Useful JDM Links And Resources

Diving deeper into the vibrant microcosm of japanese tackle and JDM-Enthusiasm

As most of you might already know, JDM stands for Japan Domestic Market. Since a while a handfull of european tackle stores are providing a small product spectrum of rods, reels and a limited range of soft- and hardbaits, manufactured in the land of the rising sun. But the true pearls are lurking behind cryptic japanese-only websites and the few webshops offering overseas shipping.

JDM tackle is becoming more popular these days and thoose who already own one of these perfectly crafted and designed rods and reels, seem to become more and more adicted to this exquisite way of fishing and/or collecting.

Most japanese manufacturers are providing different product ranges for Japan and the rest of the world, so there is nothing else for it but to order you favourite spinning or baitcast combo directly in Japan. Despite of all risks (none or limited waranty) and adverse circumstances such as high shipping costs and custom fees, there’s nothing that can prevent the true tackle enthusiast from getting THE baits and combos of his soaring dreams.

Listed below you’ll find useful links that could serve as a first introduction into JDM tackle:

Japanese Manufacturers

• Baitbreath Softbaits
• Bassday
• Daiko Rods and Lures
• Daiwa / Seiko
• Deps
• Evergreen International
• FLT Flex Lure Technology
• Frog Products Beautyfully crafted custom baits (reels, rods, accessories)
• Gamakatsu Hook Manufacturer
• Gary Yamamoto Custombaits
• Hideup Soft- & Hardbaits
• Imakatsu
• Ivyline
• Jackall Bros.
• Jackson
• Katsuichi
• Keitech
• K’s Labo Tackle and Lures
• Major Craft
• Marukyu Ecogear / English Version
• Megabass Japan / Megabass US
• Meiho Tackleboxes
• Okuma/Alphatackle
• Olympic Fishing
• O.S.P (Osprey Spiritual Perfomer)
• Owner Perfection in Hooks
• Shimano Fishing Japan
• Spartas
• Tenryu Rods
• Tsunekichi
• Valley Hill
• Yo-Zuri Fishing Line
• Zappu hooks, jigs + sinkers
• Zipbaits
• Zenaq
• ZPI” reel parts & more

…

Surface Game Links & Resources

• Hiyoko Brand - Fishing Tackle Technology (Lures, Reels & Grips)
• Frog Products (Handmade Lures, Reels & Blanks)
• Slowtaper (Custom Rod Grips & Blanks)
• Robelseon - Old, Good Hardware Company (Reels, Grips & Rods)
• Wild Dancer - Handmade Lures, Rods and other Goods
• Code - Lifetime Design (Wooden Topwater Plugs)
• Match Box - Collectibles (Lures & More)
• BAPS - Surface Bait Libertaria
• Bass Pond - Surface Game Store
• Magnum K’s Outlet Shop - Huge Top Water Store

…

Misc.

• An Online Journey to the Big Tackle Shows in Japan Story by Russ Bassdozer, Matt Paino and Hideyuki Nomura, editor of Lure Magazine
• Luremagazine at Naigai-p.co.jp
• TackleTour.com The Angler’s Source for Tackle Reviews and Tackle News

…

If you like to add resources and links that I missed (I’m sure there are a lot) and which might be helpful for the arising JDM “Enthusiast”, please don’t hesitate to post them into the comment filed below, or just send an email.