A fish whose name changes as it grows: inada, warasa, then buri. From a pier you are mostly after inada and warasa, and the two ways to get them are shore jigging and live bait.
About
A spindle-shaped fish with a single yellow stripe along the line where the dark blue back meets the silvery belly. The angular upper rear corner of its jaw distinguishes it from the yellowtail amberjack, whose corner is rounded. The best known of Japan's fish that are renamed at each stage of growth, it reaches 1.5 m. Winter kan-buri, taken before spawning, is rich with fat, and farmed production now exceeds the wild catch.
Basics
Scientific name
Seriola quinqueradiata
Family
Carangidae (Jacks)
Japanese name
ブリ
Kana
ぶり
Also called
イナダ, ワラサ, ハマチ, ツバス, メジロ, フクラギ
Waters
Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
60 cm (max 120 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Dusk
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water. On many days it all happens in the first thirty minutes of light, which is why people take their spot before dawn.
The younger stages, inada and warasa, can be taken from breakwaters by shore jigging or on live bait, best from summer into autumn. Full-grown buri are largely a boat-fishing quarry.
It happens in the first thirty minutes of light. Set the drag before you start, loose enough to let the fish run rather than break off. Net it: do not try to lift it up the wall.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Nomase (live bait) fishing from a Breakwater / Pier
Secure some small horse mackerel on a sabiki rig first. Set the depth with a stopper and give the bait a long enough leader to swim freely. On a crowded pier, pick your spot with care: a running fish crosses everyone else's lines.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Shore jigging kit ・ Kit total ¥40,000–100,000
Shore jigging rod, 10 ft, MHLong and powerful enough to cast 40-60 g jigs and to absorb the runs of a hooked jack.¥12,000–40,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 4000-5000For shore jigging. A smooth drag under a running fish matters more than anything here, so this is not the place to economise.¥10,000–35,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
PE braid, 1.5-2 gouFor shore jigging: the compromise between casting distance and strength.¥2,000–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Fluorocarbon leaderThe clear line tied to the end of the braid. It resists abrasion and is less visible, protecting the braid from rock and teeth.¥800–3,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Metal jig, 30-60 gThe mainstay of shore jigging. Carry the same shape in several weights and switch with wind and current.¥600–2,500AdFind 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
Fishing pliers / hook removerEssential protection from venomous spines and sharp teeth. Most injuries happen when someone unhooks a fish bare-handed.¥800–4,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Knife and spike for bleeding fishWhat turns a caught fish into good food; bleeding it changes the taste. See the column "Killing and carrying your catch" for how to use them.¥1,000–6,000AdFind 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
You will often be on rocks or the tip of a breakwater at dawn, where safety gear matters more than results. Do not go alone.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
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.
