Fish
Lateolabrax japonicus ・ スズキ科
River mouths, harbours, beaches: it is everywhere, and big fish can be caught in the middle of a city. It is available all year but easiest around spawning and when baitfish are thick.
A slim, silvery fish that runs into river mouths and brackish water, and is renamed as it grows. Its mouth is large with the lower jaw projecting past the upper, and young fish carry small dark spots on the back and dorsal fin that disappear with age. Compared with the blackfin seabass, which is deeper-bodied with a thick tail base, this species is slimmer and its tail fin is more deeply forked. It is at its best in summer, served as arai, slices chilled in ice water, and lure anglers know it as seabass.
Under the name seabass it is one of Japan's most popular lure targets. The standard game is working minnows and vibration plugs at night around river mouths, harbors and canals.
Drift an electric float along the current seam. It only fishes while the tide is moving; when it stops, so do the bites. Hooked fish throw the hook by shaking their heads at the surface, so drop the rod tip and keep its head down.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
It sits underneath wherever the baitfish are scattering. The gill covers are razor-edged, so pin the fish with a grip once it is landed; deep cuts from grabbing one bare-handed are common.
Waters: Sea of Japan, Northern Pacific coast, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Float fishing starter kit ・ Kit total ¥13,000–30,000
Shares the rod and reel with the sabiki kit. The whole craft is in moving the stopper to find the depth.
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This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp gill plate
The rear edge of the gill cover is as sharp as a blade and is a frequent cause of deep cuts to the hand. Hold it by the lower jaw or use a fish grip.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Served as arai, sashimi, or meuniere; summer is the season. Fish from rivers vary in flavour with the water they came from.
Best eating: June–August
Because it runs into rivers, some inland stretches require a yugyoken permit. The rules differ between sea and river.
Yugyoken and fishing rights — the sea and the rivers are governed differently
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.