Japanese fishing gear has long been the preferred choice of professional anglers! In competitions across the USA, Japan, and internationally, Japanese tackle is indispensable to anglers; today, the Japanese fishing industry reigns supreme, thanks to its relentless pursuit of perfection, with lures being no exception!
For decades, Japanese tackle manufacturers like Gary Yamamoto, Shimano, Gan Craft, Tiemco, and Megabass have been consistently developing exceptional fishing lures, pushing the boundaries of possibility and offering anglers unparalleled experiences.
Why are Japanese Fishing Lures So Popular?
Japan is one of the most experienced countries in the manufacturing of fishing tackle. Since the 1950s, brands like Shimano and Daiwa have been at the forefront of developing high-quality fishing products. Today, Japanese fishing gear is the undisputed choice of anglers worldwide.
Japanese lures, however, go even further, with brands such as Gan Craft, Tiemco, and Nories leading global trends in the fishing lure market for decades.
Crafted with extraordinary expertise, Japanese lures are known for their striking realism and are made from ABS plastic, making them exceptionally durable and resistant to UV rays, scratches, and harsh weather conditions—ensuring they remain in pristine condition!
The Most Popular Types of Japanese Fishing Lures
Jigs (ジグ)
Jigs are an absolute must-have in every angler’s toolbox! With these lures, countless champions have claimed victory in bass competitions, earning them a stellar reputation.
Their popularity is primarily due to their versatility; whether in clear lakes or murky seas, in spring or autumn, Jigs are the perfect companion.
Jigs are designed with a weighted head, suitable for various fishing styles, including long-distance casting. Many Japanese brands such as Shimano, Xesta, Gan Craft, and Megabass produce high-quality Jigs.
Notable models include the Xesta After Burner, Shimano Coltsniper, Gan Craft Jointed Claw, and Megabass DEEP-X 300T. Particularly notable is the Gan Craft Jointed Claw, a highly realistic lure featured in numerous fishing videos and publications.
Spoon (スプーン)
The Spoon is a popular and easy-to-use lure that excels in both freshwater and saltwater environments. It was invented by Julio T. Beale in 1848 and has since become a trusted go-to lure.
As the name suggests, the Spoon is shaped like a kitchen spoon with a concave surface that perfectly mimics the escape behavior of small fish, attracting predator fish like pike and mackerel.
Top Japanese Spoon lures include Megabass Blading-X, Hayabusa Metz-spoon, Smith Pure, and Fisherman Long Pen. Smith Pure, in particular, has been a favorite among Japanese anglers since the 1990s.
Crankbait (クランクベイト)
The Crankbait is a lure designed specifically for deep diving. Its distinctive feature is the flat plastic or metal lip design that allows it to dive elegantly and swim in a flowing motion, mimicking a real fish.
Crankbaits can be retrieved steadily or with sudden, unpredictable movements, and they are suitable for both cold-water species like salmon and trout, as well as warm-water fish like bass.
Famous models include Megabass Deep, Daiwa Hyper Crank, Megabass Vision 110, and Jackall TN60/70 without lips. Notably, the Daiwa Hyper Crank, launched in 1997, set trends in the USA and has become an indispensable tool for many anglers.
Spinner (スピナー)
The Spinner is a lure specially designed for freshwater fish. Its unique design simulates the swimming motion of small fish, triggering a predatory chase instinct. Spinner lures are often equipped with shimmering blades that shine like a bright banner in the water.
Popular Japanese Spinner lures include Nories Hulachat Spinnerbait, Megabass V9 Spinnerbait, Daiwa Morethan Shallow Spin, and Jackson Teppan Blade. The Daiwa Morethan Shallow Spin, known for its excellent performance in shallow waters, is ideal for targeting bass.
Topwater Popper (ポッパー)
Topwater Poppers are designed to float on the water’s surface, mimicking the desperate movements of a small fish struggling for survival. This action draws predatory fish from below.
Popular Japanese Topwater lures include Megabass Pop-X, Maria Rapido, Daiwa More Than Salt Pencil, and Duo Realis Pencil Popper. The Megabass Pop-X is undeniably the king of high-end poppers, dominating both the Japanese and American markets.
Soft Bait (ソフトルアー)
The Soft Bait series has revolutionized the art of lure making by realistically replicating prey such as insects, fish, and crustaceans. These lures are incredibly versatile, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater species, offering anglers an unprecedented fishing experience.
Soft Baits such as Gary Yamamoto Senko, Keitech Swing Impact Fat, and Deps Cover Scat Stick Bait are hugely popular among anglers worldwide. Notably, Gary Yamamoto Senko stands out as one of the most innovative soft plastic lures, attracting a wide range of fish due to its unique construction and natural movements.
Whether you’re fishing in fast-moving waters or hunting in crystal-clear lakes, Japanese fishing lures are the ideal companion for your next adventure.
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