The prize of surfcasting in northern Japan, and the spring run is the peak of the year. In Hokkaido the Japan Sea side starts first, with the Pacific coast coming good in May and June. Autumn produces numbers, but the better fish come in spring.
About
The typical flounder of Japan's northern seas. The giveaway is the bright yellow patch at the base of the tail on its blind, underside.
Basics
Scientific name
Pseudopleuronectes herzensteini
Family
Pleuronectidae (Righteye Flounders)
Japanese name
マガレイ
Kana
まがれい
Also called
クチボソガレイ, アマガレイ
Waters
Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast
Size
25 cm (max 40 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime
Depth (tana)
On the bottom, where it lies flat in sand and mud and waits for the bait to come to it, so leave the rig still rather than dragging it.
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How to catch it
A familiar surfcasting catch in Hokkaido. Anglers fan casts across harbors and beaches with sea worms on a two-hook rig; spring and autumn bring the best numbers.
Bunch sea worms on a two-hook rig and fan your casts until you find the line the fish are on. Remember the distance and direction that produced, and put the next cast back there. Spring mornings in the north are bitter, so do not skimp on warm clothing.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast
Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a Breakwater / Pier
It works perfectly well inside a working harbour. Cast lightly beside a slipway or along the edge of a boat channel and leave the rod on a stand. The bite is small, no more than a few nods of the tip, so keep the line tight rather than slack.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast
Kit for this fish
Surf casting kit ・ Kit total ¥22,000–60,000
Surf rod, 4.25 m, 27-gouA true surf rod for launching heavy sinkers to distant ground. Always check behind you before casting.¥8,000–30,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 3000For surf casting and live-bait fishing: holds more line and stands up to mid-sized fish.¥5,000–18,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Nylon line, 3-gou (about 12 lb)For sabiki and hole fishing. Thick enough to resist abrasion on rock and to horse a rockfish straight up.¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Jet tenbin sinker, 15-25 gouThe long-range sinker for surf casting. It lifts as you retrieve, which reduces snags.¥300–900AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Whiting rig (2-3 hooks)A surf rig of small, fine-wire hooks matched to the small mouth of Japanese whiting.¥300–900AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Flounder rig (single-arm sinker, 2 hooks, attractor beads)A winter surf rig; the fluorescent beads make it visible in coloured water.¥400–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Aoisome (green sandworm / Nereis)The most versatile worm bait, usable for chonage, surf, hole and float fishing alike. Its movement is the attraction, so do not cut it too short.¥500–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Rod stand / tripodFor resting a rod during surf fishing. A rod laid on the ground damages its guides and can be washed away.¥2,000–10,000AdFind 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
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
You are swinging a heavy sinker, so checking behind you and keeping distance from others is the core of safety here. The cap and glasses are included as eye protection.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Simmered, deep-fried, or dried overnight, and drying it is a Hokkaido tradition. Once the fish has recovered from spawning in early summer, the sashimi turns sweet.
Best eating: May–July
Rules
Check the prefectural fishery regulation. In Hokkaido the rules are divided finely by sea area, so consult the guidance for the district you are heading to.
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.
