The season runs from late autumn to early spring, when the seasonal winds put white water on the rocks. You cannot simply go and catch one: it happens only when wind and swell line up. Winter is also when it eats best.
About
Deeper-bodied than the Japanese Seabass, with a thicker tail base. It favours wave-battered rocky coasts, which makes it hard to catch, and its flavour is said to surpass its cousin's.
Basics
Scientific name
Lateolabrax latus
Family
スズキ科
Japanese name
ヒラスズキ
Kana
ひらすずき
Also called
ヒラ, ヒラセイゴ
Waters
Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
60 cm (max 100 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime, Dusk
Depth (tana)
Just under the surface. Work the lure along the edge where the foam thins into a seam, rather than through the middle of the white water.
Run a floating minnow along the edge where the foam thins into a seam, not through the middle of the white water. Never stand with your back to the sea. Wear a buoyant, non-inflating life jacket and spiked boots, and do not go alone: standing on a rock mark in rough weather is the real danger here, not the fish.
Waters: 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.
As with the common sea bass, the rear edge of the gill cover is razor-sharp and will cut a hand deeply. A bleeding hand on wet rock leaves you stranded, so take it by the lower jaw or use a grip, and always move the fish onto stable footing before working on it.
Sashimi, arai, or meuniere. Muscled by heavy water, the flesh is firm, and winter fish are held to surpass the common sea bass.
Best eating: January, February, November, December
Rules
Check the local fishery regulation. Some rock areas are closed in rough conditions, and access is decided by the local authority or operator. Always read the signage and check weather and sea-state warnings.
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.
