January 26, 2014
By Ned Kehde
Across the years on the Finesse News Network and In-Fisherman's Midwest Finesse column, we have failed to chronicle the finesse contributions of Norio Tanabe of Tokyo, Japan, who Cory Schmidt described in In-Fisherman's 2014 Gear Guide as the Kevin Van Dam of Japanese anglers.
Tanabe's bait company, which bears the name of NORIES, manufactures a soft-plastic bait that will catch the eye of several Midwest finesse anglers. It is called the SHRILPIN, and it is available in three sizes: two-inch, four-inch, and five-inch.
The top of its head is endowed with two eyes. At the junction of its head and torso, there are two rings, which purportedly amplify its gyrations. The head and upper portions of its torso are round. The lower portion of its torso is flat and exhibits an elongated diamond-shape. Its tail is flat and spear-shaped.
Tanabe says the torso is extremely flexible, which allows it to quiver and undulates enticingly. Its tail moves radically and alluringly.
According to Tanabe, its head, torso and tail are constructed with different densities and stiffness. For instance, its head is impregnated with salt, which creates the stiffness that enhances the movement of its tail. What's more, the different densities create unique color patterns.
It is available in 10 colors: Baby Wakasagi; Glass Waskasagiii; Green Pumpkin Black Flake/Watermelon Back with Red and Green Flakes; Light Green Pumpkin; Light Green Pumpkin with Blue Flakes; Reservoir Shiner; Stain Wakasagi; Soft Shell Craw; Suppernong; and Watermelon Black Flake.
It is infused with a shrimp and goby scent.
Midwest finesse anglers will rig it on a 1/32-, 1/16- and 3/32-ounce Gopher Tackle Mushroom Head Jig. But other finesse anglers will employ it on Neko rigs, Drop-shot rigs, and shaky-head jigs.
In his article that features the SHRILPIN, Schmidt wrote: "I keep a small 'panic box' in my boat, reserved for the most difficult bites. One of its 10 compartments is filled with 4-inch Shrilpins [sic] in green pumpkin."
There are 10 two-inchers and 10 four-inchers in a package, and eight five-inchers in a package. At this time, we are unable to locate a retail venue that sells the SHRILPIN.
Endnotes :
For more information, see http://www.nories.com/eng/bass/softbaits/shrilpin/65_shrilpin.html
