Japan’s Largest Lake for the World’s Largest Bass

It is well known that Japan’s biggest lake gave the world record (not Japanese record) of bass, Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans.)

It is better to see it before reading about it.

Here is the link to the video of the record fish.

On July 2, 2009, Manabu Kurita achieved a historic milestone in sport fishing by catching a largemouth bass weighing 10.12 kilograms (22 pounds 4 ounces) in Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. This catch tied the longstanding world record set by George W. Perry in 1932, marking a significant moment in angling history, according to an interview Kurita gave to TackleTour.

Lake Biwa: A Fertile Ground for Trophy Bass

Lake Biwa, situated in Shiga Prefecture, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and favorable conditions for largemouth bass. the lake's abundant forage base—particularly Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), Japanese Dace (Tribolodon hakonensis), Minnows (Pseudorasbora parva), Ayu Sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis) etc. —and its underwater structures like drop-offs and submerged vegetation make it a prime environment for bass to thrive and grow to impressive sizes.

Kurita's extensive experience on Lake Biwa provided him with valuable insights into its unique ecosystem. As reported by Bassmaster, he had been fishing the lake for years, meticulously observing seasonal patterns and bass behavior, especially around the spawning period when bass are at their heaviest.

Strategic Approach and Tackle Selection

Kurita's success was the result of meticulous planning and the use of specialized equipment. According to a Japanese angling blog, his setup included:

• Rod: Deps Sidewinder Flipping Edition rod, chosen for its durability and sensitivity, which allowed him to maintain control over the powerful fish (source).
• Reel: Shimano Antares DC7 LV baitcasting reel, which provided the smooth drag and line capacity necessary for handling trophy-sized bass (source).
• Line: Heavy fluorocarbon line (25lb, Toray Super Hard Strong), which was critical for its strength and reduced visibility in Lake Biwa's clear waters (source).

These choices reflected Kurita’s understanding of the lake’s conditions and his preparation for a potential record-breaking encounter.

Bait and Presentation Technique

Kurita utilized live bluegill as bait, a natural prey for largemouth bass in Lake Biwa. This choice was a strategic one, as described in an interview with TackleTour, where Kurita explained the importance of presenting live bait in a realistic manner. He carefully placed the bait near underwater structures, letting it move naturally to entice a strike from the elusive trophy bass.

The Catch: A Testament to Skill and Patience

When the bass struck, Kurita executed a solid hook set to ensure the fish was securely hooked. As reported by Fishing Japan, the fight lasted about three minutes, during which Kurita skillfully balanced the tension on his line to prevent it from breaking while controlling the fish’s powerful runs. His calm demeanor and precise technique were crucial to successfully landing the bass.

Recognition and Legacy

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recognized Kurita's catch as tying the world record, given that it matched Perry's catch in weight. IGFA’s decision was based on strict verification processes, including weighing the fish on certified scales and ensuring compliance with international rules. This IGFA website shows the record.

The record was formally, the tie-first position, though the Kurita’s record was 10.12 kg, while the Perry’s was 10.09 kg. Since the regulation of IGFA says that the record is on the unit of ounce (28 g,) both of their records are 10 lb 4 oz, and they are tie-first rank. 

Kurita's achievement not only highlighted his dedication and expertise but also underscored Japan's prominence in the global angling community. As noted by Bassmaster, his accomplishment has inspired anglers worldwide, demonstrating that with perseverance and skill, extraordinary feats are attainable.

Conclusion

Kurita's record-breaking catch remains a testament to the potential of Japan's freshwater ecosystems and the enduring appeal of sport fishing. His approach, grounded in preparation, respect for nature, and skillful technique, continues to resonate as a defining moment in the sport's history.