Months for Golden Threadfin Bream are a broad Japan-wide guide and shift with region, temperature and conditions; prefer local reports and rules.
About
They feed on small animals over sandy and muddy bottoms. In many species the upper ray of the tail fin trails out like a thread. Found in the Sea of Japan, the southern Pacific coast of Japan, and the East China Sea and off western Kyushu.
Basics
Scientific name
Nemipterus virgatus
Family
Nemipteridae (Threadfin Breams)
Japanese name
イトヨリダイ
Kana
いとよりだい
Waters
Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
44 cm (max 80 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime
Depth (tana)
Within a few metres of the deep seabed, following the skipper's depth call.
Golden Threadfin Bream: After confirming bottom, lift slightly to avoid snags. Follow the skipper on sinker size and drop timing.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Dropper-rig starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–36,000
1.8 m dropper-rig rodShort rod for pier or boat dropper rigs; match sinker rating to local or boat instructions.¥3,500–14,000AdFind 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
PE braid, 1.0-gouFor wind fishing for cutlassfish and small jacks. The quarry has teeth, so always finish with wire or a heavy leader.¥1,500–5,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Two- or three-hook dropper rigReady-made bottom rig; choose hook size for the target and bait.¥300–1,200AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Cut fish bait (saury, mackerel, sardine)For hole fishing, cutlassfish and larger rockfish. Salting the flesh firms it so it stays on the hook.¥300–900AdFind 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
Where the boat operator specifies sinker and rig sizes, follow those instructions.
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.
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.
