Capt. G here,
Sorry to have kept you waiting on the remaining details of the giant Japan Type 2 Hybrid Largemouth Black Bass.

It is now 11:30 pm, and I have the official info that will be released in tomorrow's news.

Mr. Kurita caught the giant fish as described in my previous posts at Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture Japan. Certified weight 10.12 kilos.
Biwako (Biwa Lake) is divided into two large parts--the northern part, which is very clear, rocky and extremely deep, and the southern, or "Nanko"section, which is mostly shallow (less than 30 feet), and surrounded by tulies/reeds. The fish was caught in the Nanko section.
The fish was caught on live bait--specifically a Japanese Koi (carp) on a Deps rod using 25 lb. line.
One thing to note, and we have all experienced this (or worse!) is that as the fish was netted, with a bass hand landing net, the hook pulled loose!
As I mentioned, and will not get into here, it is illegal for most anglers to catch and release bass at Biwako.
That said, Mr. Kurita kept the bass in is livewell, as Mr. Okamura of Deps was contacting the Biwa Lake aquarium, and other research institutes. As I mentioned, due to the difficulties of catch and release, as well as transporting live fish laws and regulations, they did not want to release this info until they were in compliance with all regulations (they were). Being an old, tired girl, the fish soon died in the livewell that evening.

The fish is now properly frozen to preserve the fish, while documents are being reviewed for and submitted to various record keeping agencies.

I just feel fortunate to have been an extremely small link in the info chain, and also fortunate that I could share this will all my friends here on Calfishing.

Capt. out!:-)

"Known as the person who introduced swimbait fishing to Japan"