Hot's Keiko Ocean Gataro

HOT’S KEIKO OCEAN GATARO is a pencil popper designed under the supervision of tuna hunter Hideyuki Furuya, attracting fish with its bubble trail and bubbling sound. Developed through extensive testing in various locations while targeting yellowfin and bluefin tuna, it is also designed for casting games targeting GT and large amberjack.

With the rod tip held close to the water’s surface, jerking the lure produces a crisp bubbling sound as it pulls bubbles underwater, rather than a popping sound accompanied by dramatic splashes. After a medium jerk, allowing the line to slack creates small darts from side to side. When targeting tuna, the basic technique is to pause for several seconds afterward. For amberjack, the recommended technique is to continue reeling while giving the rod tip short jerks, rather than using a stop-and-go retrieve. The body is made from highly buoyant natural wood and handcrafted by master craftsman Hideyuki Tanaka. It features a 2.0 mm through wire and a swivel system, and maintains a vertical posture when paused. Available in 200 mm/approximately 90 g and 230 mm/approximately 100 g sizes. Hooks are not included; use with heavy-wire treble hooks in sizes 3/0 to 5/0.