Fukase (drift float) fishing from a Rocky shore
Drift along reef slopes and keep the bait near bottom for longer at night. A large fish runs hard, so pull it clear of reef.
Waters: Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast
Fish
Spangled Emperor ハマフエフキ
Lethrinus nebulosus ・ Lethrinidae (Emperor Breams)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Targeted around outer reef and adjacent sand in the southwest, especially on summer nights.
About
A large emperor fish known in Okinawa as taman. Blue lines mark its cheeks, and it is one of the region's most popular game fish.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Lethrinus nebulosus
- Family
- Lethrinidae (Emperor Breams)
- Japanese name
- ハマフエフキ
- Kana
- はまふえふき
- Also called
- タマン
- Waters
- Okinawa & Nansei Islands, Southern Pacific coast
- Size
- 55 cm (max 90 cm)
- Time of day
- Dusk, Night
- Depth (tana)
- Bottom to mid-water, across reef drop-offs.
- Local names
- タマン
How to catch it
In Okinawa, taman is a prize for shore anglers, popular enough that rods are sold specifically for it. Big fish are targeted with bottom rigs at night.
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
Excellent as sashimi, salt-grilled, or simmered; bleeding and chilling keep the flesh firm.
Best eating: May–August
Rules
Check local protected areas and retention rules.
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.
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.