Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a Rocky shore
Cast to the sand-rock boundary, pull a short distance, then pause to let the fish find the bait with its barbels.
Waters: Okinawa & Nansei Islands, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Fish
Manybar Goatfish オジサン
Parupeneus multifasciatus ・ Mullidae (Goatfishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Easiest in warm water where sand meets reef in the southwest.
About
It hunts by probing the sandy bottom with two barbels under its chin. In Japanese it is called "ojisan" (old man), because the barbels look like a beard.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Parupeneus multifasciatus
- Family
- Mullidae (Goatfishes)
- Japanese name
- オジサン
- Kana
- おじさん
- Also called
- オジサン
- Waters
- Okinawa & Nansei Islands, East China Sea & western Kyushu
- Size
- 28 cm (max 40 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime, Dusk
- Depth (tana)
- On the bottom over sand; pause the bait for a fish that searches with its barbels.
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 in soup.
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
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.
Other fish taken the same way
Other fish from the same kind of place
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.