Autumn at Lake Kussharo — The Power of Hooks that “Lift and Trigger” Kokanee
In October, the Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido Japan turns silent and breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by autumn colors.
Here lives a very special trout — the landlocked Kokanee (Hime-masu).
During this season, pre-spawning Kokanee move into the shallow shorelines.
I always fish from the bank, avoiding wading in to protect their spawning beds.
Respecting local rules and preserving the natural cycle is just as important as the game itself.
Crankbait × Single Hook — The “Lift Bite” Method
This day, I used a small floating crankbait with a stop-and-go retrieve.
The moment it rises slowly toward the surface, the Kokanee strikes.
Maintaining the lure’s natural buoyancy and lifelike action is critical — and that’s where VANFOOK hooks shine.
Belly Hook ： DRS-50F
DRIFTHOOK
“Delicate synchronization that keeps the action alive.”
The DRS-50F #6 offers perfect harmony with crankbait movement.
Its lightweight fine wire keeps the lure’s balance natural, while the looped eye and fluorine coating ensure smooth penetration.
With micro-barb design, it holds securely yet releases gently — ideal for catch & release in sensitive environments like Lake Kussharo.
Tail Hook ： SPB-41F
Spoon Experthook (Micro Barb)
“Follow-through and holding power in one.”
The SPB-41F #6, though made for spoons, works perfectly on small cranks.
It hooks even the softest “pecking bites,” following the fish naturally without disrupting lure action.
Its tiny barb reduces damage, balancing lightness, responsiveness, and holding strength — perfect for the Kokanee’s delicate strikes.
Balance Between Nature and Performance
The Kokanee of Lake Kussharo continue to reproduce naturally — a rare treasure in Japan.
To fish here responsibly means:
• Avoid wading in
• Never step on spawning beds
• Use single hooks
• Practice catch & release
The combination of the DRS-50F and SPB-41F achieves both respect for nature and superior performance — hooks made not only to catch, but to protect.
In Closing
More than ten years ago, I caught my first trout — a Kokanee in this very lake.
After traveling the world, this place still reminds me of my origin as an angler.
VANFOOK hooks are more than tools; they embody harmony between angler, fish, and nature.
They hook with precision, hold with care, and release with respect — values that live deeply in the waters of the Lake Kussharo.
Location ： The Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido, Japan＿屈斜路湖 October, 2025