Fish
Sebastiscus marmoratus ・ メバル科
One of the few species that fishes all year, and the mainstay of midwinter hole fishing. It sits still in its hole, so the angler is the one who does the moving.
A big-mouthed rockfish that lurks among reefs, growing to about 30 cm. Its colour follows its habitat: brown in the shallows, vivid red in deeper water. The near-identical Sebastiscus tertius has brown-rimmed white spots and lives deeper and grows larger. It is ovoviviparous, releasing live young rather than eggs, and hides by day to forage at night.
The standard approach is ana-zuri, or hole fishing: dropping a burakuri sinker-and-hook rig into gaps between tetrapods and breakwater blocks. Autumn and winter are prime, and snags are constant, so carry spare rigs.
Drop it, touch bottom, lift two or three times, and if nothing happens move on. The essence of this fishery is covering many holes rather than working one. When it takes, pull it straight up before it can get back into the rock.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Fish the rip-rap at the base of the pier. It is snaggy ground, so carry plenty of cheap rigs. Always unhook with pliers and keep your fingers off the spines.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Hole fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥12,000–28,000
The cheapest tackle but the most dangerous footing. Do not skip the studded boots or the life jacket, and never step on wet tetrapods.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp spines
The dorsal and gill-cover spines are sharp and go in deep if you grab the fish. It is not considered strongly venomous, but punctures can swell and become infected. Use a fish grip and pliers rather than your bare hand.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Simmered, deep-fried, or in miso soup. The big head means low yield, but the flavour is among the best of any pier fish.
Best eating: January, February, November, December
It grows slowly, and over-harvesting empties a hole for good. Check the prefectural rules and release 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.