Tairaba (tai rubber jig) from a Boat / Charter
Touch bottom as the boat crosses isolated reef on sand, then wind a little higher over the rock itself.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast
Fish
Yellow Grouper アオハタ
Epinephelus awoara ・ Epinephelidae (Groupers)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Caught from spring to autumn where reef meets sand, often while boat fishing with rubber jigs or metal jigs.
About
A huge mouth lets them swallow prey whole. They ambush from cover in the rocks, and most begin life as females before turning male. Found in the Sea of Japan and the southern Pacific coast of Japan.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Epinephelus awoara
- Family
- Epinephelidae (Groupers)
- Japanese name
- アオハタ
- Kana
- あおはた
- Waters
- Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast
- Size
- 35 cm (max 60 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- Within two metres of the bottom, along isolated rock on sand.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Tairaba starter kit ・ Kit total ¥30,000–80,000
- Tairaba rod, 6.9 ftA dedicated rod with a very soft tip that lets the seabream take the lure without feeling resistance. A stiff rod simply pulls it away. ¥10,000–35,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Small baitcasting reel with line counter (size 100-150)For tairaba. The line counter tells you the depth, so you can go straight back to the layer where the fish hit. ¥8,000–30,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- PE braid, 0.8-gouFor tairaba. The thinner the braid, the less the current pushes it, so the lure drops straight and you can feel the bottom. ¥1,500–5,000AdFind 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
- Tairaba head 60-100 g with skirt and tailChoose head weight by depth and current. The rubber tails wear out, so carry spares in a few colours. ¥1,000–3,500AdFind 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
Most party boats rent tackle. Going once with rented gear before buying wastes nothing.
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
The dorsal spines and gill-cover edges are sharp. Secure the jaw with a fish grip.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
Excellent as sashimi, simmered, or in hotpot; the skin and frame make fine stock.
Best eating: May–August
Rules
Ask the charter boat about release sizes for small fish.
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.