Methods
Anazuri (hole fishing in tetrapods)
Drop a burakuri, a weighted single-hook rig, into the gaps between tetrapods or rip-rap. A rod of about one metre is enough because you fish straight down at your feet, so no casting room is needed and it produces even in midwinter. The quarry is rockfish, seaperch and greenling: drop, touch bottom, lift a few times, then move to the next hole. Tetrapods are where people break legs and fall through, so never step on a wet surface.
Season
Year-round, and most valuable in midwinter when other methods struggle.
The kit you need
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.
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