Fish
Sepioteuthis lessoniana ・ Loliginidae (Pencil squids)
Spring (April-June) brings large spawning squid; autumn (September-November) brings numbers of small ones. The same pier calls for different egi sizes and a different rhythm in each season.
A large squid whose broad fin runs the entire length of the mantle, and the main quarry of eging. In spring the adults move into the shallows to lay eggs among seaweed, and in autumn the young hatched that year appear in schools close to shore. It lives roughly one year, hatching, growing, spawning and dying within it. The translucent flesh is notably sweet and rated among the finest of all squid.
Sink the egi, snap it sharply upward, then let it drop on a tight line: the squid takes it during that fall. They react to the sinking lure, so what separates a good angler is not how hard they jerk but whether they can create a controlled, tight-line fall. In spring work the edges of the weed beds; in autumn try harbour lights and the tips of breakwaters where the water moves.
Confirm the egi has landed, snap it up two or three times, then let it sink for ten seconds on a tight line. The squid takes it during that fall, so concentrate on falling cleanly rather than on how hard you jerk.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
The big spring squid sit along the edges of the weed beds. On rock you will lose egi to snags, so carry plenty of spares, and if the footing is wet, the decision not to go on comes first.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
A distinctly Japanese method: a live horse mackerel is sent out, and once a squid has taken hold, a sliding gaff called a yaen is run down the line to it. Everything depends on getting the yaen there before the squid lets go.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Eging kit ・ Kit total ¥28,000–70,000
No bait costs, but a higher up-front spend. You will lose egi to snags, so carry several of the same size.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Bite
It has a hard beak, called karasu-tonbi, that can break the skin if it bites. It also squirts ink forcefully, so hold it pointing out to sea to keep it off your clothes and the pier.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Sashimi, tempura, or lightly dried overnight. The flesh is translucent when fresh and turns white and sweeter after resting.
Best eating: April, May, October, November
The seagrass beds where it spawns are sometimes protected, and some prefectures restrict areas or seasons. Harbours also contain many closed areas. Always check both the local regulation and the signage on site.
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.