®
W
hen we think of bass fishing in the U.S., it’s
typically a game of heavier lines, powerful
casts, and big lures. So, when I first heard about the finesse techniques the Japanese anglers were
using, I was skeptical. Finesse fishing, and even “micro-
finesse,” as they call it, seemed a little far-fetched for
catching serious bass. But curiosity won out, and I headed to
Japan to see if these lightweight tactics really could make a
difference. Spoiler alert—they did, and it was nothing short
of eye-opening.
LAKE NOJIRI: A BASS ANGLER’S MICRO-FINESSE PARADISE
My finesse journey started on the pristine waters of Lake Nojiri, a highland lake in Nagano Prefecture, known for its stunning smallmouth bass population. The lake is clear, deep, and has a tricky bass scene that challenges anglers to put their skills to the test. This place isn’t just about fishing; it’s about precision and patience—qualities I’m usually not banking on when bass fishing back home. In Japan, however, that’s exactly what gets the job done, especially when you’re working with techniques designed for crystal-clear water and selective fish.
Here, I met up with Hiroki Nakata, a local guide and the man behind Royal Blue Lures. Nakata-san, a former developer for Jackall, introduced me to his unique finesse techniques, using his own soft plastics, the “N-Bomer” and “N-Shad.” For someone used to bigger rigs, holding the tiny 1.3- to 1.8-inch N-Bomer was almost laughable. But I quickly found out why this little lure was a game-changer.
Lake Nojiri
N-Bomb Lure (Hiroki Nakata,
Lake Nojiri)
N-Shad Lure (Hiroki Nakata,
Lake Nojiri)
“N-BOMER AND N-SHAD” TECHNIQUE ON LAKE NOJIRI
The N-Shad and N-Bomer are Nakata-san’s brainchildren and essential tools in Lake Nojiri’s finesse game. The N-Shad is used similarly to a mid-strolling technique back home, where you rig it on a light jig head and retrieve it slowly while giving it a subtle shake. It’s nothing like the aggressive action we tend to use in American bass fishing—it’s a whisper in the water, and the bass respond to it like a quiet invitation.
The N-Bomer, though, takes subtlety to a new level. Measuring just 1.3- to 1.8-inches, this lure is meant to mimic tiny aquatic insects and shrimp. With colors like kiwi and chartreuse, the lure slowly sinks to the bottom or rests gently on the weeds, a move that’s surprisingly enticing for the bass here. The key to fishing the N-Bomer is patience—
Nakata-san showed me how to barely move the
rod tip to drag the bait horizontally. There’s almost
no action to it, which felt strange at first, but that’s
exactly what triggers those Japanese smallmouth
to bite.
THE GEAR AND TACTICS BEHIND NOJIRI FINESSE
Fishing on Lake Nojiri, finesse isn’t just about lure size; it’s an entire setup. Nakata-san’s rig included 2- to 3-pound fluorocarbon line spooled onto a compact 2000-size reel, giving enough sensitivity to feel subtle bites in the lake’s deep, clear waters, often at depths of 12 meters or more. He used a 6- to 6.5-feet SUL-UL class rod with an ultra-sensitive, solid tip—a far cry from the bait- casting rods I’m used to. It was light, but that’s exactly what allowed me to feel every little bump, even in 40-feet of water.
As we fished, Nakata-san explained that finesse fishing was all about control, especially in the depths. With a light nail weight of only .3- to .9-grams, each cast required precision to ensure the bait sank without disturbing the bass below. Once I got the hang of it, finesse fishing became surprisingly rewarding. By the end of the day, I was convinced. Lake Nojiri and its micro- finesse techniques were unlike anything I’d ever experienced, and they had me hooked.
Spring 2025
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