Jigging (metal jig) from a Boat / Charter
Drop to the reef top, wind hard several turns, then pause. On a strike, lifting clear of the reef takes priority over everything else.
Waters: East China Sea & western Kyushu
Fish
Tomato Grouper アザハタ
Cephalopholis sonnerati ・ Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
A fish of deeper southern reef, most often targeted from boats in summer.
About
A grouper with small rust-coloured spots scattered over a red body. It stays around rocky outcrops, often with a school of cardinalfish in attendance.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Cephalopholis sonnerati
- Family
- Epinephelidae (Groupers)
- Japanese name
- アザハタ
- Kana
- あざはた
- Waters
- East China Sea & western Kyushu
- Size
- 45 cm (max 70 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- Within three metres of the bottom. Drop over reef and lift a hooked fish clear immediately.
How to catch it
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.
Handle with care
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp spines
It has stout dorsal spines and sharp gill covers. Use a grip and pliers on deck.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
Excellent as sashimi, in hotpot, or simmered; the thick skin is good blanched.
Best eating: May–August
Rules
Follow the charter boat's bag and release 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.