Jigging (metal jig) from a Boat / Charter
Find bottom over reef and use short lifts. Many fish are small, so avoid over-catching and release them carefully.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast
Fish
Togot seaperch トゴットメバル
Sebastes joyneri ・ Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
A winter-to-spring catch over somewhat deeper southern reef.
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 southern Pacific coast of Japan.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Sebastes joyneri
- Family
- Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
- Japanese name
- トゴットメバル
- Kana
- とごっとめばる
- Waters
- Southern Pacific coast
- Size
- 20 cm (max 30 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Daytime
- Depth (tana)
- Within three metres of bottom, worked in small lifts over reef.
How to catch it
Kit for this fish
Shore jigging kit ・ Kit total ¥40,000–100,000
- Shore jigging rod, 10 ft, MHLong and powerful enough to cast 40-60 g jigs and to absorb the runs of a hooked jack. ¥12,000–40,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Spinning reel, size 4000-5000For shore jigging. A smooth drag under a running fish matters more than anything here, so this is not the place to economise. ¥10,000–35,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- PE braid, 1.5-2 gouFor shore jigging: the compromise between casting distance and strength. ¥2,000–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Fluorocarbon leaderThe clear line tied to the end of the braid. It resists abrasion and is less visible, protecting the braid from rock and teeth. ¥800–3,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Metal jig, 30-60 gThe mainstay of shore jigging. Carry the same shape in several weights and switch with wind and current. ¥600–2,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Landing net with 5 m handlePiers sit high above the water and heavy fish break off if you lift them. Having one changes what you land. ¥4,000–20,000AdFind 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
- Knife and spike for bleeding fishWhat turns a caught fish into good food; bleeding it changes the taste. See the column "Killing and carrying your catch" for how to use them. ¥1,000–6,000AdFind 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
- 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
You will often be on rocks or the tip of a breakwater at dawn, where safety gear matters more than results. Do not go alone.
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; use a grip.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
Good simmered, in soup, or fried.
Best eating: January–March, December
Rules
Ask the charter boat about releasing small fish.
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.