Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a Rocky shore
Place the rig on the sand-reef boundary, pull briefly, then pause for a few seconds. Shift farther onto sand if snags increase.
Waters: East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
Fish
Cardinal Goatfish ホウライヒメジ
Parupeneus ciliatus ・ Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Taken on bottom rigs along the sand-reef boundary in the southwest during warm months.
About
A goatfish that probes the sand with the barbels under its chin. It can change color in an instant.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Parupeneus ciliatus
- Family
- Mullidae (Goatfishes)
- Japanese name
- ホウライヒメジ
- Kana
- ほうらいひめじ
- Waters
- East China Sea & western Kyushu, Okinawa & Nansei Islands
- Size
- 28 cm (max 40 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- On the bottom over sand, with short pulls followed by pauses.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Chonage starter kit ・ Kit total ¥11,000–24,000
- Compact all-round rod, 2.4 mThe entry rod for chonage and light bottom fishing. It packs down to about 50 cm, so it travels by train, and a child can swing it. ¥2,500–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Spinning reel, size 1000-2000A small reel for chonage, hole fishing and light work. Light enough for a child to hold. ¥2,500–8,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot. ¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Chonage rig set (sinker arm + 2 hooks)A pack with the sinker arm, weight and hooks together; you only have to tie one knot to the main line. ¥300–900AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Jarime (small sandworm)Thinner than aoisome and better matched to the small mouths of whiting and goby. ¥500–1,200AdFind 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
A compact rod travels by train. Jarime is the easiest bait to handle.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Eating
Good fried, simmered, or salt-grilled.
Best eating: May–August
Rules
Check protected areas and local fishing 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.