Jigging (metal jig) from a Rocky shore
Cast to a current-struck reef edge and take control immediately after the strike. Ask a specialist guide about tackle strength for large fish.
Waters: Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast
Fish
Giant Trevally ロウニンアジ
Caranx ignobilis ・ Carangidae (Jacks)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
On the reefs and current-washed rocks of the southwest, activity rises through the warm-water season.
About
A giant among the jacks, reaching 1.8 m and 80 kg. The forehead drops steeply to the snout for a blunt, square-faced look, and the similar brassy trevally is separated by its second dorsal ray count (18 to 20 here, 21 to 23 in the other). Young fish are silvery while old males turn almost black. It ranges over reefs from southern Japan across the Indo-Pacific.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Caranx ignobilis
- Family
- Carangidae (Jacks)
- Japanese name
- ロウニンアジ
- Kana
- ろうにんあじ
- Also called
- GT, ガーラ
- Waters
- Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast
- Size
- 70 cm (max 170 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Dusk
- Depth (tana)
- Surface to mid-water. Work across reef edges and rocks struck by the current.
How to catch it
Famous as the quarry of GT fishing, casting big lures around the Nansei Islands. It calls for powerful rods and reels, and most large fish are released.
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.
Eating
Medium fish are eaten as sashimi or fried. Very large fish vary in quality; follow local practice.
Best eating: May–August
Rules
Large fish are valuable broodstock; follow the guide's and local retention rules.
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.