Gathers in numbers along inner-bay piers and takes sabiki rigs freely. People fishing for horse mackerel often catch it by mistake, which makes it a common identification stumble.
About
Known in Okayama as "mamakari," where the vinegar-pickled version is a local specialty. The name means "borrowing rice" - it is said to be so good you run out of rice and borrow more from the neighbors.
Basics
Scientific name
Sardinella zunasi
Family
ニシン科
Japanese name
サッパ
Kana
さっぱ
Waters
Seto Inland Sea, Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Size
15 cm (max 20 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime, Dusk
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water, usually holding above the horse mackerel.
Local names
ままかり
Ad slot
How to catch it
From late summer to autumn it comes readily to sabiki rigs off breakwaters. It travels in schools, so catches are large, which makes it good fishing for children.
Sabiki (bait-jig) fishing from a Breakwater / Pier
It swarms ahead of the horse mackerel you were after. Tell it apart by the dark shoulder blotch and the long-based anal fin. You will catch plenty, so vinegar-curing is the sensible use.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Kit for this fish
Sabiki starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–32,000
Isozao (telescopic shore rod) #3, 3.6 mThe standard rod for sabiki and float fishing. Telescopic, so it packs short and handles easily on a pier. If you buy one rod, buy this.¥4,000–9,000AdFind 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
Nylon line, 3-gou (about 12 lb)For sabiki and hole fishing. Thick enough to resist abrasion on rock and to horse a rockfish straight up.¥600–2,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Sabiki rig (hook size 3-6)A ready-made string of feathered hooks. Match the hook size to the fish: 3 for small horse mackerel, 6 for better ones.¥200–600AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Krill cage with sinker (for sabiki)The cage you pack with krill to release chum. Bottom-cage versions are the easier choice from a pier.¥200–800AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Frozen krill, amiebi (block or tube)The chum for sabiki fishing. The tube type needs no thawing and keeps your hands clean, which suits families.¥300–1,200AdFind 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
Always include the life jacket, and add the child version if you are bringing children. This kit alone is enough to start.
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.
