Fish
Takifugu alboplumbeus ・ Tetraodontidae (Pufferfishes)
Extremely common along inner-bay piers, where it steals bait from every kind of rig. A large share of bitten-off rigs are its work.
Dark greenish-brown above, peppered with small round white spots, and marked by a clear black blotch just behind the pectoral fin, which separates it from the similar komon puffer (that species also has white spots below the eye). Usually 10-15 cm. On spring-tide nights in early summer, huge shoals crowd onto gravel beaches to spawn. Its organs and skin, above all the liver, gut and ovaries, are strongly poisonous.
Nobody fishes for it; it simply takes the bait off sabiki, float and bottom rigs alike. If your rig keeps getting bitten off, or the bait vanishes without a bite, assume they have swarmed the spot and change place or depth. The standard practice is to return it to the water on the spot rather than take it home.
If your bait keeps disappearing and your rigs keep getting bitten through, this is why. It cannot be eaten, since preparing pufferfish requires a licensed handler, so return it to the water on the spot and do not pass it on to anyone.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Chonage starter kit ・ Kit total ¥11,000–24,000
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 fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Toxic flesh
Some parts contain tetrodotoxin, which cooking does not make safe. Japan’s Ministry of Health warns anglers never to prepare self-caught pufferfish without professional controls. Do not eat it; this guide provides no preparation instructions.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Sharp teeth
Its fused tooth plates are strong enough to bite through leader, and a bitten finger will bleed. Keep bare hands away from its mouth.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
This fish has toxic parts, so no preparation advice is given. Pufferfish handling requirements vary by prefecture. Follow Ministry of Health guidance and never prepare a self-caught pufferfish as an amateur.
Requirements for pufferfish handlers and facilities are set by prefectural rules. Follow Ministry of Health guidance: do not prepare a self-caught pufferfish as an amateur or give it to someone as food. Ask the local public health centre for current requirements.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Seasons and rules vary by place and time. Check current local information before fishing.