Anazuri (hole fishing in tetrapods) from a Breakwater / Pier
Search joins in the quay and rip-rap one hole at a time. Move on rather than repeatedly taking small fish from one hole.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk
Fish
white-edged rockfish エゾメバル
Sebastes taczanowskii ・ Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Catch season
- Catchable
- Peak
Moves close to Hokkaido harbours and reef in spring and autumn and can be numerous in holes.
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 waters off Hokkaido and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Basics
- Scientific name
- Sebastes taczanowskii
- Family
- Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
- Japanese name
- エゾメバル
- Kana
- えぞめばる
- Also called
- ガヤ
- Waters
- Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk
- Size
- 22 cm (max 35 cm)
- Time of day
- Dawn, Dusk, Night
- Depth (tana)
- On the bottom, searching gaps in quay walls and rip-rap one hole at a time.
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 and head spines are hard; do not close a bare hand around the fish.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Eating
Good simmered, in miso soup, or fried.
Best eating: January–March, November, December
Rules
Check Hokkaido fishery rules and harbour access.
Closed seasons and size limits — how to find the numbers, which differ by prefecture
Other fish taken the same way
Other fish from the same kind of place
Seasons and rules vary by place and time. Check current local information before fishing.