[Bass Fishing] Finesse Style Fishing in Japan - FISHING JAPANESE STYLE

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 Finesse Fishing. This is a very popular fishing style in the Japanese Bass fishing scene. Everybody goes Finesse.



 What is Finesse Style Fishing?

 As far as I'm aware, when using less than 5g lures with a light spinning tackle, we could call it "Finesse Fishing". These days, as technology evolves. Baitcaster also can handle such lightweight lures, "Bait Finesse System (BFS)" is also getting popular. I personally think spinning tackles are much flexible and useful for finesse rigs. But I also admit BFS looks cool.

 Why go Finesse?

 In Japan, fishing is a popular outdoor activity. While Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass are not Japanese native species, Bass Fishing is also a big business. Many small lakes and ponds have Bass habitats. It's mainly because of the past Illegal releases. Bass, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish are recognized as invasive species. One of the big social problems. But for anglers, they're the best game fishing target. I know this is a debatable matter...

  As Lure Fishing got popular and popular in Japan, Bass fishing quickly got major among young anglers. As a result, almost all of the fields are now heavily pressured. The major fields in Japan are always like a "Trout opener on the local pond in the U.S". You'll be surprised tons of anglers shoulder to shoulder throw their lures.

 Finesse Style Fishing was made as an answer to the question "How to catch heavily pressured fish?". Spinerbait, Crankbait, Jerkbait, Topwater plugs... They're too much for the fish under the heavy pressure for 24hours/7days. Early morning or just around the sunset, those lures could work fine. But basically, those strong approaches can be too much. Then... This is it! It's a time for Finesse Approach. Using lightweight small lures, soft plastics with lightweight sinkers, weightless rigs. etc, etc. The more natural presentation can be a key to fish such a high pressured spot.

  Pros/Cons of the Finesse syle

 This style can work dine in the U.S. But there are pros and cons. 

  Pros: 

  • The Finesse style is a good way to catch too sensitive, picky fish. Using light tackle, lightweight lures, and narrow fishing lines. 
  • When know there is fish, this natural approach can be a great way. Like sight fishing.

  Cons: 

  • The finesse style approach is a sort of SLOW fishing. When you want to quickly search a wide area, this style would not be a good choice.
  • When fish is actively chasing their prey, this style can be too slow taking time. You may miss the chance. 

Finesse rigs

 Here, let me show you my favorite finesse rigs.

  • Weightless rig
  • Drop shot rig
  • Neko rig
  • Jig head rig
  • Light Texas rig
  • Light Carolina rig
  • Split shot rig

 To fish the shallow water, Weightless rig could be the most productive. Just slow Senko, you'll have many bites. 

 Drop shot rig and Neko rig are also good choices I like. they're a little bit quicker than weightless rig. Do you know the fact? "Both Dropshot and Neko rigs are invented by the same person. The genius Japanese angler, Haruhiko Murakami". I'd say he changed modern-day bass fishing. The world should give him a Nobel prize, seriously.

 If you're interested in those techniques, I have many tutorial videos on my Youtube Channel. Please check them out!

Weightless Wacky Rig.

Finesse style Drop shot rig

Neko rig


 Thank you!
 Angler Waki.

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