Methods
Nomase (live bait) fishing
A small horse mackerel or sardine caught on a sabiki rig is sent back out alive, and the large predators that come to eat it are the target. The bait is normally caught on the spot rather than bought, which is why this runs so neatly alongside sabiki fishing. Flounder, seabass, amberjack and greater amberjack are all in range, the biggest fish most people will hook from a pier. The keys are keeping the bait lively and waiting long enough before you set the hook.
Season
Early summer to early winter, while the baitfish are inshore, with autumn the prime time.
The kit you need
Live-bait fishing kit ・ Kit total ¥25,000–60,000
- Isozao #4-5, 4.5 mFor live-bait (nomase) fishing: strong enough to cast a live baitfish and to stop a running jack. ¥8,000–25,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Spinning reel, size 3000For surf casting and live-bait fishing: holds more line and stands up to mid-sized fish. ¥5,000–18,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Nylon line, 5-gou (about 20 lb)Main line for live-bait fishing, giving margin once something large is on. ¥800–2,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Live-bait rig (elevator or float type)Designed to let a live baitfish swim without tiring. The elevator type slides the bait down the main line, so you never have to recast it. ¥400–1,500AdFind on AmazonFind 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 AmazonFind 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 AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Knife and spike for bleeding fishWhat turns a caught fish into good food; bleeding it changes the taste. See the column "Killing and carrying your catch" for how to use them. ¥1,000–6,000AdFind on AmazonFind 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 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 bait is normally caught on site with a sabiki rig, so bring that kit too. You need a bucket, ideally aerated, to keep the bait alive.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
What it catches
-
Olive Flounder
ヒラメ / Paralichthys olivaceus
January–March, September–December
-
Japanese Seabass
スズキ / Lateolabrax japonicus
June–November
-
Japanese Amberjack
ブリ / Seriola quinqueradiata
August–December
-
Greater Amberjack
カンパチ / Seriola dumerili
July–November
-
Bigfin Reef Squid
アオリイカ / Sepioteuthis lessoniana
April–June, October, November