On June 26, 2025, I departed from my home in Kochi and began my journey to the United States from Haneda Airport. As usual, I carried a bag packed with fishing gear, excited about the new encounters and adventures that lay ahead. This journey began in North Carolina, a place I visit every year. The air itself felt familiar, like a second home, filled with a sense of comfort and security.
However, the journey began with an unexpected setback. As I was checking in at the international counter at Haneda Airport, the staff asked, “Have you registered for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)?” I had obtained it last year, so I assumed it wasn’t necessary this year. However, when asked, “Have you renewed your passport?” and I replied, “Yes,” the atmosphere changed instantly.
If the passport number changes, the ESTA registration becomes invalid. In other words, I had to reapply with the new passport. Faced with this unforeseen situation, I couldn’t help but worry, “What if I can’t depart today…” Nevertheless, I remained calm and reapplied. The waiting time felt incredibly long, but when the application was finally approved, I felt a huge sense of relief.Although I couldn’t board the originally scheduled flight, after changing flights, I managed to board the flight to the United States.
After a roughly 15-hour flight, I finally arrived in NC just after midnight. The familiar sight of the airport, which I’ve visited many times before, gently enveloped my tired body. The nostalgic signs, airport lighting, and even the humidity in the air all made me realize that my journey had finally begun.
At the airport, my friend Johnny-san, who has welcomed me every year, was waiting for me despite the late hour. Seeing his face, I felt my tension and fatigue melt away. After taking a shower and getting into bed, I couldn’t fall asleep due to the excitement of “it’s finally begun.”
The next morning, it was finally time to start fishing.
I couldn’t stay in North Carolina for long during this trip to the United States. Still, reuniting with Johnny-san is one of my annual pleasures. The time I spend fishing with him is precious to me.
This time, I’m using the MBD prototype, the Rat Bait, for the first time. While the Rat Bait has been performing well in Japan, how will it fare in America? With that anticipation in mind, I cast repeatedly. And the answer came back.
After a strong bite, a good-sized bass broke the surface! The moment when my handmade bait brings in a fish in an American field—it’s a joy that can’t be put into words, no matter how many times I experience it.
The following day was another day filled with learning.
Johnny-san deployed the Cormorant Swimbaits. Its shape and action, unseen in Japan, proved highly effective, resulting in multiple catches.
“There’s also this approach…”
It was a fishing style different from the one I was accustomed to. The opportunity to observe and learn from it up close was one of the highlights of the trip to America. The potential of swimbaits is still expanding—that’s what I felt on that day.
Although I couldn’t stay in North Carolina for long during this trip, the time I spent with Johnny-san was rich and fulfilling. Laughing, talking, and fishing together, we created new memories. Even with the language barrier, being able to communicate through fishing is always a mysterious and grateful feeling.
He is someone who consistently provides me with “new experience”, “new discoveries” and “new joys” every year. And already, even more exciting plans are taking shape for next year.
“I’ll be back soon.”
That’s how the journey began, leaving me with that thought.
MBD is not just a bait that chases after catches; it is a bait that can capture the encounter with a single fish, the atmosphere of the moment, the smiles, and the scenery as a complete story. And the fact that this bait is gradually being accepted in America is what brings me the greatest joy.
2025, the first chapter of my American journey—it began with trouble but was filled with learning and joy, becoming an irreplaceable few days.
Next is the California chapter, my first time in America. Driving in California for the first time, and in America for the first time, where am I heading…
Anytime I see this bait, it’s funny. lol
コメント