#nories flatfish program

After a period of information gathering about this "finesse" fishing gear (e-mailing, Facebook, websites, etc.), somebody told me to take a closer look at the Japanese brand Nories. The brand has a well-known reputation for high-end and lightweight fishing equipment and materials. First rod series that caught my eye were -ofcourse- the 'Seabass Program' rods but after a tip from Jay (thanks again) to take a closer look at the FlatFish Program Sand Wave 74, I went deeper into that one. And when there was that ridiculous offer on ebay (that made refusing it almost a felony) I became owner of a brand-new Sand Wave 74 instantly…

The Sand Wave 74 has a closed length of 7'4" (224cm) and comes with an extremely sensitive tip section (1.7mm) but with a powerful butt section (8.9mm). The action is very fast and the blank is equipped with top quality guides. And besides these general requirements the rod its finishing (matt blue(!) blank) and details are very impressive. I immediately  fell in love with the 1-piece reel seat - damn...

The rod its specifications indicate that the optimal casting weight can be found between the 7 and 21 grams, but once I unpacked the rod and had it in my hands for the first time I was shocked; the lightweight and sensitivity was (and still is) frightening me!  After several testing and fishing sessions I can say that I personally feel most comfortable using a casting weight (lure+jig) between the 5 and 15 grams. Ideal for lightweight casting with those X-layers and 'weightless' rigged softbaits.

The IMA Sasuke 120 and 140 proved to be a real killer in the night When we visited the Salon Peche en Mer in Nantes in January 2012 we immediately noticed that almost every Frenchman carried around some of those Black Minnows from the Fiiish brand. Something that at that point looked like a hype, rapidly proved that this lure was here stay. We fished a lot with these lures and damn there is something magical with it. It just produces fish.

The Fiiish Black Minnow looked like a hype, but it is definitely is here to stay The website 2012 was also the year that our website really went to the next level. What began as an experiment now has become a web environment that has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. And after one year there still are enough bass-related developments or experiences that we feel are worthwhile sharing or writing about. The constant pressure to remain relevant and keeping the website up-to-date is not always easy but with contributions from all participants it worked out fine. Something we can be proud off. Especially because every participant also has his own work, family, fishing trips, blogs, editorials to take care off besides the Labrax Squad website. For 2013, we have quite enough plans and we hope to expand the platform with some international contributions. This to gather and spread more and wider information about the European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax). We definitely can learn a lot from each other. So many people from different countries, traditions and cultures that fish for this same species. We all share that same passion; let's imagine what could happen if we shared our knowledge with each other. Damn. That should give some fireworks. A recent eye-opening contribution of Keith White shows a good example. Personal challenges With the start of a new year also new personal challenges are set. It only was a few weeks ago that my new Nories Flatfish Program '74 Sand Wave' was delivered to me. A highly sensitive and very lightweight rod that I want to use for my fishing with lightweight softbaits like Megabass X-layers equipped with those 7 grams jig heads. The short length of the rod is chosen as it is this week that I'm picking up my Sea Chaser 186 at Hans from JBBoten. Except from being my 'boat dealer'  this relationship with Hans developed towards a friendship. Never before a dealer drove me all around the Netherlands in my search for the perfect outboard. An outboard which he installed for me on-site. Same story for my 2 Lowrance HDS units and all other accessories that I would like to add to the combination. Without complaining and with loads of fun he worked with me on the boat for a year like it was his own. Its very special to realize that these passionate and warm people still exist. The boat now is equipped with a Suzuki 90 hp four stroke outboard, a 24v 80 LBS Minn Kota front troller and 2 separate HDS Gen2 units (one on the console and one on the front).

My Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser 186 from JB Boten

So what will this boat fishing bring to me? I really don't have a clue but I know it will be different from what I'm used to. I'm dreaming about the freedom but at the same time I realize the ocean is a big place - so where do I start? Because things will get somewhat rougher than I'm used to I ordered myself a 2012 Daiwa Catalina 3515 PE-H. This to protect my more vulnerable 3000 reels when conditions are getting rough. And of course, no new reel without a new rod (I really have a big problem, I know). Still on the number 1 position there is the Tenryu Bull Dog 2 Evo but it won't be until February 2013 (the new edition of the Salon Peche en Mer - Nantes, FR) that I will decide which new rod will be added to my collection. At the expo you have the opportunity to touch and wiggle loads of bass rods that are out there. Also most of the (Japanese) brands have representatives on-site to advise you on your choice. So if you have the possibility to get there, it's definitely recommended. We're running around Nantes from 14 till the 17th of February.