Here, the winners from Lake Kitaura are in front of BassCat’s new building in Mountain Home, Ark., with BassCat’s Rick Pierce.
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Takuya Hashimoto said that BassCats are still the fastest, even up in the air!
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Here Ryo Shinotsuka sits in the upright Jaguar.
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Hold on tight!
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Here, Ryo is checking out different BassCat models as he’s looking to buy one.
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The gang went to Colton’s steakhouse, and he took down the whole thing!
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The team was provided a Puma FTD to fish the BassCat Invitational.
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Here, Kiriyama talks to the team about Lake Norfork, offering tips on how to break it down.
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The team begins fishing on Norfork.
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Despite the cold, the team was all smiles.
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Kiriyama points out shallow spots and other hazards on Norfork.
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Ready to roll!
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The team shopped at a nearby tackle depot and stocked up on baits and info.
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Registration at the Ramada Inn. The team was accompanied by the Chief Editor of Lure Magazine, Michael Nomura. Nomura plans to write a story in Lure about the team’s journey to the U.S.
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Here they get their boat number and rule book.
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The grand prize for the BassCat Invitational was a 2014 BassCat Eyra, which the team was hoping to bring back to Japan.
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Here are the team’s keepers from the first day.
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At the tanks, the team was a little nervous and excited about getting on stage.
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Here, Takuya meets his fishing idol, Mike Iaconelli.
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While on the stage, BassCat pro John Crews interviewed the team.
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The team speaks with BassCat’s Rick Pierce about their day on the water.
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After Day 1, the Mountain Home, Ark., High School team provided the food. The pair was excited to meet the ladies.
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Taku takes a picture in front of the girls and the food.
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Here, some BassCat fans meet the team and pose for photos.
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They were asked to sign hats.
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At Mountain Home High’s gym, Rick Pierce gives away prizes as the team and Kiriyama watch on.
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Kiriyama translates as the team is interviewed about their experience.
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Strike King gave away some baits.
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Here the team meets with Jan Pierce of Bass Cat.
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A team from the Top 10 discuss tackle and tactics with team Japan.
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