Fish
Callionymus curvicornis ・ Callionymidae (Dragonets)
It comes shallow to spawn in spring and again in autumn while the water holds its warmth. It can be caught almost all year, but most anglers meet it as a by-catch while casting short for whiting. It eats best from winter into spring, when it fattens before spawning.
Flat-bodied fish without scales. The male has an oversized dorsal fin that he spreads to display to females. Found in the East China Sea and off western Kyushu and the Sea of Japan.
Drag more slowly than you would for whiting and never let the sinker leave the bottom. The bite is nothing more than a dull increase in weight. When you lift it in, do not take it by hand: hold it through a towel and keep clear of the gill cover.
Areas: Tokyo Bay
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Work carefully from the wash out to about five metres of water. Even on days when the whiting come up to feed, this fish stays pinned to the bottom. It usually takes while the rig is stationary, so pause before you wind in.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Chonage starter kit ・ Kit total ¥11,000–24,000
A compact rod travels by train. Jarime is the easiest bait to handle.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp gill plate
A strong, serrated spine sits on the front of the gill cover and will go into a bare hand. No venom is recorded, but the body is coated in heavy slime, and most injuries happen when a hand slips and has to re-grip. Hold it through a towel or newspaper and unhook it with pliers.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Supreme in tempura. The bones are soft, and preparation amounts to shaving off the dorsal fin and taking the head and gut. The sashimi is sweet too.
Best eating: February–May
Check the prefectural fishery regulation. Beaches are closed to casting during the swimming season in many places, so read 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.
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.