It prefers warmer and brackish water than the black seabream and runs far up into river mouths. In western Japan it is the most accessible big fish of a summer estuary.
About
Much like the Blackhead Seabream, but with yellow pelvic and anal fins. Commonly called kibire in Japan, it prefers warmer seas and brackish water.
Basics
Scientific name
Acanthopagrus latus
Family
Sparidae (Seabreams and Porgies)
Japanese name
キチヌ
Kana
きちぬ
Also called
キビレ, きびれ, キビレチヌ
Waters
Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
35 cm (max 50 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime, Dusk
Depth (tana)
Bottom to mid-water; work the wall and the edge of the rip-rap carefully.
Local names
キビレ
Ad slot
How to catch it
Fished in the brackish water of estuaries and harbours, dropping crab, mussel or worm down the wall or suspending it under a float. It likes shallower, murkier water than the black seabream and will come right to your feet even at midday in high summer.
It pushes further upstream and into shallower, dirtier water than the black seabream. A day of run-off colour after rain is an opportunity rather than a problem.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Float fishing starter kit ・ Kit total ¥13,000–30,000
Isozao (telescopic shore rod) #3, 3.6 mThe standard rod for sabiki and float fishing. Telescopic, so it packs short and handles easily on a pier. If you buy one rod, buy this.¥4,000–9,000
Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging.¥4,000–15,000
Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot.¥600–2,000
Float rig set (stick float / cone float)A pack with float, stopper, split shot and hook. It is all you need to start practising depth changes.¥500–1,500
Okiami krill (raw or boiled)The hook bait for float and fukase fishing. Boiled stands up to bait thieves; raw gets more bites.¥400–1,200
Rope bucket for drawing seawaterUsed to rinse hands and chum and to keep fish alive. It is also how you leave the pier clean.¥800–2,500
Fishing pliers / hook removerEssential protection from venomous spines and sharp teeth. Most injuries happen when someone unhooks a fish bare-handed.¥800–4,000
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.¥4,000–25,000
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.¥5,000–20,000
Shares the rod and reel with the sabiki kit. The whole craft is in moving the stopper to find the depth.
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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.
