Lake Biwa — Attraction in Hikone

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. I'm the USA Outdoor Writer “Joe Guide” and it truly is a destination if you want to try to break the World Record. IGFA Records define the Japanese Largemouth a (tie) as it must be “more than two ounces” that the current world record. Therefore I must say that there are some very large Bream species and heavy grass cover too.

Remember that a depth finder is most important to locate the deepest holes and structure if you get serious about fishing here. I think it's one of the most beautiful areas of Japan IMHO.

The bass fishing community is a good group and I found a great number of kindness in all people I talked with in this region.

I think the next IGFA WR Largemouth will come from this Japanese lake, or perhaps even Lake Havasu AZ, or Treasure Island Lake in Cuba.

There is a high mountain lake in Mexico that is promising as well with a number of black bass 18 lbs have been caught and released.

However there are many influential and wealthy individuals who attempt to (feed their Black Bass) with Feeders, to increase their growth size and NC has a private lake SE of Raleigh that costs $400 pp/pd however it is catch and release and you must use their gear/boats/stay in their lodge Kingfisher Society. I have seen very large black bass in South Carolina Lake Marion and Russelville Flats as well in Lake Okeechobee and in Lake Seminole in Florida and Texas and Alabama have lakes with the potential to challenge the IGFA World Record black bass.

However it could very easily come from here early morning during Spawing season. That would be a truly golden ticket if George Perrys Record could be surpassed.

Having been stationed in Japan a few times and loving to fish and travel.this is the place -- the northern part of this lake is quite popular with Westerners who come for two three days of fishing. Home of the Japanese National Record Largemouth bass. It was stocked with fry in blocks of Ice, in the late 1880s with a Tropical Florida strain of black Bass...

Gigantic lake. Obviously, world famous lake with record sized bass. However, it can be a tough lake for bass fishing unless you have a boat with good fish finder electronics to find the fish, bait fish, and offshore structure. Bass seem to be spread out throughout the lake because there is so much grass for fish to have cover and lake is so shallow.

Fish guide would be the best if unfamiliar with the lake because lots of local knowledge is required to fish the lake well, but can be pricey. It is easy to find a place to fish from the bank, but not easy to find a good spot to fish with good structure or favorable conditions where you know bass are located. This lake gets tons of bass fishing pressure which adds to the difficulty. Some lakes you can go to and fish well immediately. This is not one of them. Definite learning curve to know how to fish Lake Biwa. However, it looks to be an amazing bass lake if you know...

Whenever I visit Japan I am struck with a dilemma, do I include a visit to Okinawa or Hokkaido as each of these places are special to me. Now that I've been to Lake Biwa my dilemma worsens, what a fantastic place, the shores of the lake were dotted with people fishing and campsites everywhere. Admittedly it was Golden Week but I couldn't help think of the fantastic adventures children would have and speak of for years to come of their holidays camping with the family. The lake is said to be the largest in Japan with so much to offer, biking, fishing, walk trails, boating, camping etc. There are plenty of hotels to choose from as well as restaurants, shopping centres and a golf course to name just a few. If you're looking for a relaxing time either with or without family this is the place. I cannot wait to return with my fishing gear...