colors of my favorite lure builders – Record, 2tone and Abdeal – on Yahoo Auctions.

Abdeal – Splat * Size: 80mm, Weight: 16g, Color: OP

I was looking for these highly unique metallic colors long before last year’s visit to Japan and Abdeal‘s “GS” color and Record’s “Mistico” where topping my list of favorites. Since a while I’m looking for small / medium-sized and lightweight plugs with unique characteristics and designs and these latest arrivals are just perfect examples of this direction.

Récord de Ligero – Quebrada * Size: 80mm, Weight: 5/8oz, Color: Mistico

Especially the Récord de Ligero series became one of my absolute favorites. It’s really hard to get hands on these quirky topwater plugs and I was really lucky to add the “Quebrada” and “Mandarina” to my tackle box.

Récord de Ligero – Mandarina * Size: 85mm, Weight: 5/8oz under, Color: Allergia

As mentioned before, another hot favorite is Abdeal – hailing from Nagoya. The “Abstract” caught my eye sometimes last year. I just couldn’t resist and bought different colors, because of this lure’s unique minnow-like shape and gorgeous color patters.

Abdeal – Abstract * Size: 110mm, Weight: 7/8oz , Color: GA

Last but not least I would like to mention 2tone‘s “Acro-at”. Another sweet Topwater minnow coming along in the beautiful “Natural Wood Frog” color. I saw Takeshi Fukuma fishing this lure on our trip to Takayama Dam in August. Really had to add this great lure to the arsenal.

2tone – Arco-at * Size: 105mm, Weight: 3/4oz under, Color: Natural Wood Frog

Thanks again to Tsuyoshi and Nagata-san of Rotton’s fame for their kind help and support! Can’t wait to finally hit the water again an to try my new “toys”.

Don’t miss to browse the gallery of this blog post to see all of them.

Two days ago I received a package from Masahiro Hotta of Abdeal. We got in touch some months ago and had some conversations via email about lure colors and other stuff. Unfortunately we didn’t meet during my stay in Japan. My schedule was just too packed to stop by in Nagoya, but I hope the make up for that next year.

Abdeal’s Mind Game * Weight: 3/4oz, Color: Frog Scale White Head (FSWT)

Masahiro sent one of his lures all the long way to shivering Berlin. The “Mind Game” is a marvelous looking pencil bait and features a very special color limited to 50 pieces – dedicated to the victims of the Tohoku earthquake that hit Japan on March 11 this year. It’s great to have this beautiful lure in my box and at the same time to be reminded of the courage and unity shown by the Japanese in the aftermath of this tragedy.

This fine 3/4oz pencil features some interesting details, such as the deep-positioned front-lug and the additional ring attached to it. Usually I’m not using a snap when fishing pencil lures, so I’m curious to see how this ring will affect movement and action.

Enough talk, time for more pictures. I did some shots earlier today and added my two other Abdeal lures to the mix. It’s great to see the consistency and uniqueness in style and aesthetic direction.

Abdeal’s Mind Game * Front-lug Close-up

From left to right: Abdeal’s Big Bird, Abstract and Mind Game

Thanks again to Masahiro Hotta for his kind support.
Much appreciated.

Like to learn more? Don’t miss to visit the Abdeal website and blog.

Sleepy but happy…

We arrived in time at first light, rented a boat and immediately went out to the lake which was beautifully covered with dense fog. The water of Ashino-ko is incredibly clear while the shallow banks where covered with rocks and overhanging bushes and trees.

Genuine Record’s Julieta (Récord de Ligero)

I tested a few of my new lures and Genuine Record’s “Julieta” quickly became a new favorite. This small popper is not only beautiful to watch, but also produces a compelling and ultra-deep pop sound. Somehow Ashino-ko’s black bass where of different opinion and don’t even thought about striking my new wonder-lure.

Crystal clear water and shallow banks

The amazing scenery and surrounding landscape at the lake where just the right compensation for our no-bite Topwater session. It was first trip without a single bite since arriving in Japan, but we really enjoyed the peaceful and quiet atmosphere at this great lake.

Slowly but gently the fog is lifting…

After just a few hours the sun came out and we finally got a clear sight of Ashino-ko. Unfortunately Mount Fui was still covered with fog and the few photographs I took during the day cannot convey the experience of silence and the incredibly beautiful landscape.

Crystal clear water and shallow banks

Great view…

This beautiful August morning and the time until midday where really a highlight of the trip to Japan. I know, I can count myself lucky to have friends who share the same passion for nature and topwater bass angling.

Vintage reel section w/ classic Pflueger, Shakespeare and Ambassadeur reels

TACKLEtackle is offering a wide range of Topwater gear while having a strong focus on vintage tackle and accessories. Their vintage section is featuring a handful of real diamonds such as rare Pflueger, Shakespeare and Ambassadeur reels as well as some hard to find vintage lures and classic tackle boxes. Heaven on earth for Topwater lovers and vintage tackle enthusiasts.

