Fish
Sebastes inermis ・ メバル科
Known as the harbinger of spring, it fishes best on cold nights. It is what keeps winter pier fishing worth doing when everything else has gone.
Named for its large eyes, it is deeper-bodied and thinner from side to side than the false kelpfish. The body is blackish brown with a few faint dark bars. In 2008 it was split into three species - red, white and black - separated by pectoral fin ray counts of 15, 17 and 16 respectively. Like the false kelpfish it bears live young, and it is welcomed as a herald of spring.
Nocturnal, it moves into shallow weed beds and rocks after dark. Easy to target from breakwaters with a float rig or with soft-plastic lures, a style known as mebaring. Calm nights fish best.
Drift the rig along the line between light and shadow under a harbour lamp. Shining your headlamp onto the water pushes the fish down, so light only your feet. On winter nights, warm clothing and not fishing alone come before the fishing itself.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
It tends to hold above the level of the scorpionfish, so stop the rig short of the bottom and work it there. Three attempts with no response and you move to the next hole.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Float fishing starter kit ・ Kit total ¥13,000–30,000
Shares the rod and reel with the sabiki kit. The whole craft is in moving the stopper to find the depth.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp spines
The dorsal spines and gill covers are hard and sharp. There is no strong venom, but a puncture from gripping the fish can become infected. Handle it with a fish grip.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Classically simmered in soy and sugar. The delicate white flesh also makes an excellent miso soup stock.
Best eating: February–May
Because so many undersized fish are caught, some prefectures set a minimum length. Releasing the small ones is what keeps the spot worth fishing.
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.