Fish
Epinephelus akaara ・ Epinephelidae (Groupers)
It drops into deep water for the winter, so the shore season runs from early summer into autumn. Around spawning in midsummer it moves onto rock in as little as three metres, and that is when night fishing from piers and boulder shores is at its best.
A prized grouper covered in orange spots. Known as ako in western Japan, where a summer ako is said to be beyond compare.
Summer nights are the time to go. Working soft-plastic lures along the bottom from breakwaters and rocky shores is the popular approach, and boat jigging takes them too.
Either a soft plastic on a ten gram jighead or cut fish on a burakuri sinker. Drop it into the gaps in the rip-rap, tap the bottom two or three times, then move along. It dives straight back into the rock when it takes, so lift it clear in one movement without dropping the rod.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Work the edges of the scattered submerged rocks off a boulder beach, moving along and covering them in turn. At dusk in summer they will be in the shadow of rocks in barely a metre of water, so the first cast at your feet matters more than distance.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
It comes to the same tairaba lures used for seabream, but it will only follow a few metres off the bottom. Start winding the moment the lure lands, and after about ten turns drop it back down, repeating that short cycle.
Areas: Osaka Bay
Waters: Sea of Japan, 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 spines are stiff and the rear edge of the gill cover is as sharp as a blade. There is no established record of strong venom, but gripping the fish can open a deep cut, and the teeth are rough as well. Clamp the jaw with a fish grip and take the hook out with pliers.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Excellent as sashimi, simmered, or in a hotpot. Summer fish carry flavour in the skin, so blanching and eating it skin and all shows the fish at its best. It fetches high prices at market.
Best eating: June–August
It is widely stocked, and some prefectures set a minimum total length while local cooperatives run voluntary limits. Check both the prefectural fishery regulation and the local agreement where you are going.
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.
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.