Small fish are available around estuaries and brackish quays from early summer into autumn on short bottom casts.
About
They make sounds by vibrating the swim bladder. The young move into river mouths and brackish water. Found in the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and off western Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea, and the southern Pacific coast of Japan.
Basics
Scientific name
Rhynchopelates oxyrhynchus
Family
Terapontidae (Grunters)
Japanese name
シマイサキ
Kana
しまいさき
Waters
Sea of Japan, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Seto Inland Sea, Southern Pacific coast
Size
18 cm (max 30 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Dusk
Depth (tana)
On the bottom, beside quay walls and on slopes where the flow eases.
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How to catch it
Chonage (short-cast bottom fishing) from a River mouth
Make a short cast beside the quay where flow eases and leave the rig on bottom. Wait for the small taps to develop before striking.
Waters: Sea of Japan, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Seto Inland Sea, Southern Pacific coast
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.
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.
