Methods

Fukase (drift float) fishing

Difficulty ●●●●○
Intermediate
Advanced
Rocky shore
Breakwater / Pier
Raft (ikada) / anchored barge
Gear cost ¥25,000–70,000

Almost no lead: the rig drifts with the current at the same speed as the loose chum you throw. It looks like an extension of float fishing but is a different craft, requiring you to read the current and keep the chum and the hook bait travelling together. It is the way to fool wary fish such as nibbler, black seabream and striped beakfish, but results come slowly until you master line, wind and tide. It is usually done from rocky shores, so safety gear matters more here than anywhere.

Season

The prime season is late autumn to early spring for cold-water nibbler. In summer, bait thieves make it much harder.

The kit you need

Fukase fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥45,000–120,000

Isozao #1.5, 5.3 mThe soft, long rod used for fukase fishing. Its through-action protects fine leaders while lifting big fish. ¥12,000–45,000AdFind 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
Nylon line, 2-gou (about 8 lb)The standard for chonage and float fishing. Its stretch absorbs sudden runs and forgives an imperfect knot. ¥600–2,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Fukase rig set (cone float, split shot, leader)A deliberately light rig that settles into the current. Moving a single split shot changes how it drifts. ¥1,000–4,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Okiami krill (raw or boiled)The hook bait for float and fukase fishing. Boiled stands up to bait thieves; raw gets more bites. ¥400–1,200AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Groundbait mix for chummingPowder mixed with krill so the chum throws well. Changing its density and stickiness delivers the chum to the depth you want. ¥500–1,500AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Rope bucket for drawing seawaterUsed to rinse hands and chum and to keep fish alive. It is also how you leave the pier clean. ¥800–2,500AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Landing net with 5 m handlePiers sit high above the water and heavy fish break off if you lift them. Having one changes what you land. ¥4,000–20,000AdFind 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
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 Amazon Find on Rakuten

Built on the assumption that you will stand on rock. Of everything here, the studded boots and life jacket are the two items never to compromise on.

Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.

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Fukase (drift float) fishing

Season

The kit you need

What it catches