Maria Loaded.
More info here: Maria Japan
The WTD action:
October 20, 2013
October 19, 2013
Shimano Elf. Is a new model coming soon?
Shimano Japan usually does a model change on a 3-4 year cycle. The last Elf reel came into the market in 2011. It looked better than the predecessor which was a blue colored Elf and I think it had better features as well. If the timing is correct, the Elf might get a change in 2014.
I got my Elf in October 2011 and I am using it since then. If you ask me the Elf is a great reel for the prices. It is what I call the "real entry-level" reel in the Shimano family. It is smooth, looks good and has nice features for the money. (click here for more info). If you are looking for a good reel the Elf is a nice choice.
Anyway after seeing the new Nasci 13 (see here) I think that the Elf is the next one to get a model change. Actually the Nasci is just a one level up model compared to the Elf and I assume that the Elf will probably look similar to the Nasci in the specs department. The only thing missing might be the S-ARB bearings like in the current model.
What do I expect?
1. The color might not get black after all. The Elf has always stood up with a different color. I am risking it and saying that it might come in dark blue or black with a orange touch (Soare like)
2. Slim body. I have to admit I don't like the slim body idea but I am almost sure that the Elf will get the same treatment
3. X-Ship. This would be the biggest improvement. If the Nasci got it, there is an highly chance that the Elf will get it too.
4. Price: I think it will be in the 8000-9900 range. Just a little under the Nasci price range but higher than the actual Elf.
This is my forecast for the Elf. Let's wait and see what will happen.
I got my Elf in October 2011 and I am using it since then. If you ask me the Elf is a great reel for the prices. It is what I call the "real entry-level" reel in the Shimano family. It is smooth, looks good and has nice features for the money. (click here for more info). If you are looking for a good reel the Elf is a nice choice.
 |
| My 2500 Elf spooled with 8lb Power Pro braid. |
Anyway after seeing the new Nasci 13 (see here) I think that the Elf is the next one to get a model change. Actually the Nasci is just a one level up model compared to the Elf and I assume that the Elf will probably look similar to the Nasci in the specs department. The only thing missing might be the S-ARB bearings like in the current model.
What do I expect?
1. The color might not get black after all. The Elf has always stood up with a different color. I am risking it and saying that it might come in dark blue or black with a orange touch (Soare like)
2. Slim body. I have to admit I don't like the slim body idea but I am almost sure that the Elf will get the same treatment
3. X-Ship. This would be the biggest improvement. If the Nasci got it, there is an highly chance that the Elf will get it too.
4. Price: I think it will be in the 8000-9900 range. Just a little under the Nasci price range but higher than the actual Elf.
 |
| 2013 Nasci |
This is my forecast for the Elf. Let's wait and see what will happen.
New DUO Contest!
Here is another contest by DUO. If you want to participate, the rules are very simple.
What you have to do is to take a picture of the DUO lures in your city - the best would be if it could be while showcasing some local attraction.
Then you have to put the location where the photo was taken (example: Rome/Italy or Paris/France) and you will be entered into a draw for a prize pack.
The deadline of the contest 15th November 2013, so you have around one month to send your photos to duocontest@gmail.com
The five winners will get some nice stuff from DUO!! More info is here
October 15, 2013
Tackle Stores in Tokyo. Part 1: Shibuya
If you love tackle and especially Japanese tackle I think there isn't any better place than buying it if not Japan itself.
I have been lucky to visit Tokyo a couple of times and thanks to some internet research and friend's advice I visited many great shops and did some awesome shopping.
As a blogger I think have a great opportunity to share some information on the best store available in Tokyo. If you happen to visit it one day you might find the information below very useful.
I have been in many shops in different areas but I will first start with the area that offer more choices and that if you are on a tight schedule it will be enough to get most of the stuff you were dreaming of.
The first part of my guide will focus on Shibuya.
Shibuya
It is hard to go to Tokyo and don't visit Shibuya. It is by far the most crowded and interesting place in Tokyo. You have probably seen the famous intersection in movies, where hundreds if not thousands of people cross the street in a quick and frantic fashion.
It is the home of great stores, interesting building and encompasses everything modern Tokyo has to offer: neon lights, great food and crowded streets.
How to get to Shibuya
It depends on when you are staying but the best way to get to Shibuya is with the Yamanote Line. Just take the green train from one of the stations and get off directly at the Shibuya stop.
Once you are in Shibuya you just have to get out of the West Exit and from there all the fishing stores will be easy to reach on foot.
Johshuya JUMBO
THIS LOCATION HAS BEEN CLOSED (UPDATED FEB 2020)
JSY is the first stop that I recommend to everybody. It is located only 5 minutes walk distance from the station and with its 3 floor offers everything you need: lures, rods, gear, clothes, baits, hooks, whatever you are looking for.
How to get there?
Johshuya is located just south of the station. Follow the map below : Take the west exit, once you are out of the station go south, pass the pedestrian bridge and you will see the big JUMBO written on the building. Go off the bridge and take the elevator at the entrance of the building. The 2nd floor is all about lures, 3rd floor is bait fishing and 4th floor is gear/clothes/buckets/bags/rain gear etc.
Below is the access map made on Google Maps. Very easy to reach.
TACKLE BERRY SHIBUYA
THIS LOCATION HAS BEEN CLOSED (UPDATED FEB 2020)
Looking for used lures and gear? The famous 2nd hand shop Tackle Berry is just 50 meters from Jumbo. Basically is on the same street. You just have to walk 50 mt. more and you will see the sign on the left. It is located on the 3rd floor (3F). It is a big one floor shop with some interesting second hand lures : salt/bass/trout selection is good.
