A child can catch it in the shallows of a river mouth or harbour with one rod and some worm. The fish grow through autumn, then drop into deeper water for winter.
About
A bottom-dweller that rests on the muddy sand of river mouths, usually around 15 cm but sometimes reaching 30 cm. Its pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc and its tail fin carries rows of dark spots. It feeds on worms and crustaceans and normally lives just one year. A staple of Edo-style tempura, and autumn goby fishing is a seasonal tradition.
On the bottom, along the stones at your feet, the edges of a boat basin, and the drop-offs of a river mouth.
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How to catch it
A familiar catch in estuaries and canals. Work the bottom with a pole rig or a light casting rig baited with bloodworm. Late summer through November is when the numbers come.
Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a River mouth
Cut the bait to about a centimetre; anything longer and the fish cannot take it in, so it just strips the hook. In summer they are in the shallows at your feet, and by autumn they have moved a little deeper.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Chonage starter kit ・ Kit total ¥11,000–24,000
Compact all-round rod, 2.4 mThe entry rod for chonage and light bottom fishing. It packs down to about 50 cm, so it travels by train, and a child can swing it.¥2,500–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 1000-2000A small reel for chonage, hole fishing and light work. Light enough for a child to hold.¥2,500–8,000AdFind 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
Chonage rig set (sinker arm + 2 hooks)A pack with the sinker arm, weight and hooks together; you only have to tie one knot to the main line.¥300–900AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Jarime (small sandworm)Thinner than aoisome and better matched to the small mouths of whiting and goby.¥500–1,200AdFind 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
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
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
A compact rod travels by train. Jarime is the easiest bait to handle.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
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.
