Fish
Sepia esculenta ・ Sepiidae (Cuttlefishes)
Target the spring spawning period and the autumn-to-winter growth of the young. Fishing a step deeper than you would for bigfin reef squid makes it much easier.
A cuttlefish with a hard calcareous internal shell, recognised by its rounded mantle and short fins. It lives close to sand and mud bottoms, deeper than the bigfin reef squid. It is also called sumi-ika, the ink squid, for how much ink it releases. The flesh is thick and stays tender even when cooked.
Sink the egi to the bottom, hop it in small movements that kick up sand, then pause, and repeat. The big sweeping jerks used for bigfin reef squid are unnecessary; this is a patient, bottom-tapping fishery. Adding a small sutte jig above the egi is common, as is tenya fishing from a boat.
Unlike the bigfin reef squid it will not leave the bottom. Hop the egi in small movements that raise sand and always let it settle back down. It releases a great deal of ink, so point it out to sea as you lift it.
Areas: Tokyo Bay
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Eging kit ・ Kit total ¥28,000–70,000
No bait costs, but a higher up-front spend. You will lose egi to snags, so carry several of the same size.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Bite
It bites with a hard beak, and it produces a great deal of ink. Point it out to sea when you lift it and let it discharge before bringing it onto the pier, and never leave the ink behind when you go.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Highly prized as a sushi topping. The thick flesh stays tender in tempura or simmered dishes.
Best eating: January, February, November, December
Check the local fishery regulation, and watch for closed areas inside harbours.
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.