MASSENA, N.Y. – Japanese anglers have proven time and again that succeeding in bass fishing in the U.S. takes a lot of determination and hard work. Yua Kishimoto is another fine example of that.

The young international angler proved as much by taking home the Strike King Co-Angler crown at the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Northern Division finale on the St. Lawrence, besting fellow countryman Sakae Ushio by little more than 2 pounds (with 54 pounds, 9 ounces) total to do it.

While Kishimoto doesn’t speak much English, his did say the win was “unreal,” and even if he couldn’t say it, his body language said plenty, dancing on stage after he won.

Of course, to get the win, Kishimoto had to catch some pretty big bags, including a 19-pound, 5-ounce bag the final day while fishing with pro Todd Walters.

To do it, he used a sinker rig and a Carolina rig with a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Creature Hawg.

“He’s the future of the sport for Japanese anglers,” Ushio remarked while watching Kishimoto celebrate his victory.

For Kishimoto, at the very least, the future is bright.

Top 10 Strike King Co-Anglers

1. Yua Kishimoto – 54-9 (15) – $33,500

2. Sakae Ushio – 52-8 (15) – $4,900

3. Chris Hurley – 52-6 (14) – $3,920

4. Matthew Kremers – 51-12 (14) – $3,430

5. Jeff Turner – 51-9 (14) – $3,140

6. Jeff Mellott – 51-9 (13) – $2,450

7. Jeff Somers – 45-12 (13) – $1,960

8. Paul Gelles – 45-10 (12) – $1,865

9. Alex Bradley – 43-4 (13) – $1,470

10. Carter Wijangco – 42-14 (15) – $1,225

Complete Results