More common around southern harbours and reef in warm months, often taking float-fished bait.
About
About 40 cm long, this pufferfish relative raises spines over its whole body when it inflates. Its Japanese name means "a thousand needles," but a count of a thousand fish gave an average of 369. Plain, unspotted fins separate it from the larger Diodon hystrix, which is speckled on body and fins alike. In Okinawa it goes into a soup called abasa-jiru.
Basics
Scientific name
Diodon holocanthus
Family
Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes)
Japanese name
ハリセンボン
Kana
はりせんぼん
Waters
Southern Pacific coast, Okinawa & Nansei Islands, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
25 cm (max 50 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water. It gathers in chum but is usually incidental; unhook it safely.
It gathers in chum and takes the hook. Never grab an inflated fish: secure it with a grip, unhook with pliers, and return it promptly.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, Okinawa & Nansei Islands, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Fukase fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥45,000–120,000
Isozao #1.5, 5.3 mThe soft, long rod used for fukase fishing. Its through-action protects fine leaders while lifting big fish.¥12,000–45,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging.¥4,000–15,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot.¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Fukase rig set (cone float, split shot, leader)A deliberately light rig that settles into the current. Moving a single split shot changes how it drifts.¥1,000–4,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Okiami krill (raw or boiled)The hook bait for float and fukase fishing. Boiled stands up to bait thieves; raw gets more bites.¥400–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Groundbait mix for chummingPowder mixed with krill so the chum throws well. Changing its density and stickiness delivers the chum to the depth you want.¥500–1,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Rope bucket for drawing seawaterUsed to rinse hands and chum and to keep fish alive. It is also how you leave the pier clean.¥800–2,500AdFind 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
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
Built on the assumption that you will stand on rock. Of everything here, the studded boots and life jacket are the two items never to compromise on.
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.
