Fish
Trichiurus japonicus ・ タチウオ科
Comes to the piers at night from summer into early winter. It feeds hard in the hour right after sunset, making the window unusually clear.
Its body gleams like a drawn sword. There are no scales; the silver comes from a layer of guanine over the skin. The tail and pelvic fins are reduced, so it swims by rippling the long dorsal fin that runs the length of its back, and in slack water it hangs vertically with its head up. It reaches 1.5 m and seizes small fish with razor-like teeth.
From summer to late autumn it is fished at night off deep harbour walls and bayside breakwaters, with float rigs, tenya jigs or darting wind-style lure work. The teeth are razor-sharp, so land it carefully.
The hour right after sunset is by far the best. Use an electric float to manage depth, starting shallow and working down. A wire trace is mandatory because of the teeth, and never leave a landed fish loose at your feet in the dark.
Areas: Osaka Bay
Waters: Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast, Seto Inland Sea, East China Sea & western Kyushu
Worked with the darting side-to-side action known as wind. It needs no bait and lets you cast again immediately, so you waste none of the short window while a school is passing.
Waters: Sea of Japan, 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.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Sharp teeth
Rows of knife-like canines cut leader instantly. Grabbing one bare-handed causes deep lacerations, and a thrashing fish is itself dangerous. Always handle it with a fish grip and pliers, and never leave one loose at your feet in the dark.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
Salt-grilled, as sashimi, or in tempura. The silver skin is beautiful, and a fat autumn fish is outstanding.
Best eating: September–December
Many harbours are closed to entry or parking at night. On top of the prefectural rules, always read the harbour operator's signage.
Etiquette at the water — how a spot stays open
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.