Japan fishing guide

Sabiki fishing in Japan: find the horse mackerel’s feeding depth

A practical first session at a permitted pier: prepare a short rig, release small amounts of bait and repeat the depth that produces bites.

Before leaving

Choose a managed fishing park or another location with clearly permitted access. Check opening times, bait restrictions and whether casting is allowed. A tackle shop can help you choose hooks for the size of horse mackerel currently being targeted; a large hook is not automatically better.

Search vertically

Lower the rig under the rod tip, not across neighbouring lines. Near bottom, recover a little line so the sinker does not lie among rocks. Give the basket a small lift, then pause. Search progressively higher if there are no bites. Note the line length or reel turns at the productive layer.

When it is not working

First check whether fish are present. If other anglers are catching, compare depth and bait release rather than immediately changing the entire rig. Replace a damaged rig, reduce oversized bait releases and use smaller hooks when small fish cannot take the current ones.

Landing and packing up

Keep the rod movement controlled: multiple hooks can catch clothing and fingers. Have pliers, a fish grip and an ice-filled cooler ready before fishing. Bag clipped line and bait packaging; rinse only where the venue permits.

Before your first trip

Confirm access, any booking or permit, and the route home.
Bring a life jacket, pliers, spare tackle, drinking water and a rubbish bag.
For boat fishing, ask for the operator’s required rig and whether rental tackle is available.

Know the fish →Tackle and method →Find fishing spots →

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JAPAN FISHING GUIDE