Fishing Report in Japan: The Appeal of Sea Fishing Ponds
What is a Sea Fishing Pond?
A sea fishing pond is a facility where you can enjoy fishing in a sectioned-off area (called an ikesu in Japanese) on a large floating raft in the sea. Fish such as red sea bream, yellowtail, and flounder are stocked in these ponds, allowing anglers of all levels to have fun. Many sea fishing ponds offer rental equipment, so you can come empty-handed and still enjoy the experience. You can also take the fish you catch home, making these spots popular among families and tourists.
Fish and Fishing Techniques
Common fish you can catch at sea fishing ponds include:
- Red Sea Bream (真鯛, Madai): A favorite in Japan, often targeted for its delicious meat and strong fight.
- Yellowtail (ブリ, Buri): Popular for its size and powerful runs, yellowtail are frequently found in fishing ponds, providing a thrilling challenge for anglers.
- Amberjack (カンパチ, Kanpachi): Known for their speed and strength, amberjack can be a tough catch, even in controlled environments.
- Greater Amberjack (ヒラマサ, Hiramasa): A close relative to the yellowtail and amberjack, this fish is highly prized for its meat and the challenge it presents to anglers.
- Flounder (ヒラメ, Hirame): Flatfish like flounder are also sometimes stocked, offering a different kind of fishing experience, often requiring more finesse.
- Longtooth Grouper (クエ, Kue): A highly prized and rare catch, Kue is known for its firm, flavorful meat. In sea fishing ponds, landing one of these can be a special experience, as their elusive nature makes them harder to catch than other species.
The most common fishing techniques are float fishing or bottom fishing. The bait used can range from dough bait to live bait, depending on the fish's activity and the type of fishing. The catch rate depends on the weather and time of day, but many facilities regularly stock fish, so you can expect a relatively stable catch.
My Fishing Report at Uming Oshima
About Uming Oshima, Fukuoka
Uming Oshima is a sea fishing pond located in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture in western part of Japan. Munakata is known for its beautiful seas and nature, and Uming Oshima offers a great opportunity to enjoy the local seafood. Since all the necessary gear can be rented, it's an easy spot to visit for beginners and tourists alike.
Fishing Report
On October 11, I had a trip planned to Fukuoka, so I took the opportunity to visit Uming Oshima, a sea fishing pond in Fukuoka Prefecture, during my spare time.
I don’t usually visit sea fishing ponds, but the idea of easily enjoying fishing with no need to bring any gear appealed to me. It was an environment where both beginners and experienced anglers could have fun, so I decided to share my experience in this report.
The first thing I noticed about the fishing spot was how clean and beautiful the sea was. I usually fish in areas close to big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, so I was struck by the clarity and beauty of the sea in this region.
As for the fishing setup, large rafts float on the sea, with several sectioned-off ikesu (fish pens) inside where you fish. These rafts are securely anchored to the seabed, so they are very stable, with no worries about unsteady footing or seasickness.
At this fishing pond, you can use live bait, but I decided to go with dough bait that day and targeted the fish using a float fishing method. Since I hadn’t brought any gear, I rented everything on site. Soon after I started fishing, I hooked a red sea bream! It seems that in the early morning when there isn’t much human pressure, it’s easier to catch fish. The sea fishing ponds often have fish in poor condition, but the one I caught looked healthy and lively.
As time went on, it became more difficult to catch fish, but the staff regularly released more fish based on the conditions, so there were no long stretches without any action. After they stocked more fish, the activity of fish picked up again, and I was able to land more catches.
It seems that location is very important at this fishing pond. I noticed that most of the fish were concentrated in shaded areas, along the walls of the ikesu, or in the corners of the fish pens. This might be true for any sea fishing pond. If you visit one, I recommend paying attention to these spots, as they greatly influence your success.
Of course, you can take the fish you catch home. The staff perform the ikejime (spiking the fish to ensure its freshness), and they provide ice so you can bring the fish home in a very fresh condition. The next day, I prepared and ate the fish, and it was absolutely delicious.
Introduction to Famous Sea Fishing Ponds in Japan
Japan is home to many famous sea fishing ponds. Here are a few well-known facilities:
- Awaji Janohire Fishing Park (淡路じゃのひれフィッシングパーク): Located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Janohire Fishing Park is one of the most well-known sea fishing ponds in Japan. This facility offers a variety of fish species to target, including red sea bream, yellowtail, and flounder. Its picturesque setting and easy access from Kansai area (including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe) make it a popular spot for both beginners and experienced anglers alikeLearn more about Awaji Janohire Fishing Park.
- Suihou Himeji (姫路の水宝): Situated in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Suihou is renowned for its well-maintained sea fishing pond and diverse fish stock, including large amberjack and Longtooth Grouper. It’s a great place for families and anglers who want a comfortable and exciting fishing experience near the city.
- Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (八景島シーパラダイス): Known primarily as a popular aquarium and amusement park, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Kanagawa also offers a unique sea fishing pond experience for beginners. Visitors can fish for species like red sea bream and horce mackerel, making it an exciting addition to the overall attraction. It’s perfect for tourists looking to combine a day of entertainment with some fishing. Learn more about Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.
Conclusion
Sea fishing ponds provide a great opportunity for both beginners and experienced anglers to catch high-quality fish easily, with locations available all across Japan. Since you can rent equipment and fish in a well-maintained environment, even first-timers can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. If you have the chance, I highly recommend trying out a sea fishing pond in Japan.
