Luxxe Yoihime Sayaka II S78M-Solid

PRODUCT PRODUCER

LUXXE Pro Staff – Shinichiro Fujiwara

A specialist who has led the ajing scene since its early days. His home waters are the highly competitive Kansai region, where he fishes over 100 times a year. He also frequently travels to areas such as Hokuriku, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Known as a highly analytical angler, he has established numerous rigs and techniques, including the F-System float method. He is also skilled in targeting species beyond aji (horse mackerel), such as mebaru (rockfish), sculpin, and ki-hata (grouper).

LIGHT GAME BASIC – YOI-HIME SOU REBORN (Version Upgrade)

The “Yoihime Sou,” once regarded as the ultimate basic model—offering top-tier usability at an accessible price while inheriting the DNA of the legendary Yoihime Hana series that transformed light game fishing—has now been fully renewed after five years.

In light game fishing, the two most important elements are operability and sensitivity. The Yoihime series was rebuilt from scratch to maximize both. The new “Yoihime Sou II” inherits that philosophy and further refines it, delivering a rod that draws out each angler’s natural “sense” across a wider range of situations.

By stripping away unnecessary elements and refining only what matters—lightweight design and high sensitivity—the rod maximizes human output in terms of grip feel, control, and direct sensory feedback. This is the reason it achieves performance comparable to higher-end models despite being a “basic” series.

We asked Shinichiro Fujiwara about the upgraded Sou II.

KEY IMPROVEMENTS – LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

The most noticeable upgrade is weight reduction. Depending on the model, the rod has become approximately 5g lighter.

While maintaining the signature lightweight, high-sensitivity feel, all guides still use titanium frame SiC rings, and a newly designed original reel seat has been introduced.

The blank design has also been reworked, resulting in a lighter, crisper, and more responsive action. A new 69UL model has also been added, expanding the lineup.

“This performance at this price—please try it for yourself.”

LIGHT GAME EVOLUTION & ROLE OF A BASIC MODEL

In recent years, light game fishing has diversified dramatically. From micro aji under harbor lights to offshore break zones, and even mid-range and long-range rigs such as floats and split shot setups, the game field has expanded significantly.

As a result, rod requirements have also changed. While highly specialized rods are increasing, there is still strong demand for a “first rod” that is easy to use yet performs at a high level comparable to premium models.

In this sense, the original Yoihime Sou played a major role.
Sou II continues that DNA and takes it one step further.

REFINEMENT OF SENSATION – LIGHTER WEIGHT

A reduction of around 5g may seem small, but in light game fishing it is significant. Reduced weight improves the responsiveness of subtle movements during line tension changes, fall, and lift, reducing transmission delay and improving sensitivity.

ORIGINAL REEL SEAT – CONTROL THROUGH GRIP

The compact original reel seat improves grip comfort and enhances coordination between hand, wrist, and rod. This allows natural execution of techniques such as:

• tensioned fall presentation
• active retrieval and turn manipulation
• slow drifting to detect bites

As a result, the angler’s “perceived sensitivity” is significantly enhanced.

SOLID TIP PRECISION

The Yoihime Sou II uses a solid tip design. Even a 0.05mm change in tip specification can significantly alter rod behavior.

Models such as 53FL and 63UL have been redesigned with 0.05mm thinner blanks, resulting in improved responsiveness and better adaptation to modern light game techniques.

DIVERSIFIED AJING SCENE SUPPORT

Modern ajing includes everything from “giant aji” offshore patterns to micro bait fishing under harbor lights. Sou II supports all of these with refined tuning.

A new addition is the 69UL model, designed for mid-range split-shot rigs.

While jig head fishing and float setups are mainstream, Fujiwara strongly recommends trying split-shot rigs, especially when fish are holding near the bottom at mid-distance.

NOT A “CHEAPER HANA II”

Although often misunderstood, Yoihime Sou II is not a lower-grade version of Hana II.

Instead, it is a refined, more user-friendly tuning of Hana II’s sharp performance. It maintains high sensitivity and ultra-lightweight construction while being easier to handle.

• Beginners: a rod that deepens enjoyment of light game fishing
• Advanced anglers: a tool that opens new approaches

Sou II has expanded to 6 models, offering a wider range of applications than the previous generation.

LINEUP SUMMARY

• 53FL – short, highly sensitive, aggressive finesse model
• 58FL – all-round finesse model for ultra-light jigs
• 63UL – balanced finesse model with sensitivity and flow adaptability
• 69UL – versatile mid-range model for split shot and plugs
• 73L – true all-round light game rod
• 78M – long-range float & heavy rig model with power and casting ability

Model	Length (cm / ft)	Folded (cm)	Weight (g)	Power	Sections	Lure (g)	PE line	Nylon (lb)	Carbon/Glass	Grip (mm)
S53FL-solid	160 (5'3")	85.0	42	FL	2	0.1–2	0.1–0.3	0.8–1.5	C99.5 G0.5	175
S58FL-solid	173 (5'8")	91.0	44	FL	2	0.1–2.5	0.1–0.3	0.8–1.5	C99.5 G0.5	190
S63UL-solid	190.5 (6'3")	99.5	49	UL	2	0.1–4	0.1–0.3	0.8–2	C99.5 G0.5	205
S69UL-solid	206 (6'9")	107.5	54	UL	2	0.1–5	0.1–0.3	0.8–2	C99.5 G0.5	215
S73L-solid	221 (7'3")	115.5	56	L	2	0.1–10	0.1–0.3	1–3	C99.5 G0.5	255
S78M-solid	234 (7'8")	122.0	62	M	2	0.7–16	0.2–0.5	1–4	C99.5 G0.5	290