Q1. There is no ocean near my house. What should I do?
A. You can fish even if you're not in the ocean.
There are fish in all bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps. In other words, wherever there are fish, that place is a fishing spot. Small fish also quietly live in irrigation channels and park ponds near where we live. Why not start by finding the nearest body of water from your home? Japan is surrounded by the sea, and has a rich marine environment where you can see everything from cold-water fish species in Hokkaido to tropical fish in Okinawa. And because about 70% of the country is mountainous, there are countless rivers, making it a veritable fishing paradise.
Q2. Can I go fishing anytime?
A. Fishing can be enjoyed all year round, day or night.
However, the seasons and times of day when you can catch fish vary depending on the species, and there are also times when fishing is permitted and prohibited. For example, in rivers, there are closed fishing periods for trout and sweetfish, with the open season generally being from spring to early autumn. In Sagami Bay, there is a closed fishing period for bigfin reef squid from August to October. Also, the times when you are most likely to catch more fish are "morning twilight (around dawn)" and "evening twilight (around sunset)." When fishing in the ocean, the tides also have an effect. Fish movements are closely related to the rhythms of the earth and the moon.
Q3. I'm afraid of the food and can't touch it...
A. Even if you don't like insect bait, you can still enjoy fishing.
If you're fishing using artificial baits such as lures or flies, you don't need to touch live insects. There are many cute and colorful designs, so you can choose them based on your fashion sense. There are also other types of fishing that don't require insects, such as paste bait or frozen krill. If you absolutely need live insect bait, you can use tweezers and rubber gloves for peace of mind. But in the end, both fish and insects are living creatures. As you become more accustomed to fishing, it would be great if you could start handling insect bait.
Q4. I don't have any friends who like fishing...
A. First, go to a fishing tackle shop.
Staff at fishing tackle shops are knowledgeable about fishing in the surrounding area, and can provide information on beginner-friendly spots, recommended fish species for each season, and fishing techniques. Some fishing tackle shops also often hold experience events and fishing classes, and if you participate, you'll naturally make fishing buddies. There are also many examples of people gathering fishing buddies through social media and online communities. If you frequent the shop and become friends with the staff, they might tell you about lures that will catch a lot of fish, or some special fishing tips.
Q5. What do you actually do if you catch a fish?
A. Decide based on the type of fish and the rules of the fishing spot.
If you want to take the fish home to eat, it's important to prepare a cooler box and ice to maintain freshness. Practicing how to remove the hook beforehand will make the process go more smoothly, and learning how to "kill" the fish will further increase its freshness. If you catch a fish, it's incredibly cool to be able to skillfully "kill it with live fish"! If you are catching and releasing a fish, return it to the water as quickly as possible to avoid damaging it. Be gentle with both people and fish. Note that there are some places where releasing invasive species is prohibited.
Q6. Can I catch fish using fishing gear from a 100 yen shop?
A.You can have plenty of fun fishing for small fish.
However, compared to professional equipment, they are less durable and easier to use. Expensive equipment is not necessarily necessary, but gradually upgrading to high-quality equipment will broaden the enjoyment and scope of fishing. Also, to make your fishing equipment last longer, be sure to maintain it properly. To remove salt from seawater and dirt from using freshwater, wash your rods and reels with water and dry them in the shade. Expensive, state-of-the-art equipment is great, but anglers who use well-maintained equipment are cool.
