Methods
Freshwater lure fishing
Cast lures that imitate fish or insects and vary retrieve speed and depth for bass, trout or catfish. Check permits and lure rules for the water. For invasive fish, follow national restrictions on transport and release plus local release rules.
Season
Mainly spring to autumn; managed trout fisheries may also operate in winter.
The kit you need
Freshwater lure starter kit ・ Kit total ¥17,000–50,000
- 6.6 ft ML freshwater lure rodVersatile spinning rod for bass and medium or small trout. ¥6,000–22,000AdFind on AmazonFind 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 AmazonFind on Rakuten
- 8 lb fluorocarbon lineGeneral freshwater lure line; adjust strength for cover. ¥800–2,400AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Freshwater minnow and soft lureFish- or crustacean-shaped lures; check water-specific tackle restrictions. ¥600–2,500AdFind 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
- Cap and polarised sunglassesAlso safety equipment, protecting your eyes from a flying rig. Polarised lenses additionally let you read the bottom. ¥2,000–20,000AdFind 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
First check the permit, lure and hook rules, and handling requirements for invasive fish.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
What it catches
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Amur Catfish
ナマズ / Silurus asotus
March–November
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Largemouth Bass
オオクチバス / Micropterus nigricans
March–November
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Bluegill
ブルーギル / Lepomis macrochirus
March–November
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Northern Snakehead
カムルチー / Channa argus
March–November
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Smallmouth Bass
コクチバス / Micropterus dolomieu
March–November
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Chum Salmon
シロザケ / Oncorhynchus keta
August–December
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Japanese Perch
オヤニラミ / Coreoperca kawamebari
March–November
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Three-lipped Chub
ハス / Opsariichthys uncirostris
March–November
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Channel Catfish
チャネルキャットフィッシュ / Ictalurus punctatus
March–November
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Pink Salmon
カラフトマス / Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
August–December
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Sockeye Salmon
ベニザケ / Oncorhynchus nerka
August–December
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Sockeye Salmon
ヒメマス / Oncorhynchus nerka
March–November
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Japanese Lates
アカメ / Lates japonicus
March–November
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Biwa trout
ビワマス / Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus
March–November
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Masu Salmon
サクラマス / Oncorhynchus masou masou
August–December
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Shishamo Smelt
シシャモ / Spirinchus lanceolatus
August–December