Ahead of the curve.

[Reel Geezer]

As I wrote in a Reel News article a while back, the Japanese reelmakers of today are making some reels that are certain to be collectible in the future. At the ICAST show that is concluding today in Las Vegas, Daiwa displayed some very limited edition reels, rods and lures.

These tackle items were decorated with an ancient Japanese lacquer-ware technique, that is only created in the city of Wajima, Japan. This is the same technique used to create famous museum pieces in Japan, and the artists in Wajima are designated as living national treasures by the Japanese government. The fishing tackle on display required over a hundred processes that took over a year to finish.

When an observer asked about the price of the items, he was told that a single lure cost over $3000. I don't think he had any breath left to inquire about the price of the reels.

Better save up your lunch money for when one of these things appears on eBay.

[Roger Schulz]

Phil:

Did you end up going to the ICAST show?

Roger

[Reel Geezer]

No, but I got daily press releases and information from some friends that attended the show.

Some of the most exotic Japanese rods and reels are coming to US dealers in 2007. Anyone who likes to fish with the most modern and beautiful tackle had better start saving their dollars.

[Jim Schottenham]

Have a look at some things in the works:
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif
Hey Ed Clark - you out there? Take a look at that ZP1 reel handle. Remind you of a certain Hendryx reel from 100 years ago?
Maybe we can get Ed to share a pic of that Hendryx...
As Phil (and Steve) are always telling us..."Nuthin's new"
It is really neat lookin' stuff though!

[Ed Clark]

Jim you are correct. The crank is quite similar.



Ed