Almost all recently manufactured ayu rods are made of carbon fiber which is very light
and stronger than other materials. The length of them is around 9-10 meters (30 to 33
feet) which is necessary for fishing wide rivers and also to avoid frightening the very
nervous wild ayu.
A light rod is better to use for all day fishing, however, it should be strong enough to
stand the attacks of fish and landing them, especially in strong and fast rivers.
Many kinds of rods are being sold to match different kinds of rivers, most of them weigh
300 to 400 grams. Usually the lighter the rod the more expensive it is, up to 500 thousand
yen (almost US$5000!), 50,000 to 100,000 yen rods are used commonly but are still quite
expensive when compared to other fishing rods. During the past several years prices have
dropped due to more imported ones coming on the market.
It's made of relatively thick polyester string, 10 cm to 30 cm long, connected to the
top of rod in order to stop the line from becoming wrapped around it.
The line, between the top rod line and underwater line, 2 to 7 meters long, is made of
nylon or polyester monofilament. It is used to adjust the total length of line and to save
on using the expensive underwater line.
Very fine monofilament is used in order to keep the strain on the livebait to a
minimum. The popular diameter is 74 micrometers (Line No 0.2)
to 105 micrometers (Line No 0.4) for nylo= nfilament, and as fine as 33 micrometers (line No 0.04) metal filament has appeared recently.
The nylon monofilament has been very popular and is used by many anglers since it is less
expensive, and is reliable. The metal filament is very expensive when compared to the
nylon, but is several times stronger, and it sinks in the water very well to reduce
loading on the livebait and allow it to swim unhindered for long periods of time.
To reduce cost, as short a length as possible is tied to the aerial line e.g. 2 to 5
metres.
The thick thread, 20 to 30 cm long, tied between the nose ring and underwater line in
order not to snap when landing a fish.
It is also useful for safety when used with a metal underwater line that is as sharp as a
knife.
The line connected between the nose ring and the rivers hook crossing the body. Thick
nylon thread (No. 0.8 to 1.5) is used.
Connecting thread for the fishhook. They are 135 to 235 micrometers in diameter (No 0.6
to 2.0 thread ), the thickest line in the ayu rig. Recently anglers like fine line and
tapered line which have appeared during the last 2 to 3 years.
Used to secure the livebait. All ayu have a nose
hole similar to other animals, but it's not used for breathing.
Many kinds of rings are available, from a simple copper ring to a one-touch ring using a
steel spring.
The tiny hook pierced into the livebait behind the anus to join to the trailing
fishhook line.
Two barbless hooks called Yanagi and Chirashi
were popular up to ten years ago, but recently anglers use 3 to 4 hooks.
There are many different sizes and shapes. Most of them are made from carbon steel, and
some of are made from high speed steel.
Lure Keeper
It is used keep live lures vigory for tomo zuri. Wide aquairm will prevent lures from strong summer sun shine and luck of oxygen.
Lure Ship
It is used for keeping caught fishes temporarily during fishing in running water.
Fishing tights and boots
Tights is important to prevent become to cold in wter. Boots also very important to protect foot from many kind of obstacles. Botom of the boots made of felt is effective to prevent slipping.
Fishing belt and sinker case
I'ts is used to keep landing net, lure ship or sinker case.
Hook Case
Fisher man allways keep many fishing hooks and change very often. A hook case can keep 30 to 50 hooks.
Please mail your comments to: SGR02714@niftyserve.or.jp