Fukase (drift float) fishing from a Rocky shore
Settle the bait on bottom beside weed and lift the fish before it reaches reef. Keep fingers out of the mouth.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
Fish
Japanese Parrotfish ブダイ
Calotomus japonicus ・ ブダイ科
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Winter is the prime rock-fishing season, when it feeds on weed and the flesh is at its best.
About
It scrapes seaweed and the surface of rocks with a mouth packed with fine teeth. From spring to autumn it also eats shellfish and crustaceans, making it an omnivore. Males take on a bluish cast, females a reddish brown.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Calotomus japonicus
- Family
- ブダイ科
- Japanese name
- ブダイ
- Kana
- ぶだい
- Also called
- モハミ
- Waters
- Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
- Size
- 35 cm (max 60 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- On the bottom, settling the bait beside weed beds and submerged rock.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Fukase fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥45,000–120,000
- Isozao #1.5, 5.3 mThe soft, long rod used for fukase fishing. Its through-action protects fine leaders while lifting big fish. ¥12,000–45,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot. ¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Fukase rig set (cone float, split shot, leader)A deliberately light rig that settles into the current. Moving a single split shot changes how it drifts. ¥1,000–4,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Okiami krill (raw or boiled)The hook bait for float and fukase fishing. Boiled stands up to bait thieves; raw gets more bites. ¥400–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Groundbait mix for chummingPowder mixed with krill so the chum throws well. Changing its density and stickiness delivers the chum to the depth you want. ¥500–1,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Rope bucket for drawing seawaterUsed to rinse hands and chum and to keep fish alive. It is also how you leave the pier clean. ¥800–2,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Landing net with 5 m handlePiers sit high above the water and heavy fish break off if you lift them. Having one changes what you land. ¥4,000–20,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Cool box, 15-20 LFor carrying fish home cold. Take plenty of ice; in summer a poorly insulated box is not fit for the job. ¥4,000–25,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Life jacket, adult (Japan Craft Inspection approved)The first thing to buy, and worn on piers, rocks and boats alike. Boat fishing requires the government-approved type marked with the cherry-blossom stamp. ¥5,000–20,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Studded or felt-soled bootsOrdinary shoes slip on rock and tetrapods. Falls are the most common cause of accidents, so these are mandatory for rocky shores. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Built on the assumption that you will stand on rock. Of everything here, the studded boots and life jacket are the two items never to compromise on.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Handle with care
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp teeth
Hard dental plates crop weed and encrusting life. Keep fingers out of the mouth.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
In winter it is good as sashimi, simmered, or in hotpot; blanched skin adds texture.
Best eating: January, February, November, December
Rules
Check rock access and the prefectural fishery regulation.
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.
Other fish taken the same way
Other fish from the same kind of place
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.