The signature fish of a summer beach or pier. It can be taken on the simplest chonage rig or on full surf tackle, so the same species carries you from beginner to expert.
About
Pale yellow-brown above and silvery white below, with a slender body and a pointed snout. It shoals over clean sand down to about 20 m and burrows into the bottom when alarmed, reaching around 30 cm. A classic quarry of surf casting, its elegant looks have earned it the nickname "lady of the sea," and it is superb as tempura or sashimi.
Basics
Scientific name
Sillago japonica
Family
キス科
Japanese name
シロギス
Kana
しろぎす
Also called
キス, きす
Waters
Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
20 cm (max 30 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime
Depth (tana)
On the bottom. Even on plain sand, the schools sit on slight drop-offs and along outflow channels.
Ad slot
How to catch it
The classic target for surf casting and light casting from beaches and harbors. Bait with bloodworms, then drag the rig back slowly to draw a bite. The run lasts from mid-May into December.
Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a Sandy beach
Cast, tighten, drag slowly, then stop for ten seconds, and repeat; most bites come during the pause. When you get one, cast to the same distance and direction again, because they are in schools.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
The point is to reach the offshore drop-off and work it. Always check behind and beside you before you swing, and never cast while there are swimmers in the water.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Chonage starter kit ・ Kit total ¥11,000–24,000
Compact all-round rod, 2.4 mThe entry rod for chonage and light bottom fishing. It packs down to about 50 cm, so it travels by train, and a child can swing it.¥2,500–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 1000-2000A small reel for chonage, hole fishing and light work. Light enough for a child to hold.¥2,500–8,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot.¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Chonage rig set (sinker arm + 2 hooks)A pack with the sinker arm, weight and hooks together; you only have to tie one knot to the main line.¥300–900AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Jarime (small sandworm)Thinner than aoisome and better matched to the small mouths of whiting and goby.¥500–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Rope bucket for drawing seawaterUsed to rinse hands and chum and to keep fish alive. It is also how you leave the pier clean.¥800–2,500AdFind 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
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
A compact rod travels by train. Jarime is the easiest bait to handle.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
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.
