Dropper-rig bottom fishing from a Boat / Charter
Devil stinger: Remove slack after bottom contact, lift clear and work short movements. Release small fish carefully.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Fish
Devil stinger オニオコゼ
Inimicus japonicus ・ Synanceiidae (Stonefishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Months for Devil stinger are a broad Japan-wide guide and shift with region, temperature and conditions; prefer local reports and rules.
About
A knobbly fish with highly venomous spines in its dorsal fin. It buries itself in sand to ambush prey. Despite its looks, the white flesh is superb.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Inimicus japonicus
- Family
- Synanceiidae (Stonefishes)
- Japanese name
- オニオコゼ
- Kana
- おにおこぜ
- Waters
- Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
- Size
- 20 cm (max 30 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- Near bottom, using short lifts matched to the seabed.
How to catch it
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.
Handle with care
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Venomous spines
Venomous dorsal spines cause severe pain. Do not touch with bare hands; seek medical advice after a sting.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
If retained for food, chill immediately and follow established local handling with thorough cooking.
Best eating: January, February, October–December
Rules
Before fishing, check prefectural fishery rules, regional size and season limits, protected areas, and harbour or charter retention rules.
Closed seasons and size limits — how to find the numbers, which differ by prefecture
Other fish taken the same way
Other fish from the same kind of place
Seasons and rules vary by place and time. Check current local information before fishing.