Japanese rods???

[Paul W]

Does anyone here in the states import Japanese rods?? I can find line, lures, reels.....but no rods!!! Any help??

thanks

Paul W

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Shimano and Diawa both have rods that are imported here..You can find them anywhere, just about..

mac

[Rich Thiel]

Paul,

I take out alot of Japanese clients from Tokyo. A couple of them have had their own rods that they have brought over with them. They do alot of dropshottin there.

There usually two piece and very light action compared to light action USA version. When they jump in the boat and see Loomis or Lamiglass rods they put down theirs and pick-up either.

I maybe wrong in this but I think Mac is right. Next Japanese client I take out I'll ask him about their rods that they purchase in Japan. I know USA rod builders use Korean Blanks.

Good Question that you asked

Rich Thiel

Does anyone here in the states import
> Japanese rods?? I can find line, lures,
> reels.....but no rods!!! Any help??

> thanks

> Paul W

[Scott]

Do Gary Yamamoto's rod's count? I have never heard good or bad about them myself-maybe someone else on here has? they are on Yamamoto Baits website if your interested.

> Paul,

> I take out alot of Japanese clients from
> Tokyo. A couple of them have had their own
> rods that they have brought over with them.
> They do alot of dropshottin there.

> There usually two piece and very light
> action compared to light action USA version.
> When they jump in the boat and see Loomis or
> Lamiglass rods they put down theirs and
> pick-up either.

> I maybe wrong in this but I think Mac is
> right. Next Japanese client I take out I'll
> ask him about their rods that they purchase
> in Japan. I know USA rod builders use Korean
> Blanks.

> Good Question that you asked

> Rich Thiel

> Does anyone here in the states import

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Before I retired out of the Navy, I traveled to Japan often..Once while there I purchased an ultra-light graphite spinning rod..The brand name was Harley..It was one of the best ultra-light rods I have ever fished with..Unfortunately it was stolen several years ago and I have never been able to replace it..It was made in Japan, but in all honesty, I have no idea where the blank came from..

mac

[Kevin Johnson]

They are hard to get in the states. Very easy to break but are worth the money. I have used many types and Evergreen seems to make the best that I have used. Much more sensative than G-Loomis and lighter as well. But very costly. I am in Japan now. If you have questions on them let me know. I have a tackle store 3 blocks away.

Kevin

[Kevin Johnson]

There is a giant blank manufacture in China that makes most of the blanks for the big players like Shimano, diawa, Fenwick and alot of japanese companies like Megabass. they are all made in the same building, just different material.

Evergreen is one of the only Japanese companies that actually have there rods made right there in Japan. They are out of Osaka but don't sell to the states just yet.

Kevin

[Les]

Kevin,

I was wondering if you knew where in China the blanks are made. Plan on taking a trip there and perhaps stop by if its on one of the tour cities.

Les

[sdesign]

Here you go guys.. follow the link. Megabass is now selling their rods in the United States through Megabass USA. $15 for shipping and delivery within the week if the rod is in stock, 4-6 weeks otherwise.

These rods ARE NOT cheap, but do they ever perform.


Megabass USA

[Paul W]

Didnt know that was you Cal....thanks for the info...

Paul W

[Joe]

To Doyle,
The rod you picked up in Tokyo (you mentioned "Harley") should be "Phantom Harley." They were made by Diawa during 80's. The made it before Team Diawa brand broke through the scene.

To Kevin,
Yes, it is true that a lot of Japanese rods are made in China and South Korea. Evergreen was used to make their rods at Daiko, one of the famous rod blank manufactures in Japan. But according to a pro staff of Evergreen, the company has their own rod plant in Korea. Seems like they make rods in Korea now?

Daiko produces their own rod series, too, but I think they still make rods for Angler's Republic (rod name under Edge Pride). Lots of Japanese pros use Angler's Rep rods.

To Rich,
Even though Japanese have many rod brands by themselves, Loomis and other American brands are very popular in Japan as well. Klister, American Rod Smith, Castaway, St. Croax, Loomis are sold in Japan. Loomis's cranking rods are the top selling American rod, I believe. But somehow, I have never seen Lamiglass rods sold in stores. Blanks are sold, but no bulit ones. I don't know why. Fenix were super popular back in late 80's to early 90's. But I don't see them at all in Japan now.

[Kevin Johnson]

Joe,

I took a tour of one of there manufactoring buildings here in Osaka a week ago. They might have some made in Korea and you are right about Diako but I did see the rod building process when I was there last week as well as in 2001 when I was here last.

Kevin

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Thanks Joe, I didn't realize the rrod was made by Daiwa..I just know it was a superb ultra-light rod, and I wish I still had it..

mac

[Joe]

Kevin, I have never seen rod building facilities in Osaka before; you are probably right about it. I just heard who was making rods for who.

By the way, domestic or import, don't you think rods' prices are getting more expensive compared to a few years ago?

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

That is a for sure thing Joe..Of course you can always just buy Ugly Stiks..They may not be the best or highest quality, but they are harder than heck to break..Actually they aren't all that bad for crankbaits..

mac