When will BUGROCK WAKE be officially released? I believe that many people are eagerly anticipating its release, considering the numerous messages I receive.
・ Prototype Drop
In October 2022, I took the first step by dropping a small quantity of BUGROCK WAKE prototypes. It was my first attempt, and I wasn’t sure how well the prototypes would be received. However, I still remember that the response we received was beyond our expectations.The shape is the same as BUGROCK (crank down), but the body width, lip and tail have been changed. the initial prototypes, the action and diving depth were close to ideal, and I believed we could progress swiftly towards the official release.
Crank down left, Wake right
・ Idealistic but Struggling with Fine-tuning
While BUGROCK WAKE was progressing smoothly, fine-tuning proved challenging, and it took considerable time to bring the last bit of the ideal into shape. The fine-tuning wasn’t about visible adjustments in action but rather a sensory aspect derived from the reeling experience. In simple terms, I wanted the bait to grab the water a bit more strongly. Creating several prototypes and making changes, the more the water was grabbed, the less satisfied I became with the overall action of the bait. However, amidst this trial and error, I discovered a rule governing a specific action, and everything started to fall into place.
・ Current Stage: Final Prototype
BUGROCK WAKE, achieving my desired action and reeling sensation, is now in its final prototype stage. To ensure its suitability not only in Japanese lakes and rivers but also in the American lakes that initially inspired BUGROCK WAKE, I will conduct the final checks. The story of BUGROCK WAKE, crafted from squared wood based on my experiences and needs felt during fishing in American lakes, is approaching its conclusion in my hands.
While dropping the prototypes might cause confusion, I will ensure distinguishability, possibly through color variations, when officially released. What I can confidently say even now is that despite being prototypes, the dropped BUGROCK WAKE is a creation MBD is proud of. MBD has never and will never release a bait to the world that we are not confident about. I know it will be a long wait, but we will proceed to release it this wake season (summer and autumn).
