Fukase (drift float) fishing from a Rocky shore
Place hook bait ahead of a school risen to the surface and drift it slightly in front of the chum.
Waters: Okinawa & Nansei Islands
Fish
Brassy Drummer イスズミ
Kyphosus vaigiensis ・ Kyphosidae (Sea Chubs)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Numerous on warm-water rocks from spring into autumn; winter fish feeding on weed are generally better eating.
About
They graze on seaweed in schools along rocky shores. A long gut lets them digest algae, which few fish can do. Found in the waters around Okinawa and the Nansei Islands.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Kyphosus vaigiensis
- Family
- Kyphosidae (Sea Chubs)
- Japanese name
- イスズミ
- Kana
- いすずみ
- Also called
- イスズミ, ササヨ
- Waters
- Okinawa & Nansei Islands
- Size
- 45 cm (max 75 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- Surface to mid-water. Place the hook bait ahead of fish rising in the chum.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Fukase fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥45,000–120,000
- Isozao #1.5, 5.3 mThe soft, long rod used for fukase fishing. Its through-action protects fine leaders while lifting big fish. ¥12,000–45,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind 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
- Fukase rig set (cone float, split shot, leader)A deliberately light rig that settles into the current. Moving a single split shot changes how it drifts. ¥1,000–4,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Okiami krill (raw or boiled)The hook bait for float and fukase fishing. Boiled stands up to bait thieves; raw gets more bites. ¥400–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Groundbait mix for chummingPowder mixed with krill so the chum throws well. Changing its density and stickiness delivers the chum to the depth you want. ¥500–1,500AdFind 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
- Landing net with 5 m handlePiers sit high above the water and heavy fish break off if you lift them. Having one changes what you land. ¥4,000–20,000AdFind 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
- Studded or felt-soled bootsOrdinary shoes slip on rock and tetrapods. Falls are the most common cause of accidents, so these are mandatory for rocky shores. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Built on the assumption that you will stand on rock. Of everything here, the studded boots and life jacket are the two items never to compromise on.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Eating
Winter fish can be good as sashimi or salt-grilled. Gut promptly and chill well.
Best eating: January, February, November, December
Rules
Check rock access and local fishing rules.
Etiquette at the water — how a spot stays open
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.
Other fish taken the same way
Other fish from the same kind of place
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.