Methods
Sabiki (bait-jig) fishing
A string of small feathered hooks fished next to a cage packed with krill. Shake the rod, the krill drifts out, and the schooling fish that come to feed mistake the shining hooks for food. There is no casting and no strike timing to learn, which makes it the highest-success entry point to pier fishing. It takes horse mackerel, sardines, mackerel and sardinella, and the small fish you catch double as live bait for nomase fishing.
Season
Best from early summer through autumn, when warm water brings the schools inshore. In midwinter only a few spots hold fish.
The kit you need
Sabiki starter kit ・ Kit total ¥14,000–32,000
- Isozao (telescopic shore rod) #3, 3.6 mThe standard rod for sabiki and float fishing. Telescopic, so it packs short and handles easily on a pier. If you buy one rod, buy this. ¥4,000–9,000AdFind 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
- 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
- Sabiki rig (hook size 3-6)A ready-made string of feathered hooks. Match the hook size to the fish: 3 for small horse mackerel, 6 for better ones. ¥200–600AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Krill cage with sinker (for sabiki)The cage you pack with krill to release chum. Bottom-cage versions are the easier choice from a pier. ¥200–800AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
- Frozen krill, amiebi (block or tube)The chum for sabiki fishing. The tube type needs no thawing and keeps your hands clean, which suits families. ¥300–1,200AdFind 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
- 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
- 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
Always include the life jacket, and add the child version if you are bringing children. This kit alone is enough to start.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
What it catches
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Japanese Horse Mackerel
マアジ / Trachurus japonicus
April–November
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Pacific Chub Mackerel
マサバ / Scomber japonicus
June–October
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Japanese pilchard
マイワシ / Sardinops melanostictus
April–October
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Japanese Sardinella
サッパ / Sardinella zunasi
May–October
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Japanese Anchovy
カタクチイワシ / Engraulis japonicus
April–November
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Sea Mullet
ボラ / Mugil cephalus
January–December
Beginner guide
Sabiki fishing for beginners — where almost everyone catches their first fish
No casting, no strike timing. Pack the cage with krill, drop it in, shake the rod, and wait.