This time, we would like to introduce a seasonal smallmouth bass technique from Yohei Takanashi.

Yohei Takanashi is a top fishing guide on Lake Hibara, one of Japan’s most beautiful smallmouth bass fisheries.

Lake Hibara is located in a cooler mountain area of Japan and is famous for clear water, beautiful scenery, and technical smallmouth bass fishing.

The technique introduced here is a cicada pattern.

In May and June, a type of cicada called Ezo-haruzemi appears in relatively cold regions of Japan. When these cicadas fall onto the water surface, smallmouth bass can feed on them.

This creates a very special seasonal topwater pattern.

According to Takanashi, cicada-style lures such as Cicader Origin and Trick Trout Tiny Cicader can be very effective during this timing.

The way to use them is simple, but the timing and presentation are important.

First, cast the lure and let it land naturally on the water surface.

After the lure lands, do not move it immediately.

Let it sit for a few seconds.

After that, continue shaking the lure in place to imitate a cicada struggling on the surface.

The important point is not to retrieve the lure too far or too fast.

The image is a weak cicada trapped on the water surface, moving its wings and legs but not escaping.

This kind of subtle surface action can be very effective for clear-water smallmouth bass, especially when they are looking upward and feeding on insects.

For anglers outside Japan, this is an interesting example of Japanese seasonal bass fishing.

It is not only about matching baitfish.

In Japan, especially on clear mountain lakes like Lake Hibara, insect patterns can be a very important part of smallmouth fishing.

Recommended setup:

Rod: LEGIT Design WHPS-ST65L
Line: VARIVAS Saltwater Finesse PE X8 #0.4
Leader: VARIVAS Absolute Shock Leader 6 lb
Lures: TIEMCO Cicader Origin / TIEMCO Trick Trout Tiny Cicader

Guide: Yohei Takanashi
Instagram: @yohei_takanashi
Field: Lake Hibara, Japan

This is a real Japanese cicada pattern for clear-water smallmouth bass.