Fish
Takifugu rubripes ・ Tetraodontidae (Pufferfishes)
Months for Tiger Puffer are a broad Japan-wide guide and shift with region, temperature and conditions; prefer local reports and rules.
The most prized of all pufferfish, reaching about 70 cm. A large black spot ringed in white sits above and behind the pectoral fin; the dorsal fin is black and the anal fin white — the surest marks of the species. Fine spines crowd the back and belly, giving a sandpaper feel. The liver and ovaries are strongly toxic, so only licensed cooks may prepare it.
Party boats off Ohara on the Sotobo coast and in Tokyo Bay use kattou fishing, in which a grappling treble hangs below the bait. The peak runs from November to February, and licensed boat operators clean the catch.
Tiger Puffer: Follow a specialist boat operator and hand the catch to a licensed pufferfish processor. Never prepare it yourself.
Waters: East China Sea & western Kyushu, Sea of Japan, Southern Pacific coast
Dropper-rig starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–36,000
Where the boat operator specifies sinker and rig sizes, follow those instructions.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
This fish is dangerous to handle bare-handed.
Toxic flesh
Pufferfish toxin can cause fatal poisoning. Never prepare the fish yourself; hand it to a licensed pufferfish processor.
Dangerous fish and animals — what to do when you are stung or bitten
This fish has toxic parts, so no preparation advice is given. Pufferfish handling requirements vary by prefecture. Follow Ministry of Health guidance and never prepare a self-caught pufferfish as an amateur.
Requirements for pufferfish handlers and facilities are set by prefectural rules. Follow Ministry of Health guidance: do not prepare a self-caught pufferfish as an amateur or give it to someone as food. Check current handling and capture rules with the local authorities.
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.
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.