Taken by the school on sabiki rigs. When they arrive the density is so high that even a first-timer will hook fish on every drop.
About
A sardine with a green-blue back, a silvery belly and a row of dark spots along each side. Those spots give it the nickname nanatsuboshi, seven stars, though on some fish they are faint or missing. The spot row and the laterally flattened body separate it from the Japanese anchovy and the round herring. Its catches are also famous for booming and collapsing over cycles that last decades.
At the surface. Do not let the sabiki rig sink all the way; stop it high and work it there.
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How to catch it
The mainstay of sabiki fishing (a multi-hook feather rig) off breakwaters, and a good place to start in sea angling. From summer into autumn a passing school can mean dozens of fish, and it doubles as live bait for larger species.
Sabiki (bait-jig) fishing from a Breakwater / Pier
When a school arrives you hook one on every branch at once. Use small hooks such as size 3, and lift steadily rather than snatching, or the soft mouths tear.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Sabiki starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–32,000
Isozao (telescopic shore rod) #3, 3.6 mThe standard rod for sabiki and float fishing. Telescopic, so it packs short and handles easily on a pier. If you buy one rod, buy this.¥4,000–9,000AdFind 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, 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
Sabiki rig (hook size 3-6)A ready-made string of feathered hooks. Match the hook size to the fish: 3 for small horse mackerel, 6 for better ones.¥200–600AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Krill cage with sinker (for sabiki)The cage you pack with krill to release chum. Bottom-cage versions are the easier choice from a pier.¥200–800AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Frozen krill, amiebi (block or tube)The chum for sabiki fishing. The tube type needs no thawing and keeps your hands clean, which suits families.¥300–1,200AdFind 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
Always include the life jacket, and add the child version if you are bringing children. This kit alone is enough to start.
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.