Well-assorted Topwater lure section

I arrived early afternoon and got a really warm welcome by Hoshino-san’s wife and two members of the staff. Communication was no problem at all and we had a nice chit-chat about Surface Game and other more general topics. I spent a lot of time marveling at their special color lure section featuring rare and hard to find handmade plugs by lure builders such as Paranoia, Local Lure and many others.

TACKLEtackle special colors (Lures: Paranoia)

The shop is nicely done up and their backlit reel and lure cabinets where a feast for the eyes. I was lucky to get 2tones No.13 in a rare Xmas special color and finally got hands on the “Surface Trip” DVD featuring Genuine Record’s Shinichi Hirayama and Nagata-san of Rotton’s fame.

Record’s “Surface Trip” DVD & 2tone’s No.13 Special Color

The people at TACKLEtackle are taking really good care of their guest and I really enjoyed the hours I spent at their shop in Shibuya.

Good vibes… :)

Thanks again for a pleasant afternoon at the shop and some special presents. Your kind support is much appreciated!

Perfect morning at Yodo River

Fishing the shallow banks of Yodo river in windy conditions was tough, but I had a handful of bites on Brightliver’s Chubby and Larry Chopper Stage 3 until midday. Unfortunately I was just too slow (tired) as previous days and short nights had exacted their toll and even Boss Black Coffee helped only little. I struggled to keep my eyes open during the first hours of the day but found back to usual rhythms after a little while.

Typical view at Yodo-gawa: shallow banks covered with bushes and trees

Of course, my two guides where better prepared (in much better shape) and made sure the German guest got a brief glimpse of Yodo-gawa’s black bass population.

Matsumoto-san w/ Yodo-gawa Bass * Lure: Larry Chopper Stage 3

Around midday we stopped fishing and went to the nearby Brightliver Tackle Co. office. After marveling at their amazing reel collection, we had interesting and enlightening talks about handmade custom tackle and I was even able to test some of Brightliver‘s new rods and grip handles. I was amazed by the amazingly low weight of the Chucker grip and Matsumoto-san’s rod creations are simply a class apart.

Testing Brightliver’s “Chucker” grip and the amazing Chambo #2582 rod (©Brightliver)

I also had the honor to visit the Brightliver / Tsunami Lures factory. It was fascinating to see latest productions and of corse the lure and tackle workshop. In the afternoon I went back to the hotel for having a shower and to recreate myself with a little nap before I was picked up again by Fujiwara-san for dinner.

My first ever visit to a traditional Japanese Yakitori grill

We went to a very special Yakitori restaurant in Osaka, met more great people (Yes, I’m talking about you Tamai-san… :) ) and spent almost half of the night talking about the joy of Topwater Bass Angling and the amazing connection between Japan’s lure and tackle builders and this crazy German guy..

Time to say farewell..

Once again a great day & night of Topwater fishing, meeting good people and enjoying tasty Japanese food (and beer). Thanks a lot for perfect hospitality and cheerful talks!

On the 2nd day of the Osaka trip I followed the kind invitation of Genuine Record‘s Shinichi Hirayama. Takeshi Fukuma of 2Tone Handmade Lure Works joined us and did a perfect job as a translator. Around midday we went to Takayama dam – a beautiful reservoir about 70km from Osaka. Already on the way to Takayama we had a lively q&a round – mainly focussing on Topwater angling aswell as favorite lure types and handmade lure builders. Both of my hosts where very obliging and patient. Really enjoyed the good company – the chemistry was just right.

1st impressions from the beautiful scenery at Takayama Dam

After arriving at the reservoir we got our license and started fishing the shallow banks right away. I was finally be able to get some first-hand feedback about lure action and even got some flattering comments about my German casting style and lure presentation. “Alsmost like a Japanese..”

Takeshi Fukuma (front) of 2tone Lures and Shinichi Hirayama of Genuine Record

We continued talking about lure design, fixed some lures and even found the time to create new lure concepts – i.e. The RollingSwisher.. :)

A few hours later Nagata-san – owner of Rotton – and Max who worked for Record in the past, joined us and after a brief introduction round and some jokes at the expense of the German guest, we continued fishing. We had numerous bites in the following hours and one small bass was caught by Fukuma-san.

Max and Nagata-san of Rotton joined the surface trip

Takayama Dam is a beautifully quiet reservoir embedded in a great scenery of green hills and mountains. The water level in summer is quite low, but reveals some interesting structures and sunken trees. Just the perfect place for a relaxed day topwater fishing with new friends. Good times!

Takayama Dam, a beautiful reservoir in Kyōto prefecture

Great place for a relaxed day on the water..

Around nightfall we stopped fishing and went back to Osaka. Not without making a lengthy stop at a cosy chinese restaurant with exceptional food and – of corse – ice-cold “nama”. Tasty specialities and more pleasant talks just rounded up this perfect day.

Delicious food, cold drinks and good talks about topwater style bass fishing

Nothing left to say than:
Thanks for your great support. Really hope to meet you guys again!