Namitsugi Cob | 28 Sep. 2008
 
The fishing style on the Sumida River involves casting the fishing rod over the terrace fence. The riverbank is equipped with a concrete revetment, so during high tide, there is a water depth of over 3 meters near the shore, eliminating the need for long-distance casting. (Please note that the fishing spot I use is in the brackish water area, so there are tidal fluctuations.)
 
Since we have to retrieve the carp beyond the fence, it becomes difficult to land the fish alone with a long rod. Forcing the carp to come closer may result in the rod tip breaking.
 
Taking various factors into consideration, I have come to the conclusion that "long rods are unnecessary on the Sumida River, and the shorter the better" (although this is just my personal opinion...).
 
Back when I used to go sea fishing, I made a 6-foot glass rod (with a weight of 94 grams and a 7:3 action) for catching Hanadai in Chiba Prefecture. I let my daughter use that rod in the Sumida River.
 
When I set up the rod at the fishing spot, I felt it was too short, but I carefully observed and tested the rod's action and strength (flexibility and rebound) when a carp was hooked.
 

 
[Testing Results]

• The length of the rod is no problem even at 6 feet.
• The action is too tip-heavy with a 7:3 ratio. The first fish actually slipped off during the landing. Could the rod's action be one of the causes? (Of course, my lack of skill could also be a significant factor...) Ideally, a rod with a 6:4 ratio is needed to have the strength to stop the carp when it runs.
• The delicacy of the rod tip is unnecessary for the Sumida River fishing style. The weight of the rod doesn't matter either. Ideally, a rod with a delicate tip that transitions smoothly to the rod's body and effectively utilizes the body would be desirable, but I think it's difficult to achieve this action with a short rod.

 
I visited several fishing tackle shops to find a rod that meets the above conditions, but I couldn't find one that fully satisfied me. The only one that seemed interesting was the popular one-piece Madai rod, but it seems difficult to stop a large fish if it runs sideways, and the rods designed for Warasa give off a strong and heavy impression.
 
In the end, I didn't purchase any of the rods and thought, "Why not make my own?" with a simple mindset. That's how I decided to make a short rod specifically for the Sumida River.
 
Before starting the rod-making process, I named it "Sumida River Special" and set the goal of creating a good rod that lives up to its name, aiming to debut it in next year's cold carp season.
 
From the next chapter onward, I will introduce the rod-making process. As I mentioned before, Sumida River Special 1 and 2 are already completed, so I won't be able to include photos of the production process. Therefore, this time, I will explain the process while actually making the rod, from selecting the materials to completion. Please look forward to it!