DAIWA Neostage AY 100MS-S

Neostage AY: A Specialized Rod for Ayuing:

The "Neostage AY" is a specialized rod developed for the new method of lure fishing for ayu called "Ayuing." This rod is designed to drift over a wider range and trace the flow one step further. Long-length models are also available to achieve this. It handles both horizontal attacks and vertical attacks using jointed vibes in fast currents with ease, expanding the world of Ayuing.

What is Ayuing?

Ayuing is a new fishing method designed to easily and lightly enjoy the highly engaging sport of ayu fishing. It is inspired by the traditional Japanese fishing technique "tomozuri," which takes advantage of the territorial behavior of ayu. Ayuing uses ayu-shaped lures that imitate live bait to provoke and catch these fish.

What is Ayu?

Ayu, also known as "sweetfish," is a delicious fish cherished as a symbol of Japanese summer. Known as "year fish" due to its one-year lifespan, ayu fry hatch in the lower parts of rivers and spend winter along the coast. In spring, they swim upstream in schools. Young ayu feed on insects, but as they grow, they graze on algae attached to stones and establish territories to secure good feeding grounds. Traditional Japanese "tomozuri" fishing exploits this behavior by using a live ayu with a hook to lure and catch territorial ayu. The lure shown in the picture is a prototype.

Ayuing: A New Genre of Lure Fishing with Ayu-shaped Lures

• Ayuing is based on the traditional tomozuri method, but uses ayu-shaped lures instead of live bait.
• It can be enjoyed with spinning and baitcasting tackle instead of long telescopic rods.
• The setup is simple and easy, with just a lure and a tomozuri hook. The rod and lure shown in the picture are prototypes.

Rules & Etiquette

Ayuing is an easy form of fishing, but ayu fishing regulations vary by river. Follow the rules set by each prefecture and the local fishing cooperatives, purchase a fishing license, and be considerate of traditional ayu fishermen.

• Ayuing is not allowed in areas where either "rods with reels" or "ayu lures" are prohibited. Check regulations before fishing.
• Maintain a safe distance from fishermen practicing tomozuri, korogashi, and dobo fishing.

Ayuing-specific Rod: Neostage AY

The Neostage AY is a dedicated rod developed with unique specifications tailored for Ayuing, which requires different fields and lure operations compared to regular lure fishing. The rod shown in the picture is a prototype.

Enjoy in a Casual Style

• Light and nimble with shoes and innerwear.
• Local rivers are easily accessible, and the best fishing times are during the day when the fish are most active.
• Since the season is in summer, it can be enjoyed along with other outdoor activities like playing in the water.
• The riverbed can be very slippery and dangerous. Wear specialized shoes or waders.
• If you feel any danger from sudden water level rises or strong currents, stop Ayuing immediately and prioritize safety.

HVF Carbon:

Daiwa focuses on not only increasing the elasticity of the carbon fibers themselves in the carbon sheets, which significantly impact rod performance, but also on the amount of resin, the adhesive substance holding the carbon fibers together. By reducing the amount of resin, which can be considered excess, and increasing the density of the carbon fibers, the "High-Density HVF Carbon" becomes more muscular and powerful. This material is ideal for rods that emphasize flexibility and strength.

V-Joint:

By incorporating bias-structured carbon sheets in the joints of the rod, it achieves a beautiful, distortion-free bend similar to a one-piece rod. Compared to non-equipped rods, it significantly enhances power, stiffness, and quick recovery from bends, producing an ideal action.

MEGA TOP:

Mega Top is a carbon solid where fibers and resin are uniformly distributed, resulting in uniform bending in all directions. This dramatically improves the strength compared to conventional carbon solids. As a result, it enables the creation of fine, flexible, high-taper tips, providing not only excellent sensitivity that can be felt in the hand but also visual sensitivity that clearly indicates bites.

AIR SENSOR SEAT:

The Air Sensor Seat, made with carbon fiber, achieves lightweight, high strength, and high sensitivity. It is designed specifically for different rod uses, providing operational performance that cannot be experienced with general-purpose reel seats.

Solid Tip (Mega Top) for Stabilizing AYUING Minnows on the Riverbed

Seat Position Designed for Easy Rod Handling
The length of the rod butt is set to hit right at the elbow, making it easier to hold the rod in the flow of the current.

Choose Your Style: Spinning or Baitcasting

Convenient 4-piece models (90MLB-4·S, 90MLS-4·S) for easy transport and slim, sharp 2-piece models (93MHB-S, 93MHS-S).

