Fish
Sphyraena pinguis ・ Sphyraenidae (Barracudas)
It follows the anchovy inshore from summer into autumn, hunting at dawn and dusk and around the harbour lights. It only fishes while a school is passing, so the window is sharp.
A slender predator with sharp teeth. It is superb dried, and overnight-dried barracuda is an autumn favourite. It hunts small fish in schools.
The run peaks from autumn to early winter. From breakwaters and fishing harbors, simply cast a kamasu sabiki rig and reel it back; float fishing with kibinago sprats is another standard. Dawn and dusk are the prime windows.
Hang a single kibinago sprat under an electric float set about a fathom deep and drift it along the edge of the lamplight. When the float goes under, wait a beat before striking. Those teeth mean a leader of at least size three.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Sea of Japan
A ten-gram jig retrieved straight and fast is usually enough. If fish follow and turn away, stop the reel and let it drop once. A short kamasu sabiki rigged above the jig covers several depths in one cast.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Sea of Japan
Float fishing starter kit ・ Kit total ¥13,000–30,000
Shares the rod and reel with the sabiki kit. The whole craft is in moving the stopper to find the depth.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp teeth
Rows of fine, sharp teeth will open a finger while you unhook it, and they cut through leader and soft plastics alike. Keep your hand out of the mouth: hold the fish with a grip and take the hook with pliers.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
The overnight-dried fillet is the best of it: salt it, hang it for a night, and it becomes another fish. The flesh is soft and spoils quickly, so sashimi is for the day of the catch only.
Best eating: September–December
Check the local prefectural fishery regulation. Many harbours are closed at night as well, so read the operator's signage.
Closed seasons and size limits — how to find the numbers, which differ by prefecture
This article organises general information and is not legal advice. Rules differ by municipality and by fishery cooperative, and they change. Always check the current rules for where you are going.
Seasons, sizes and eating quality are general guides. Rules change, so check the latest prefectural, fishery-cooperative and site rules before fishing. This app provides general information, not legal advice.