Available year-round in the southwest; juveniles visit estuaries and harbours farther north from summer into autumn.
About
Fast swimmers that chase down small fish. Most carry a row of hard, keeled scales along the side of the body. Found in the waters around Okinawa and the Nansei Islands, the southern Pacific coast of Japan, the East China Sea and off western Kyushu, and the Sea of Japan.
Basics
Scientific name
Caranx sexfasciatus
Family
Carangidae (Jacks)
Japanese name
ギンガメアジ
Kana
ぎんがめあじ
Also called
メッキ
Waters
Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Sea of Japan
Size
45 cm (max 85 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water. Retrieve fast along current seams and the edge of harbour lights.
Cast to current seams and the light-dark edge of bridge structure, then retrieve fast near the top. Even juveniles run hard, so pull them clear of cover.
Waters: Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Sea of Japan
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.
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.