New Fishing Techniques Utilizing Length
The 10ft length allows for new fishing techniques. The drift range of the minnow is expanded, and by slowing the drift speed, more time is given for the territorial ayu to chase. In fast currents, it is possible to trace the flow one step further than before, making it possible to target ayu that could not be aimed at before.

Action Settings Focused on Lure Stability
Set with M (Medium) class power to handle large ayu from the start to the end of the season. This setting is not just about power differences; the tip prioritizes lure stability on the riverbed. The smooth bend and flexibility utilizing the rod’s length enhance the handling of high-resistance lures, enabling the capture of large ayu without tearing the hook from their bodies, ensuring high practical fishing performance.

Attractive Features Unique to AYUING Rods
In ayu fishing where rod performance significantly affects results, the ayuing rod features a Mega Top for lure stability, a smooth bend to prevent tearing from hooked ayu, and a carefully positioned seat, all contributing to its dedicated functionality.

NEOSTAGE AY

• Length Setting for Easy Targeting of Current Lines
• Carbon Solid Tip (Mega Top) for Stabilizing AYUING Minnows on the Riverbed
• Reel Seat Position for Reduced Fatigue and Easy Rod Handling in the Current

Item	Description
90MLB-4・S 90MLS-4・S	All-around power for year-round AYUING, 9' length balancing operability and fishing performance, available in spinning and bait styles, convenient 4-piece design.
93MHB-S 93MHS-S	Power setting for lure manipulation in rapids and handling large AYU, aggressive 9'3" length, available in spinning and bait styles, 2-piece design focusing on operability.
100MS-S 100MB-S	Mega Top for stabilizing lures on the riverbed, medium-class butt power for various lures and AYU sizes, smooth V-Joint to reduce hook loss, lightweight high-sensitivity Air Sensor Seat (Spinning: Slim Fit / Baitcasting: Blank Touch Trigger), high-density HVF Carbon for power and lightness, 10' length for wide-range casting and tracing, 2-piece design.

Recommended AYUING Tackle

Rod: Neostage AY 90MLS-4・S, 93MHS-S
Neostage AY 90MLB-4・S, 93MHB-S

Features:

• Longer length for easier targeting of current seams
• Solid tip (Mega Top) for stabilizing AYUING minnows on the riverbed
• Reel seat position that minimizes weight and facilitates rod control in current
• Available in spinning and bait styles

Reel:

• Spinning: Size 1000-2500
• Baitcasting: Bass bait reel (bait finesse models are optimal)

Line:

• Main Line: PE 0.4-0.8
• Leader: Fluorocarbon 0.8-1.5

Lures: AYUING Minnows 94SF, 110SF, 95SS

Features:

• Easily chased lure sizes
• Slow floating design to avoid snags (94SF, 110SF)
• Slow sinking design for easy operation in shallow water (95SS)
• Includes a hook keeper for securing the hook in the tail fin
• Magnet to prevent line tangles
• Yellow head for better visibility of the lure
• Rolling action to mimic the movement of AYU feeding on algae
• Available in 4 colors (Aderu Gira Gira Ayu Orange Belly, Aderu Natural Ayu, Aderu Chart Back Territory Ayu, Aderu Black Rust Ayu)

Hooks:

• AYU Friend Fishing Hook, 3-prong
• Recommended hook size: Main size 7, 6.5 for smaller AYU, 7.5 for larger AYU

Recommended Hook:

• D-MAX AYU Keep Hook K, Power Multi, Power Keep 3-prong
• Fluorocarbon leader to minimize line tangling

Basic AYUING Method

The basics: just cast and reel in slowly!

1. Attach Hooks to AYUING Minnow
   • Attach the treble hooks to the AYUING minnow's hook keeper.
   • Simply secure it by pinching; double or figure-eight knots provide extra security.
   • Set the leader length to about 7-10 cm, shorter when AYU are active and longer when they're less active.
2. Casting and Retrieval
   • Stand upstream of the AYU's likely location and cast diagonally downstream.
   • Lower the rod tip to let the lure sink sufficiently, and drift or pause while reeling in extremely slowly to trace the riverbed.
   • The effectiveness is enhanced when the lure occasionally touches the riverbed and mimics the AYU feeding on algae.

   Note: If the lure gets snagged

   • Loosen the line instead of pulling to allow the lure to back out and increase the chance of freeing it.
   • If it still doesn’t come loose, use an AYU root-removal tool.
   • Caution: Removing the lure from a strong current is dangerous. Ensure safety before attempting.
3. Hooking and Landing
   • When you get a bite, don’t set the hook immediately. Wait until the rod tip bends, then gently set the hook to ensure a firm hookup.
   • Slowly handle the fish while watching its movements and use a net for landing.