Tomo Zuri (Live decoy fishing)
Tomo-Zuri (Live decoy fishing)
Ayu establish territories and have a habit of bumping into other ayu that enter their territory to drive them out. This behavior is utilized in a fishing style called Ayu-no-Tomo-Zuri, where a hook is attached to the bait and allowed to swim, attracting new ayu.
History of fishing style
The ayu fish has been known since the Heian period. The origin of Tomo-zuri seems to date back 200 to 300 years ago. Samurai, it is said, would cross rough rivers and train their bodies by wielding a fishing rod as if it were a sword. Monks who lived at Eiheiji Temple and samurai who lived in Ichijodani must have enjoyed ayu fishing here on the Asuwagawa River
Zen Like Fishing 