Fish
Oplegnathus fasciatus ・ イシダイ科
The classic big fish of the rocky shore. Juveniles, called shimadai, turn up on piers, but the large ones belong to serious rock fishing.
A rocky-reef fish wearing seven bold black bars on a pale body, found along coasts washed by warm currents. Its upper and lower teeth are fused into a beak strong enough to crush shellfish and sea urchins. Old males lose the bars and darken around the mouth, earning the name kuchiguro, black-mouth. The related spotted knifejaw is covered in fine dark speckles instead of bars.
The classic rocky-shore bottom quarry. Anglers use sea urchin or turban snail on a wire leader with a stout dedicated rod and conventional reel. The spring spawning run and the autumn feeding spree are the peak times.
A bottom fishery: place the rig against submerged rock, set the rod in a holder, and wait. The urchins and shellfish used as bait are usually covered by fishery rights, so buy them or obtain permission.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
The boldly striped juveniles, called shimadai, come to the piers in summer. Even a small one has powerful teeth, so keep your fingers out when unhooking it.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Surf casting kit ・ Kit total ¥22,000–60,000
You are swinging a heavy sinker, so checking behind you and keeping distance from others is the core of safety here. The cap and glasses are included as eye protection.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp teeth
Its teeth are fused into plates strong enough to crush sea urchins and turban shells, and a finger placed in its mouth can be injured to the bone. Always unhook it with pliers.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Sashimi or arai. A firm white flesh; large fish command high prices.
Best eating: July–October
The sea urchins and shellfish used as bait are usually covered by fishery rights, and taking them yourself can be an offence. Buy your bait, or get permission from the local cooperative.
Yugyoken and fishing rights — the sea and the rivers are governed differently
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.