Methods

Dropper-rig bottom fishing

Difficulty ●●○○○
Beginner
Family
Intermediate
Breakwater / Pier
Boat / Charter
Raft (ikada) / anchored barge
Gear cost ¥9,000–26,000

A weighted main line with several short hook droppers is lowered to the bottom from a pier, raft or boat. Touch bottom, lift slightly and add an occasional movement. Keeping the line just off the seabed reduces snags.

Season

Year-round by changing target species. For boats, check sea conditions and the operator schedule.

The kit you need

Dropper-rig starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–36,000

1.8 m dropper-rig rodShort rod for pier or boat dropper rigs; match sinker rating to local or boat instructions. ¥3,500–14,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging. ¥4,000–15,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
PE braid, 1.0-gouFor wind fishing for cutlassfish and small jacks. The quarry has teeth, so always finish with wire or a heavy leader. ¥1,500–5,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Two- or three-hook dropper rigReady-made bottom rig; choose hook size for the target and bait. ¥300–1,200AdFind on Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find on Rakuten
Cool box, 15-20 LFor carrying fish home cold. Take plenty of ice; in summer a poorly insulated box is not fit for the job. ¥4,000–25,000AdFind on Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find on Rakuten

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.

See all

Dropper-rig bottom fishing

Season

The kit you need

What it catches