Fish
Octopus sinensis ・ Octopodidae (Octopuses)
The season is the summer shallows. Note, though, that in some areas it falls under common fishery rights and fishing for it is not permitted.
The familiar octopus of the rip-rap and tetrapod gaps along a breakwater. It takes crabs and shellfish with its eight arms and changes both colour and skin texture to match its surroundings. It moves into shallow water in summer, when it can be taken from piers on octopus jigs. Those from Akashi are especially renowned in western Japan.
Put an octopus jig on the bottom, shake it in place to draw the animal on, then pull it clear in one decisive movement, because once it grips the rock with its suckers you have lost it. It is a walking fishery, working the rip-rap and tetrapod edges methodically. Before you go, confirm that taking octopus is permitted at that spot.
Keep the octopus jig on the bottom, shake it in place, and when weight loads up, pull it free in one movement; hesitate and the suckers lock onto the rock. Before you go, confirm that taking octopus is permitted at that spot and that it is not covered by common fishery rights.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, 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
A hard beak sits at the centre where the arms meet, and a bite can draw blood. Hold it by the body rather than the arms.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Venomous bite
The common octopus itself is not strongly venomous, but the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus can occur in the same places. It is small, around 20 cm, and when agitated shows vivid blue rings and lines. Its saliva contains tetrodotoxin and a bite can be life-threatening. Never touch a small octopus, or any octopus showing blue rings, with bare hands.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Boiled and served as sashimi, in vinegared dishes, or cooked with rice. The key preparation is rubbing it thoroughly with salt to remove the slime.
Best eating: January, June–August, December
In many areas octopus is covered by common fishery rights, and recreational take is prohibited or restricted. Taking one without permission can be treated as poaching and carries penalties, so always check the prefectural fishery regulation and the local cooperative's rules before you go. Free-diving for them or taking them by hand is especially likely to be an offence.
Yugyoken and fishing rights — the sea and the rivers are governed differently
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.