JDM Lure Technique from Japan #9: Pre-Spawn Clap Buzzer Nail Rig with Yasunao Hondo

This time, we would like to introduce a technique from Yasunao Hondo, an EVERGREEN-supported professional angler from Shikoku, Japan.

Shikoku is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Japan, with many rivers, mountains, and reservoirs. Hondo has competed in the JB TOP50 series for many years and currently fishes the JB Masters tournament series. He also guides on reservoirs in Shikoku, including fields such as Sameura Dam and Kanesuna Lake.

The lure featured in this technique is the EVERGREEN Clap Buzzer.

The Clap Buzzer is one of Hondo’s strongest confidence baits. He trusts this lure so much that he often casts it even during professional tournaments.

For this technique, Hondo recommends using the Clap Buzzer as a Nail Rig with a 3/32 oz nail sinker.

In Japan, a “Nail Rig” usually means inserting a nail sinker into the lower part of the lure body. In the U.S., weighted hooks may be more common for this type of presentation, but in Japan, tuning the lure with a nail sinker is also widely used.

This small weight changes the balance of the lure and helps it run in a very natural way while keeping the presentation simple.

According to Hondo, this technique is especially effective from March to early May, before the spawn.

This is the season when bass begin moving up into shallow water to feed before spawning. The main target zone is shallow water around 1–2 meters deep.

The way to use it is very simple.

Cast the Clap Buzzer and retrieve it steadily.

You do not need to use complicated rod action. Just winding the lure is enough.

However, Hondo says it becomes even better when the lure makes contact with structure. When the lure touches cover, rock, wood, or other structure during the retrieve, it can create a strong reaction bite from feeding bass.

This technique is especially useful in Japanese reservoirs such as Sameura Dam and Kanesuna Lake, where bass move into shallow areas during the pre-spawn period.

Recommended setup:

Lure: EVERGREEN Clap Buzzer
 

Rig: Nail Rig
Weight: 3/32 oz nail sinker
Season: March to early May
Timing: Pre-spawn
Depth: 1–2 m shallow water
Retrieve: Steady retrieve, especially with structure contact

Pro angler: Yasunao Hondo
Instagram: @yasunao_hondo
Supported by: EVERGREEN

This is a real pre-spawn reservoir technique from a Japanese tournament pro.