There have been inquiries domestically and abroad. Some offers have come from very private entities, while others have been fairly transparent with several legitimate offers.
Manabu’s passion is unprecedented. His quest can only be understood by other trophy hunters. In some ways, a trophy hunter’s trek of sacrifice is greater than even the tournament angler. Record seekers have to fish under less controls and wide spread variables. They are forced to make time sacrifices not based on pre-fishing or tournament clock. In trophy fishing you’re victim to opportunity; you have to make yourself available at any given moment.
Any Offers?
Confidential offers from a private company surfaced. Their interest was strictly to purchase the mount with no other explanation. Another company offer surfaced from a high ranking tech company. The CEO’s interest was to purchase the mount and make it available to the industry via a promoter. What’s the catch? Nothing. The CEO was willing to do it for free… no cost to the exhibitor.
The powerful camp of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops made several offers. An interesting perspective Bass Pro Shops claimed was the additional cost necessary to promote such a fish would exceed $200,000.00. Bass Pro Shops was also willing to tour Manabu as part of the offer.
A more impressive offer came from the owner of Legend Boats. Legend has taken their boat line from humble beginnings to quality custom boats recognized for their rough water handling.
Legend noted their interest in Manabu’s bass coincided with the increasing number of Japanese bass anglers inquirying about their boat. Although the specifics of the offer cannot be disclosed, it was a considerable package with residual benefits that would make any elite angler’s mouth water.
Good News
Manabu has finally selected a company. The disclosure of the well known entity remains confidential for a couple of months. What we can tell you… it is “big”.
What are folks saying about Manabu?
David Swendseid, the assigned associate to organize offers regarding Manabu’s mount, is the known product specialist for Jackall Lures and Toray fishing line in the US. Swendseid was responsible for helping Toray’s fluorocarbon and braid hit notoriety among professional anglers. He is also the specialist responsible for helping Jackall Lures grow expeditiously in the US. “We are all part of a sobering and historical experience,” Swendseid explains. “The gravity of what Manabu has accomplished cannot be readily assimilated. Trophy hunters specifically committed to chasing the world record have quietly pursued their dream, far from notoriety. In California, there have been as many as 20-30 very accomplished trophy anglers who hunt or have hunted the elusive world record. Several of them nearly broke the weight barrier, but the world record continued to stand for nearly 80 years. That’s amazing!”
Mr. Kuroye, President of Blackwater International Inc., imports Toray fluorocarbon to North America. Manabu is not sponsored by Toray, but it was the line that he used to catch his two records. Mr. Kuroye believes, “It’s no accident that Manabu has two fish records (a world record and all Japan record). Manabu may be the greatest trophy hunter in the world and I promise you he is not finished hunting. In Japan, he is known as the Maniac World Record Hunter and we wish him well”.
Allison Perry, the grand-daughter of World Record Holder, George Perry, had this to say: “Though I can no longer say that the current World Record is a part of my family heritage and the history of my nation, my hope is that Manabu’s fish will only add to the legend of the largemouth.
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