Fish
Paracentropogon rubripinnis ・ Synanceiidae (Stonefishes)
Extremely common along breakwaters from early summer into autumn. Nobody fishes for it; it simply turns up in the middle of a sabiki or float session. A child is quite likely to meet one on their first day of fishing, so learn to recognise it before you go.
They lie in wait disguised as rock or sand. The dorsal fin spines carry a powerful venom. Found in the southern Pacific coast of Japan and the Sea of Japan.
Nobody fishes for it. It lies among weed and rip-rap along the pier and comes up on sabiki, float and bottom rigs alike. When you land one, do not deal with it in mid-air: put it on the ground first. Swinging it about on the line puts the spines within reach of you and of whoever is standing beside you.
If a small reddish-brown fish comes up on the bottom hook of the sabiki, suspect this one first. Being small does not make it harmless. Keep children away from it: an adult should put the fish on the ground, pin it with a grip and unhook it with pliers.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea
It takes when the float sinks slowly close to the wall or over weed. If unhooking looks awkward, cutting the leader and returning the fish is the safer choice. The spines stay venomous after death, so never forget that one is in your bucket or cool box.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea
Sabiki starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–32,000
Always include the life jacket, and add the child version if you are bringing children. This kit alone is enough to start.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Venomous spines
Its fin spines are regarded as venomous and a puncture may cause severe pain or swelling. Do not handle even a small specimen bare-handed; use a fish grip and pliers. If stung, clean the wound and seek medical advice.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Because handling the venomous spines is hazardous, this guide does not recommend treating it as food.
Check the local fishery regulation. Leaving a venomous fish on a pier injures other anglers and children, and is a direct cause of spots being closed to fishing.
Etiquette at the water — how a spot stays open
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.