Anazuri (hole fishing in tetrapods) from a Breakwater / Pier
Drop on the dark side of harbour lights and at joins in the quay, lowering the depth from the top down.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea
Fish
Japanese White Seaperch シロメバル
Sebastes cheni ・ Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Caught around sheltered piers and weed from winter into spring, often rising at night.
About
Many carry venom in their fin spines. Their mottled coloring blends into rock and seaweed as they lie in wait for prey. Found in the Sea of Japan, the northern Pacific coast of Japan, and the Seto Inland Sea.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Sebastes cheni
- Family
- Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
- Japanese name
- シロメバル
- Kana
- しろめばる
- Also called
- 白メバル
- Waters
- Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea
- Size
- 22 cm (max 35 cm)
- Time of day
- Dusk, Night
- Depth (tana)
- Surface to bottom. Around lights, search from the top down.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Hole fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥12,000–28,000
- Short hole-fishing rod, 1.2 mA short rod for dropping straight into gaps in the tetrapods. It is easy to handle and stiff enough to pull a fish out before it reaches its hole. ¥2,000–6,000AdFind 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, 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
- Burakuri (weighted single-hook jig), 3-8 gouA one-piece weight-and-hook rig for hole fishing. Drop it into a gap, tap the bottom, and draw the rockfish out. ¥200–600AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Cut fish bait (saury, mackerel, sardine)For hole fishing, cutlassfish and larger rockfish. Salting the flesh firms it so it stays on the hook. ¥300–900AdFind 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
- Studded or felt-soled bootsOrdinary shoes slip on rock and tetrapods. Falls are the most common cause of accidents, so these are mandatory for rocky shores. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind 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
The cheapest tackle but the most dangerous footing. Do not skip the studded boots or the life jacket, and never step on wet tetrapods.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Handle with care
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp spines
The dorsal spines and gill-cover edges are sharp; handle with a grip.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
Excellent simmered, salt-grilled, or in soup.
Best eating: January–April
Rules
Check minimum sizes and harbour access 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.