SMITH Hiroism calypso HIM-C52ML-LJ1

In his twenties, Hiro Naito moved to the United States and became known as the first Japanese press angler at the Bassmaster Classic. His contributions to introducing advanced bass fishing techniques to Japan were significant. With work experience at Bagley and PRADCO, Hiro gained deep knowledge of the history and characteristics of American lures, as well as their application. He is now dedicated to promoting these fishing techniques to a broad audience of anglers. Hiro Naito has pursued his ideal throughout his long career and developed a line of rods named "Hiroism." After extensive field testing in Florida and several generations of model updates, the enhanced Hiroism rod series has been perfected.

Hiro Naito's ideal condensed into a short model allows for precise casting and the ability to manipulate the lure exactly as imagined, enjoying a more direct interaction with bass.

The transition to 3 inches shorter than previous models enhances maneuverability, making the rod feel like an extension of the arm.

Calypso rods are broadly categorized into two types: SJ (Small Jerkbait) and LJ (Large Jerkbait).

The SJ model is primarily designed for effectively using jerkbaits under 100 mm. To generate precise actions desired for this size of lures, the rod action is skewed towards extra-fast. As a result, it facilitates accurate maneuvers not only with poppers and swishers but also with small pencil baits, allowing for targeted fishing strategies. It is ideally suited for minnows under 100 mm, as well as for Pop R (P60), Baby Torpedo, and Super Spook Jr., among others. The two-piece model is meticulously balanced to ensure that its swing-through feels just as good as that of the one-piece model.

Suitable Lures: Minnows under 100 mm, Pop R (P60), Baby Torpedo, Super Spook Jr., etc.

The LJ model is engineered to effectively animate minnows larger than 100 mm by incorporating a fast taper action, while also providing the necessary power to handle large minnows. Consequently, this rod's versatility extends beyond just using large pencil baits like the Zara Spook or poppers such as P65 and P71. It is also adept for aggressive fishing tactics that exploit spinnerbaits and shallow cranks around obstacles. The two-piece model is meticulously balanced to ensure that its castability matches that of the one-piece model.

Suitable Lures: Jerkbaits over 100 mm, Zara Spook, Pop R (P65 & P71), Flap Hopper, spinnerbaits, shallow cranks, etc.

These specifications allow each rod type to optimize performance based on lure size and type, ensuring that anglers can effectively target different fish behaviors and conditions with precision.

Specifications:

• All models are baitcasting types.
• SJ1 and LJ1 are one-piece designs; SJ2 and LJ2 are two-piece designs.
• Guides: All models use Fuji stainless steel frame SiC-S guides, with the top guide featuring a titanium frame SiC. Spiral guide setting is implemented for optimal line management.

This setup ensures that each rod variant is suited for specific fishing styles and preferences, enhancing both performance and handling for serious anglers.

① Grip: 

High-grade cork grip with a Fuji PMTS (Palming Micro Trigger Seat) reel seat.

② Spiral Guide System:

In HIROism rods, the guide setting is arranged such that starting from one guide above the butt guide, each subsequent guide rotates approximately 30 degrees until the top guide and second guide are positioned 180 degrees around. This configuration allows for power fishing without the line touching the blank, enabling anglers to enjoy aggressive techniques even when battling trophy-class fish. Additionally, the positioning of the top and second guides ensures the lure's straight trajectory, providing a seamless casting feel whether you are overhead or side casting.

③ Ferrule (SJ2, LJ2): 

An over-ferrule that offers a usage feeling comparable to one-piece models. It includes a white marking line to optimize the angle of the spiral guides.

Guides:

All models are equipped with Fuji stainless steel frame SiC-S guides. Only the top guide uses a titanium frame SiC guide. All models are set up with a spiral guide configuration.