Salmonid fishing in Japanese rivers is dictated by many codes. On social networks and Instagram, these codes are easily identifiable and are slowly making their way into the hearts of trout and tackle enthusiasts. Let's take a look at what inspires us from Japan. An interesting culture for lure anglers, whether nostalgic or on the cutting edge of the latest trends.
Aesthetic care
The material is very often vintage and downright retro. The more authentic and poetic the equipment, the better! Every detail counts, from the leather bag and pouch to the handmade wooden swimming fish and the retro Abu or Mitchell reel. We know the Japanese propensity to push detail and passion to the limit. When it comes to river trout, we've got it covered.
The pleasure of fishing is not just about the number of catches or the size of the fish, but about the way and with equipment that makes sense, from a collector's point of view.
This means that we pay almost more attention to the superb snowshoe nets with their colorful cotton mesh than to the fish inside.
The rods are relics made of split bamboo or solid fibreglass. Heavy, but very parabolic rods for having fun on short casts in rivers and fighting small whitewater salmonids.
The art and the way
Through the photographs of fish in the landing net, the Japanese want to highlight the equipment that led to the catch, more than the catch itself. Just as some fishermen say that "a topwater lure counts double", the philosophy here is the same. The more original and authentic the material, the more remarkable the catch.
A trend that's catching on in France?
In France, a few Japanese enthusiasts are following the trend. It has to be said that the equipment is particularly difficult to find (rare collector's items in good condition!) and that the whole set can be extremely expensive!
This is clearly seen with the little ABU Cardinal 3, whose price is rising all the time. It's hard to find one in decent condition for less than ?150! Other alternatives are possible, such as a sturdy Mitchell 408 in place of an equally expensive 308 PRO, or a Cardinal C3, more recent than the Cardinal 3, but with an equally retro look.
Only vintage equipment?
The aim is to treat yourself with original equipment. Vintage collectible equipment is one of them, as the search for certain models of equipment is in itself a little adventure. But you can also make your own accessories, using noble materials such as wood and leather...
It's now possible to find craftsmen, who can be considered artists, making equipment and accessories just as they did in the early days of spinning or ultra-light lure fishing. On the web, you'll find handmade landing nets, boxes and kits, and rod holders... And let's not forget the many handmade wooden lures, with original shapes and signatures.
Want to get started? If you're on a tight budget, the best place to start is with flea markets or online sales. A small Mitchell 308 can be found at a good price. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you can also build your own unique accessories, inspired by what you see on the web.
