【PRODUCT INFO】HR VALLEY HUNTER II MULTI-SECTION LURE ROD
2025/01/20
【PRODUCT INFO】HR ROCK MASTER MULTI-SECTION LURE ROD
2025/01/23

There are many species of trout, ranging in size from 20 cm to over 60 cm. Most of their habits are similar, mainly being carnivorous (feeding on insects, fish, and shrimp). Japan's streams are relatively free from pollution, and the native trout species are abundant. To allow more people to experience the joy of trout fishing, Japan has many dedicated fish management ponds for trout. Some of these ponds even directly stock trout in mountain stream waters. Trout are constantly swimming, so every spot in the management ponds will have fish passing through. When selecting the target species to fish, you should choose a lure style based on the swimming layer of the fish. Most of the closed management ponds feature rainbow trout as the main species, while the stream-based management ponds offer a wider variety of species. When choosing lures, SPOON lures are the most popular and effective method. The appearance and color of SPOON play a major role in the catch rate. For example, some trout swim in shallower layers, so you should choose lighter spoons in the 0.6 - 1.5 g range. Yes, even a 0.6 g SPOON can be cast! For this setup, you would use 0.3 Japanese PE line with a 0.8 leader line. This combination is more than enough for Japanese management ponds. However, in some ponds, the trout are quite large, like in Akiyama Lake, where many trout are over 30 cm. Due to the greater water depth and expansive area, the fish can put up quite a fight, making for an exciting experience. If you want to fish for trout in Japan’s management ponds, it's best to first understand the species and size of trout in the specific pond you plan to visit. From there, you can select the most suitable tackle for the best fishing experience.

 

 Akiyama Lake is located to the northwest of Hachioji City in the Kanto region, about a 1-hour drive from downtown Tokyo. The lake is home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow trout, stream trout, and brown trout, with rainbow trout being the predominant species. The lake also has many beautiful golden trout with striking colors. For lure fishing, SPOON is in the range of 0.8 - 15 g and MINNOW is smaller than 4 cm perform best. The preferred retrieval method is a slow retrieve, and the color of the lures can be selected based on personal preference. Bright colors such as white, orange, and lemon green are most commonly used, with ayu (sweetfish) color being a good alternative. When selecting a fishing rod, Valley Hunter spinning and casting models, specifically the VHS-604XUL and VHC-564SUL, are ideal. These two models are designed specifically for stream fishing and have an S action (slow action). A slow action means the rod bends gradually along its length when pressure is applied. The slower the action, the more pronounced the bend, with some rods even bending down to the handle. The action is important to match your fishing technique, as the fish pond's trout are mainly caught using SPOON and hard baits. These lures have higher water resistance and do not require fine twitching of the rod. The primary technique is retrieving the lure by dragging it along, and since the hooks used are usually barbless, the rod's action will affect the hooking efficiency. "Sticky fish" refers to the rod's ability to hold the fish in place and prevent the hook from coming loose during the fight. The slower the action of the rod, the better it helps in securing the hook and controlling the fish’s movement.

 

VALLEY HUNTER series rods are primarily developed with native fish species in mind, backed by years of accumulated experience. These rods feature a strong backbone and come in a variety of actions, making them suitable for most anglers' preferences. When fishing, these rods allow you to easily cast your LURE to the target point. VALLEY HUNTER series is highly sensitive, maintaining excellent performance without compromising strength. Moreover, during the process of handling the lure, the rod allows you to clearly feel the vibration of the lure, ensuring that you can precisely gauge whether the lure’s movement in the water is correct. VALLEY HUNTER lure rods are also designed for portability. After thorough testing, a non-equal ratio of 2P joint methods and 4P travel rods have been chosen, addressing issues such as stiff joints, poor sensitivity, and reduced strength. These rods are perfect for both recreational and competitive fishing, easily accommodating both hard baits and soft bait setups.

 

Valley Hunter SPOON VHO

The unique design of this lure features a lower center of gravity, which allows for a wider swing and irregular drop, making it more lifelike. The concave surface design enhances lift, improving casting distance and making it more effective for long-range throws. When sinking, the concave side faces upward, ensuring stability and reducing the likelihood of snagging on the bottom.

 

Valley Hunter SPOON VHF

The wide-body design of this lure allows for a longer sinking time, increasing the duration it stays in the target swimming layer. With a wider swinging action, it is ideal for shallow waters or fish species that inhabit mid-to-surface layers.

 

Valley Hunter Travel Rod VHS-604XUL

The slowest action specifications allow even small fish, like those around 10 cm, to enjoy the pulling power. This rod is perfect for SPOON and trout baits, specifically designed for Taiwan's stream species like the Taiwan minnow, Formosan stripe dace, as well as for Japanese managed pond trout fishing. Its elastic waist offers excellent fish retention, ensuring that even when using barbless hooks, the hook remains securely in place, making it harder for fish to escape.

250117 AMO釣魚月報 A4