Months for Japanese Lates are a broad Japan-wide guide and shift with region, temperature and conditions; prefer local reports and rules.
About
Their Japanese name comes from the way the eyes glow red under a light. These large fish grow up in brackish water. Found in the southern Pacific coast of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea.
Basics
Scientific name
Lates japonicus
Family
Latidae (Giant Perches)
Japanese name
アカメ
Kana
あかめ
Waters
Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea
Size
50 cm (max 90 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Dusk, Night
Depth (tana)
Around bank cover and through mid-water, changing depth with season and temperature.
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How to catch it
Freshwater lure fishing from a Lake / Pond / Reservoir
Japanese Lates: Retrieve parallel to banks and inflows, changing depth and speed if there is no response. Follow local invasive-fish handling rules.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea
Kit for this fish
Freshwater lure starter kit ・ Kit total ¥17,000–50,000
6.6 ft ML freshwater lure rodVersatile spinning rod for bass and medium or small trout.¥6,000–22,000AdFind 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
8 lb fluorocarbon lineGeneral freshwater lure line; adjust strength for cover.¥800–2,400AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Freshwater minnow and soft lureFish- or crustacean-shaped lures; check water-specific tackle restrictions.¥600–2,500AdFind 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
Cap and polarised sunglassesAlso safety equipment, protecting your eyes from a flying rig. Polarised lenses additionally let you read the bottom.¥2,000–20,000AdFind 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
First check the permit, lure and hook rules, and handling requirements for invasive fish.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
If retained for food, chill immediately and follow established local handling with thorough cooking.
Rules
Protection differs by region; Miyazaki designates the Japanese lates as a rare species and prohibits capture. Check the prefecture before fishing, never take it for sale, and release promptly where angling is allowed.
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.
