It likes warmer water than the amberjack and usually peaks twice, in spring and again in autumn. Where amberjack is a winter fish on the table, this one is at its best from spring into early summer: the same family, the opposite season.
About
Similar to the Japanese Amberjack, but flatter in the body with a vivid yellow stripe along its side. The rounded corner of its upper jaw sets it apart. Best from spring into early summer, it is sometimes called a phantom delicacy for its rarity.
Basics
Scientific name
Seriola lalandi
Family
Carangidae (Jacks)
Japanese name
ヒラマサ
Kana
ひらまさ
Also called
ヒラス, ヒラサ, マサ
Waters
Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
80 cm (max 150 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Dusk
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water, holding over submerged rock and on tide lines and skirting the reef edge. Once hooked it heads straight for the bottom.
Local names
ヒラス, ヒラス
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How to catch it
Shore jigging from rocky points and breakwaters is popular, peaking from May to September. Live-baiting with a hooked sardine or horse mackerel also works, and boat anglers cast lures for it.
Work the lure over submerged rock from a point with strong flow. A hooked fish dives for the reef at once, so give it nothing and lift it in the first ten seconds; set the drag before you cast, not after. The best points are the ones that take the swell, so when swell is forecast, stay off them.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Dropped straight down and worked back with a fast one-pitch retrieve through the first thirty metres off the bottom. You are fishing tight to the reef, so keep winding without pause once hooked and take the fish away from it. Fish the depth the skipper calls, and drop when told.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
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.
