DAIWA Karehoushi 14・N

The original Karehoushi, a heralded traditional Japanese fishing rod, first made its appearance in 1986—36 years ago. It was born from a daring attempt to recreate the fishing experience of traditional Japanese bamboo rods using carbon materials. Since then, the Karehoushi has evolved through six generations, maintaining its commitment to a traditional medium-hard true action. Over the years, crucian carp fishing has undergone various changes, and the performance demands on fishing rods have also shifted.

However, no matter the era, the essence of Karehoushi remains unaltered: its commitment to true action. The seventh generation is no exception; it continues to follow this singular path. What Karehoushi has consistently focused on is the beauty of its bend. Since the first generation, it has pursued the natural curve produced by traditional bamboo rods—a defining characteristic that cannot be separated from the Karehoushi's identity.

From the strike to the catch, the graceful arc transforms like the dance of a ballet dancer, brimming with life and resembling a painting in every moment captured. Gazing upon this curve, no crucian carp angler can help but be enchanted. The movement felt through the grip in one's palm is exceedingly pleasant. By theoretically incorporating the crafting techniques of traditional bamboo rods, the beauty of the bend has been further refined. The principle is that the focal point of the bend moves with the fish, creating natural curves.

This beauty of the bend not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to a feeling of strength during actual fishing. Strangely, the crucian carp seem to respond more honestly to rods that bend naturally. Perhaps, crucian carp recognize and appreciate the beauty of a well-bent rod.

14・15・16尺

The essence of rod-making craftsmanship is encapsulated in this design.

The 14, 15, and 16-foot versions of the seventh-generation Karehoushi each bring their own unique characteristics tailored to similar fishing conditions and scenarios, yet each length has its own distinct finish.

14 Feet: The fifth and sixth-generation Karehoushi 14-foot rods made a shift from five to four sections, extending the length of each section to enhance suppleness. The seventh generation continues to use this balance but introduces the "V-Joint α" in the joints, emphasizing increased resilience and strength without sacrificing the inherent suppleness.

15 Feet: Aimed at maintaining the Karehoushi essence without compromising on control or power, the 15-foot model transitioned from a traditional five-section to a four-section setup, significantly changing the section lengths. This was achieved through numerous trials to find a balance that allows flexibility without collapsing under pressure. The 15-foot four-section rod uses high-modulus carbon to maintain a slim profile and sharp action. However, unlike other lightweight hera rods, the Karehoushi focuses on achieving flexibility through its four-section design, employing fundamentally different manufacturing techniques even within the same section count.

16 Feet: This model is designed to blend the fishing feel of a medium-length rod with the operability and lightness of longer rods. By maintaining the taper balance of a five-section design and adapting the grip to be closer to that of longer rods, it achieves a harmonious balance between these attributes.

Therefore, the extended section lengths in the 14 and 15-foot models maximize the expression of the Koroshi essence, showcasing the pinnacle of rod design in these lengths. The 16-foot model cleverly combines the characteristics of shorter and longer rods, providing a unique fishing experience that leverages the best of both worlds. Each model in the seventh-generation Karehoushi line reflects a deep understanding of the angler’s needs and a mastery of rod-making technology, ensuring that each rod is not only functional but also a true joy to use in the field.