The Online Source for Washington Fishing Information

Japanese Monster

Daniel B. recently brought this story to my attention. A potential world record fish was caught at Lake Biwa, Japan. It weighed in at 10.12 kg (22.31 lbs.) It is my understanding that an IGFA record (under 25 lbs.) has to be broken by 2 ounces, so it likely won't hold. Still a heck of a fish! We'll keep an eye on this story.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on July 2, 2009 at 9:24am

Oh my lord. I know nothing about Japan bass or the climate, but I didnt' even think that was possible. Whats that thing been eating ?

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on July 2, 2009 at 9:26am

Some interesting pics. Can't wait to see some of the comments about it on various sites. That fisherman looks "happy".

Permalink Reply by Lloyd on July 2, 2009 at 9:30am

He/she is rocking a pretty sweet mullet. Incredible fish though.

Permalink Reply by S Hwang on July 2, 2009 at 10:32am

Beeeast! I know they got bluegill in there (also introduced) but man do they get that fat just on gills? Maybe ayu or something?

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on July 2, 2009 at 11:15am

Chris, there have actually been quite a few high teen fish caught in Japan. Apparently a 25 lb. largemouth was caught in a commercial fisherman's net as bycatch in Lake Biwa recently. Many anglers figured it was only a matter of time before a fish of this caliber was caught there.

Here is another pic of the lunker. Sorry the fish is covering the mullet in this pic. Lloyd, we all miss your posts when you take a hiatus. Don't be a stranger.....

Permalink Reply by Tim Bartle on July 2, 2009 at 11:32am

Some more info directly from Japan courtesy of Greg Vella

http://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&...

Permalink Reply by NickBarrFishing.com on July 2, 2009 at 11:55am

That is crazy, I knew they had some big fish, but that thing is HUGE!!!!!

Permalink Reply by T Dot on July 2, 2009 at 6:34pm

RFatt16 said:

That is a moose. I hope they keep their children out of those water, One of those big bellied monsters might snag one.

did someone say MOOSE?

MOOSE > all [hawg, tank, walrus]

Permalink Reply by Jeff Grimes on July 2, 2009 at 6:38pm

wouldn't that be ironic if they caught it on a quick drop with a sniper snub?

just kidding.

Bass-Zilla

Jeff

Permalink Reply by Joel Alinen on July 2, 2009 at 6:41pm

Chris,
I taught English in Japan for a year back in the day and I was able to do some bass fishing. The way they fish is way different than we do here. For example, they actually have these man made bass ponds that you have to pay to use. These ponds have docks (Imagine a fish hatchery) and the fisherman line up on the docks and fish for hours! Talk about fishing pressure! Very few anglers have their own boats, so most anglers fish from shore and some of the lakes have marinas that rent small boats you can use for the day. The bass in Japan can get HUGE, but the fishing pressure is really high, that’s why they have come up with such unique lures and techniques. The climate in Japan varies from cold and mountaness up north to crystal clear blue water beaches and very hot all the way south, so they have both extremes.

Permalink Reply by Joel Alinen on July 2, 2009 at 8:07pm

Amazing fish, it was caught on a wake bait, here is the bait that fish was caught on!
http://lurecult.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/fabricacion-en-roman-made/

more info...
http://www.bassfan.com/docktalk.asp?id=6479#6479

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on July 2, 2009 at 8:50pm