Japan is surrounded by waters. According to the White Paper of Leisure 2007, 12.9 million people, about 10% of the whole population, enjoy fishing. Fishing is indeed one of the most popular sports in Japan.

This time, I tried to fish saurels, which they say is relatively easy for beginners during summer and early fall. Small kinds of saurels such as Japanese jack mackerel are appropriate fish for beginners to try and popular for Japanese families who fish due to their familiarity with the way of fishing using a sabiki rig (also called a piscatore rig).

The ship was to set off at 7, so I arrived at the port at 6. It is better to register by phone at the latest the day before the departure because all seats are likely to be taken during weekends.

I owed a lot to this fishing boat office called “Ohtaya”.

There are different types of fishing boat, so you should inform them of what you want to fish and ask for rental rods, fishing devices, and ice. If you are a beginner or worried about bringing your kids with you, you should also let them know. They will have someone accompany you.

Now, it’s the time to set off! There are several different boats at the port. Don’t get on the wrong boat.

You lift down into the ocean this device called “bishi”, 80% filled with minced sardines called “komase”.

If you stuff komase too much, the bishi may be jammed and the water would not circulate well in the device. The bait is “akatan” (red-dyed minced squid).

When the bishi lands on the seafloor, set the main fishing line, and lift it up.

Saurels are easy to fish. I soon fished them a lot.

I also fished mackerels, scorpion fish, and other types of fish.

It was a half-a-day course. Other people on the boat also fished a lot, more than 30 at the most.

I eventually fished about 20. Under the burning sun, I got crazy about fishing. The good access from Tokyo within 1 hour is the selling point of Kanazawa Hakkei.

Saurels are also good fish to eat. When fishing saurels, you will absolutely fish them! Therefore, you can enjoy both fishing and eating them.

But, be careful not to fish them too much. You may end up being worried about what to do with your remaining fish.

■Ohtaya-Okizuri (offshore fishing), Yakatabune (houseboat), Kanazawa Hakkei
Kanazawa Hakkei Ohtaya is well known for the movie “Tsuribaka Nisshi” (Fishing Fool’s Diary). They provide fishing boats, houseboats, and other types of boat in accordance with the customer’s demand. They also offer a boat to see fireworks during summer.

Address:(Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Kanazawa-ku, Ottomocho)
Access: 10 minutes by walk from Kanazawa Hakkei Station on Keihin Kyuko Line.
Phone#: 045-782-4657 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              045-782-4657      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              045-782-4657      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Open: 6:00am-9:00pm
Closed: Thursday (Houseboats are offered everyday.)
Website: https://www.otaya.net/