Fish species in Japan

Red seabream

マダイ · madai
Pagrus major

A pink-red seabream with a strong profile and small blue markings. Tai-raba and baited tenya are established Japanese boat methods.

Habitat and season

Rocky and sandy coastal bottoms, often reached by boat.

Recorded fishing season: Mar · Apr · May · Sep · Oct · Nov
Scientific name: Pagrus major
Japanese name: マダイ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Tai-raba — skirted jig for seabream

Tai-raba uses a weighted head and soft skirt to draw bites during a steady retrieve. The small hooks require controlled tension rather than a violent strike.

Hitotsu-tenya — shrimp-baited jig

A single weighted shrimp bait is lowered towards bottom for seabream. A natural fall and a readable line are important.

Find places to fish

Toyama · Fishing charter

Practical guides

JAPAN FISHING GUIDE

Tai-raba for red seabream: touch bottom, then keep winding

A visitor’s guide to a Japanese boat-fishing method built around controlled bottom contact and a steady retrieve.

Cooking

Dishes and preparation →

Compare related fish

Yellowback seabream

キダイ

Black seabream

クロダイ

Detailed Japanese species notes

桜色の体と青い小斑点が特徴。成熟した大型個体は頭部が張り出し、迫力のある顔つきになります。

背びれの棘に注意。大型は口の力も強いため、取り込み後はフィッシュグリップが安全。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →