Took the Ito out to the golf course today to search for some bass on a sultry 95-degree day here in SC. Hooked up and landed 4 nice 1 pounders using wooly buggers, poppers and Clousers. Then, the real adventure started ... I hooked into a 6-8 pounder using a size 6 Clouser. The Ito more than held its own and had plenty of backbone to bring this monster to the bank. Unfortunately, with no net, the 5X tippet was no match and I lost him in the weeds at my feet ... #$%@!! Same tactics tomorrow with 1X tippet.

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Ayu, Ebisu, Ito, Yamame

Pictures Added. I went out again and didn't slay the beast, but my son did catch a couple of 5 pounders on the spinning rod. I did, however, hook into a bigger one that went about 1.5 pounds. Keep watching as I will post a picture of the big one ... he's bound to let his guard down again.

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Ayu, Ebisu, Ito, Yamame

Looks like some nice Bass. One of my favorite fish to catch. Nice to hunt for that elusive hard to catch fish.

??1X tippet?? those bass must be tough. I find 5X plenty strong enough. I suppose your testing out the strength of your rod tip hope it holds up.

I like my Yamame rod because of the fish running into things to break my line. It can help a little bit to guide the hooked fish in for some extra control.

Nice pics johnemarra, can't wait to see your Lunker Bass.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

In looking at it again, the failure occurred in the loop at the end of the braided Tenkara line. The pond at my golf course loaded with these beasts is literally 40' x 40' -- small enough to cast over It is, however, exceedingly weedy near the banks. That's why the 'Basscar' fishermen shown on ESPN on Saturday morning have baitcasters lined with 30-pound braid -- you just rip 'em out of the water!! I reinforced the loop, but I think a Yamame might be the next arrow in my quiver. I should aso note at all of our fish (including the ones my son lands on a spinning rod) are safely and gently released.

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Ayu, Ebisu, Ito, Yamame

I thought you folks would like to see what I am after. My son caught (and released) this baby on a Pumpkinseed plastic worm. My turn ...

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Ayu, Ebisu, Ito, Yamame