Born and raised in Hawaii, Laron "Takeo" Kageyama has always loved the ocean. As an avid shore fisherman, Takeo, like many island fishermen, enjoys shorefishing
for ulua (Giant Trevally). This style of island fishing usually requires a rigid shorecasting pole 12-13 feet in length, and stiff enough to cast out a 10 ounce bank
sinker with wire claws. Takeo's favorite reel of choice is a Shimano Trinidad TN50, which is a 4/0 sized reel designed for boat fishing, but excellent for battling big ulua. Line used in these reels are typically 80 lb. test in strength and circle hooks 16/0 in size for solid hookups.
For an ulua fisherman, the ultimate dream is to catch an ulua weighing 100 pounds or more. On December 2, 2006, Takeo was fortunate to land an elusive 102 pound ulua while fishing with friends on the South side of the Island of Hawaii. Takeo was not printing at that time, therefore, had a local artist complete a gyotaku print of his memorable catch. Since that momentous day, Takeo had dreamed about learning the art of gyotaku.
Takeo is an avid off shore fisherman. In June 2006, Takeo was a crew member on a friend's fishing
boat called "JOI Ride", during the 2006 Wee Guys tournament in Kailua, Kona. This is a tournament geared for smaller boats, 21 feet and smaller. On the first day of the two day tournament, the JOI Ride landed a 113 pound Ahi, a 25 pound ono (wahoo), and a 564 pound Blue Marlin. This one day catch won the JOI Ride the title of Grand Champion.
Takeo is also an avid spearfisherman. Takeo explains that being in the ocean is a whole new world and gives him the opportunity to study fish behavior, as well
as the brilliant colors of the fish in their own environment. Catch or no catch, a day of diving is always a joy for Takeo.
Being of Japanese ancestry, Takeo found a passion in the art of gyotaku, the ancient Japanese art of fishprinting using ink and paper. Takeo's modern gyotaku uses ink such as sumi or india ink or acrylic paint which is applied directly to the fish. Japanese paper, often referred to as rice paper, which is made of kozo (mulberrry), is then placed on an inked fish and rubbed creating a mirrored image with intricate detail. Takeo then uses watercolor or acrylic paints to bring the fish print to life. Each Takeo Gyotaku art piece is created with the spirit of love for his ethnic culture, the islands, and the ocean, hence Takeo Gyotaku's motto, "Fish Prints With Aloha". When you purchase a Takeo Gyotaku, you too will be bringing a bit of Aloha into your life!
Please feel free to email me about any gyotaku questions.
