Dynamite : The Tochiharas’ TNT Lure a Boon to Largemouth Bass Fishing

The bass fishing boom has spawned a flock of lures and, like most serious anglers, Darin Tochihara and his father, Rod, have developed their own--the TNT--that resembles a small trout as much as most of the lures resemble each other. Most are hand-painted, jointed two-piece lures with rubber tails.

Allan Cole of Lancaster claims they are all copies of his AC Plug, which he markets and is trying to patent.

Lake Casitas marina manager Randy King sells Cole’s lures for $30, but prefers to sell the mass-production Worm Kings for $6.50.

“We like those because guys lose them and come back to buy more,” King said.”With these (AC Plugs), guys use 20-pound line and don’t lose them.”

The TNT is named for its makers--Tochihara and Tochihara--but it also has been dynamite for largemouth bass. Partly to avoid conflict with Cole’s lure, they recently added a second joint. Profits go toward Darin’s college fund.

“We’re not looking for trouble,” Rod Tochihara said. “I totally respect (Cole’s) concept. If he gets a patent, it behooves him to protect it. I hope we can all try to get along. I think there’s enough room for everybody.”

Cole’s lure originally was meant for striped bass. A friend discovered it also worked well for largemouths--and Cole predicted it would soon catch the world record.

“I believe it more by the minute,” Cole said. “Look at all the big fish that have been caught on it. It’s just a matter of time.”