View Larger Map
SANSUI SHIBUYA
Sansui is a smaller but very good shop that is worth the visit. It feel more upscale compared to Jumbo and Tackle Berry. The selection is smaller but you might find different products not available elsewhere. Also I felt like they have higher hand products that are difficult to find outside of Japan.
The store is close to the station. I made a map that shows the path from Jumbo to Sansui. It is a good reference.
View Larger Map
Sansui is on a main street and right side of the sidewalk.
Basically all the three shops are in within 8 minutes walking distance. In one stop you can almost find everything you are looking for.
In the second part I will explore two other shops that are very well equipped and worth checking out.
I have been lucky to visit Tokyo a couple of times and thanks to some internet research and friend's advice I visited many great shops and did some awesome shopping.
As a blogger I think have a great opportunity to share some information on the best store available in Tokyo. If you happen to visit it one day you might find the information below very useful.
I have been in many shops in different areas but I will first start with the area that offer more choices and that if you are on a tight schedule it will be enough to get most of the stuff you were dreaming of.
The first part of my guide will focus on Shibuya.
Shibuya
It is hard to go to Tokyo and don't visit Shibuya. It is by far the most crowded and interesting place in Tokyo. You have probably seen the famous intersection in movies, where hundreds if not thousands of people cross the street in a quick and frantic fashion.
It is the home of great stores, interesting building and encompasses everything modern Tokyo has to offer: neon lights, great food and crowded streets.
How to get to Shibuya
It depends on when you are staying but the best way to get to Shibuya is with the Yamanote Line. Just take the green train from one of the stations and get off directly at the Shibuya stop.
Once you are in Shibuya you just have to get out of the West Exit and from there all the fishing stores will be easy to reach on foot.
Johshuya JUMBO
THIS LOCATION HAS BEEN CLOSED (UPDATED FEB 2020)
J
TACKLE BERRY SHIBUYA
THIS LOCATION HAS BEEN CLOSED (UPDATED FEB 2020)
View Larger Map
SANSUI SHIBUYA
Sansui is a smaller but very good shop that is worth the visit. It feel more upscale compared to Jumbo and Tackle Berry. The selection is smaller but you might find different products not available elsewhere. Also I felt like they have higher hand products that are difficult to find outside of Japan.
The store is close to the station. I made a map that shows the path from Jumbo to Sansui. It is a good reference.
View Larger Map
Sansui is on a main street and right side of the sidewalk.
Basically all the three shops are in within 8 minutes walking distance. In one stop you can almost find everything you are looking for.
In the second part I will explore two other shops that are very well equipped and worth checking out.
October 14, 2013
Tuna Fighting: A short video by Palms
Angler's Republic is a brand that I respect a lot. They make good rods as well as shoot nice videos.
This one is short but it is a good fight with a tuna. The rod in the video is the Palms Sea Rapture 78MH
This one is short but it is a good fight with a tuna. The rod in the video is the Palms Sea Rapture 78MH
Major Craft Go Emotion
While visiting Tokyo I had the chance to handle the Major Craft Go Emotion rods at the Sansui shop in Shibuya.
I enjoy Major Craft rods a lot but to tell you the truth I never considered buying or even checking in detail this bass rod. As a salt lure angler I always check for rods made for salt water but this time I was somehow struck by this rod.
The two models I have handled were the 66ML and the 70ML. Both are rated at 3/8 ounces and 5-10lb line. I found the rods to be extremely light with a nice fast action. The first thing it came to my mind is that these rods looked very good for a light setup in salt water. By light I mean a combination of a 2500 reel , 0.6/0.8PE line and small lures targeting fishes like small seabass and pelagics.
This is definitely only my opinion but sometimes I really need some rod with a light rating but fast enough that would allow me to work with small minnows and especially top water lures with ease.
The action of the Go Emotion was indeed the type I was looking for but I never found in other LRF rods I have tried.
The Go Emotion comes in different models all suited for freshwater application (bass fishing). The prices are very good (11000 YEN /112 USD avg.) and the workmanship looks great as usual.
I also liked the short foregrip for more sensibility and weight cut. I enjoyed the blank responsiveness and the price tag. Will I buy it? I still have to decide but I am very welcome to get feedback from other anglers who have tried it.
Short video on the Go.Emotion by Major Craft
More detailed info can be found here: Major Craft Japan
I enjoy Major Craft rods a lot but to tell you the truth I never considered buying or even checking in detail this bass rod. As a salt lure angler I always check for rods made for salt water but this time I was somehow struck by this rod.
The two models I have handled were the 66ML and the 70ML. Both are rated at 3/8 ounces and 5-10lb line. I found the rods to be extremely light with a nice fast action. The first thing it came to my mind is that these rods looked very good for a light setup in salt water. By light I mean a combination of a 2500 reel , 0.6/0.8PE line and small lures targeting fishes like small seabass and pelagics.
This is definitely only my opinion but sometimes I really need some rod with a light rating but fast enough that would allow me to work with small minnows and especially top water lures with ease.
The action of the Go Emotion was indeed the type I was looking for but I never found in other LRF rods I have tried.
 |
| The rod comes with K guides, a nice Eva grip and a fast blank. |
I also liked the short foregrip for more sensibility and weight cut. I enjoyed the blank responsiveness and the price tag. Will I buy it? I still have to decide but I am very welcome to get feedback from other anglers who have tried it.
Short video on the Go.Emotion by Major Craft
More detailed info can be found here: Major Craft Japan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)