On winter and spring nights it rises over weed and along the outside of harbours.
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, the East China Sea and off western Kyushu, and the northern Pacific coast of Japan.
Basics
Scientific name
Sebastes ventricosus
Family
Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Japanese name
クロメバル
Kana
くろめばる
Also called
黒メバル
Waters
Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Northern Pacific coast
Size
23 cm (max 35 cm)
Time of day
Dusk, Night
Depth (tana)
Surface to mid-water, above weed and along the light-dark edge at night.
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How to catch it
Anazuri (hole fishing in tetrapods) from a Breakwater / Pier
Drop beside the quay at night and wind slowly from bottom through mid-water. The spines are hard to see in the dark, so use a grip.
Waters: Southern Pacific coast, East China Sea & western Kyushu, Northern Pacific coast
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.
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.
