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| Featured Article: Show Coverage |
A Peek into Japan's International Sportfishing Show 2007
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Date: |
2/13/06 |
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Osaka, Japan |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction: No event in the Western world, gets those of us interested in fishing tackle more excited than ICAST, THE event in North America where manufacturers showcase their latest and greatest products for the coming year. But before ICAST, at the beginning of each year, in Japan, a similar debut takes place, and for the Enthusiasts, those who are convinced the grass is always greener, this is THE event showcasing the latest innovations, and most exciting trends in the tackle industry. This year, with the help of some our international friends, we're able to bring you some sneak peaks as to what's brewing in the Far East.
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Evergreen International is considered the number one rod manufacturer in Japan
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Unlike ICAST, the Japan Tackle shows in Osaka and Yokohama are open to the general public
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New lures from Evergreen
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A new, large, deep diving jerkbait from Evergreen
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The swimbait bug is definitely alive and well in Japan
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Evergreen jumps on the frog bait craze with their eccentric creation
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Daiwa had a huge presense at the Osaka show
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New for 2007, a special edition Certate
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Old school industrial meets new fangled Real Four technology
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Available in several different sizes
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Custom colors and custom parts for the Certate
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Note the knob, machined handle, and gold trim pieces
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A special edition red Certate
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More custom parts including internals
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The custom vintage Certate outfitted with special trim parts and a power knob
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Could this be a custom tailored carbon handle for the Steez and Exist?
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A high-tech looking Zillion!
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Aftermarket I'ZE spools will be available for the Zillion (shown here) and Steez
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The Daiwa Morethan
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Yes, that's carbon fiber trim you see on the spool
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2007 brings us a new Megabass + Daiwa Collaborative Reel
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Perhaps available in two colors, the Ito Monoblock 100 may not be compatible with just any rod. Reports are rods are being developed in conjunction with the reels and that the reels will be fastened to the custom rods with screws or rivets. Will they hold true to this intent or will plans change once production starts. As we've come to learn from Megabass and Daiwa, anything is possible.
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More interesting lures from the world of Megabass
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ZPI continues in their aftermarket reel parts offerings
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Check out the carbon fiber drag stars!
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Do these lures look familar?
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Ringing any bells?
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Yes, Rapala had a presence in Japan introducing some very familiar and some new products to Japanese fisherman.
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Fish Arrow continues to build fantastic looking baits
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We saw the Cover Jack at ICAST 2006
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At the Shimano booth, it was all about the Stella
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It's obvious the new Stella has an even more aggressive spool design than its predecessor
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Another big player, we are told, was Deps
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Nories is a very popular company in Japan as well
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Recognize these sticks? The Nories Road Runner was one of our players in the 2006 SuperCast Shootout
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Our HB680M may not have faired too well in the shootout, but look for more in 2007
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Gan Craft is a company in Japan that obviously pushes the boundaries of convention. How many US companies would have Death (see inset) as their mascot or the words, "you will be afraid" written on their rods?
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Gan Craft's take on the jerkbait
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Gan Craft also makes a good selection of mid-sized swimbaits
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The Claw is probably Gan Craft's most widely distributed swimbait
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Special thanks to our friends who brought us this peak into Japan's premiere tackle event!
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Conclusion: We would have liked to have brought you more news on what's happening with Shimano including the much anticipated Metanium MG, but unfortunately, things did not work out. Stay tuned and do not despair. We have something in store for you that just might make up for it. For now, we hope you enjoyed this sneak peak at what's in store for the Japanese tackle market for 2007. How will the products at this event affect we see at ICAST? And exactly which products are we going to bring in for a closer look? I guess we'll have to wait for the rest of 2007 to run its course before we find out! The first of these new products are expected to hit the shelves in Japan around mid-April. You can bet that our own Enthusiast Tackle Editor already has his orders in.
TackleTour would like to
thank Plat.co.jp for
their friendship and
help in bringing this
peek into the Japan
International Tackle
Show to you
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