#Japan #Gifu #Bass Fishing #Gosan River #Kyosuke Umeda

Bass Fishing Extravaganza at Gosan River

Early summer in Gifu, Japan, brings a thrilling experience for anglers at the renowned Gosan River, known for its impressive bass fishing. With its well-maintained shoreline and strong fish population, Gosan River stands out as a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Convenient free parking nearby allows easy access, making it a popular spot even on weekdays when crowds of fishermen gather before dawn.

In late May, two avid bass fishermen made their way to this popular locale. Among them was Kyosuke Umeda, a native of Fukuoka and a first-timer on the show. Affectionately nicknamed “Umekyo,” Umeda is an expert in bass fishing, often seen at his home ground, the famous Onagigawa in Kyushu.

Alongside him is Masai Nakagawa, a resident of Aichi, who typically guides fishing tours along the Nagara River and frequently explores the waters of Gosan and Oe. As they prepared to fish, Nakagawa was optimistic, stating, “At this time of year, there are not only many fish but also larger sizes, with plenty of 40-centimeter bass and even some over 50 centimeters.” Despite this, Umeda felt a hint of trepidation, recalling his previous trip to Gosan five years prior, which left him with less-than-stellar memories.

Guided by Nakagawa's expertise, the two anglers decided to cast their lines in the evening. Initially opting for worm-type lures, they systematically searched the riverbank for signs of fish but to no avail. They decided to divide their efforts, hoping to cover more ground in their pursuit of bass.

As they moved to a promising spot beneath a bridge, Umeda switched from a worm to a spinner bait. Almost immediately, he felt a bite and reeled in a beautiful bass measuring approximately 42 centimeters. His excitement was palpable, and he couldn’t help but celebrate with a triumphant “Yes!” However, Nakagawa, still waiting for his first catch, made a move to a narrow waterway. Unfortunately, just as he hooked a decent-sized bass, it managed to escape at the last moment, leaving him despondent as he fell to the ground in disappointment. The first day wrapped up with a bittersweet sense of resolution.

On the second day, Umeda returned to using worm lures, aiming to find even larger fish. Meanwhile, Nakagawa was motivated to redeem himself, experimenting with various lures and swiftly rotating between fishing locations. Would they find success this time around?

This early summer fishing season is perfect for exploring the rich waters of Gosan River, with two skilled anglers revealing their tactics and navigating through comedic situations. Tune in to witness the excitement and challenges that await in their adventurous fishing journey!