I'm not a fisherman myself, so I don't fish the Lake, but for decades now there have been ecological alarms and an overall negative view of the largemouth bass 'infestation' of Lake Biwa, with signs everywhere saying "DO NOT THROW BASS BACK!" beside boxes where you can put the bass you've caught if you don't want them (likely because of all the negative press, bass are not yet considered good eating by the Japanese, but we enjoy their deliciousness when Keech visits and goes fishing), while bass tackle shops are sprouting all along the shores. Things will likely change bigtime, now.

All that negative 'local problem' stuff never made world headlines; but a world record that lasted for 77 years, now that's another fish story. Like I always say as of a minute ago, if life gives you a largemouth bass, fire up the grill (btw, I live on those mountains in the background).

"Lake Biwa catch for native species has dropped from more than 8000 tons in 1972 to 2174 tons in 2000 while experts estimate catch of exotic species (black bass and bluegill exceed 3000 tons (Ref. 45327). Social and ecological problems have been experienced recently pertaining to the 'black bass problem.' (Ref. 55372). Considered to be one of the most damaging alien species in Japan"

Snagged this from here. [pureland.blogspot.com]