Mockingbird245 Sold Out - Thank You
The pre-order for the Mockingbird 245 has concluded, and we take a look behind the scenes at the increasingly challenging lure manufacturing process. Plus, we'll share our packing list for this month's GT expedition to Indonesia, and even delve into the real cost of living there!
01 MOCKINGBIRD 245 Pre-orders Closed
The 10-day pre-order sale for the "MOCKINGBIRD 245" has successfully concluded. We sincerely thank you for the numerous orders. We are currently preparing for shipping, so please bear with us until your order arrives.
Only "6 sets" will be sold confidentially!
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02 The Reality of the Solvent Shock
Regarding the "soaring price of thinner due to naphtha shortage" that we touched on in the previous article, the situation on the ground continues to be severe. It's not just a price increase; there's also the risk of supply disruptions where specific solvents "aren't coming in." This means that our previous production routines will no longer be viable for maintaining the quality of jig hologram fixation and the final coating of plugs.
Currently, we are exchanging information with manufacturing plants across a wide area from Kyushu to Kansai, Tokai, and Kanto, and this is a common, real-world issue. Protecting domestic production means a continuous battle against these invisible chemical changes and costs. In manufacturing, further cost reduction and process improvement are major challenges.
03 PROLOGUE: LOMBOK GT EXPEDITION
Now, for my personal travel story. My next destination is Lombok Island, Indonesia. My target is GT (Giant Trevally). I've only ever caught GTs by jigging, but this time it's a completely solo expedition, including casting. I plan to depart from nearby Kuta, where I'll be staying.
According to the local guide, "There used to be a lot of anglers from Japan, but recently, hardly any come." It's an exploratory journey, but whether I catch anything or not, I plan to write everything about it on my blog. I hope you enjoy it as a story.
Secured with ANA award tickets (30,000 miles). Utilizing miles is key for expeditions from regional areas. While surcharges doubled from May 1st, there's information that Singapore Airlines has no surcharges.
Depart Jakarta in the morning, arrive at the destination before noon. Purchased a domestic Garuda Indonesia flight for about 30,000 yen.
Even with a carefully selected pack, fishing gear alone exceeds 10kg. To cover Garuda's regulations, I pre-purchased +10kg for the outbound journey (5,000 yen) and +5kg for the return journey (2,500 yen). It's truly a battle against "weight."
EXPERT PACKING LIST
【Checked Baggage 3 items / Total 30kg】
- Rod case: Couldn't find my old bazooka, so two rods stored in a simple cardboard case (1.8kg).
- Main suitcase: 70L, 17kg. My heavy Rimowa is retired, now using a Chinese-made one purchased on Amazon (approx. 10,000 yen—). Hoping for good storage capacity, but what about durability?!
- Dokatto (tackle box): 11kg for one. These three items combine for exactly 30kg.
【Tackle & Detailed Items】
- ROD: Takami Technos (Casting / Renegade prototypes)
- REEL: Saltiga 14000XH (PE8) / Ocea Jigger 1500HG (PE2)
- LURE: Mockingbird, Balsam, Snecon 180, Vigop, etc.
- OTHERS: Merino wool T-shirts, underwear, protein, shaker, supplements/antibiotics, travel detergent, disposable bath towels, etc.
04 Real Cost of Living and Life Locally
Lombok Island during the dry season is consistently around 30 degrees Celsius, making for a very comfortable climate. As for the cost of living, the Indonesian Rupiah is currently almost at par with the Japanese Yen (depending on the exchange rate). At local eateries (warungs), you can enjoy Nasi Goreng for about 400 yen and a bottle of Bintang beer for around 400 yen.
Foreign capital is concentrated in the Kuta area! Western and Australian shops charge around 1,500 yen for lunch and 3,000 yen for dinner. A ramen shop opened by Japanese last year offers bowls from 1,500 yen, with a seafood and chicken broth base. You can surprisingly save money if you choose cheaper, locally run establishments like warungs. Hotels with pool villas also start from around 10,000 yen. Infrastructure facilities have significantly improved since before COVID-19 (hot showers, flush toilets, etc.). Prices are rising year by year, and modernization is progressing rapidly. If you're going, "now's the time." Also, the security is much better as everyone has an environment to earn money, making it safer than urban areas like Jakarta or Bali. I used to hear many stories from the past, like having an arm chopped off by bandits with a cleaver, typical of a warrior tribe...
Embarking on a solo expedition to foreign seas, despite anxieties.
A solo expedition comes with many anxieties, but it's also filled with freedom and discovery. I'll give my all to ensure the fishing is successful so I can bring you a real report from the local seas.
As soon as I return from this trip, it's time for the Genkai Tuna Challenge!
