Your First Japanese Whiting Trip
Enjoy the beach.
Catch your first whiting.
A small fish. A lively bite. A whole lot of fun.
SESSYA will help you get ready for your first catch.
Videos and detailed guides are in Japanese. Product links open the English-language international store. Prices shown here are for reference; please check each product page for the applicable price and availability.
Visit the SESSYA International StoreNot sure which gear to choose?
Start with these combinations.
Rod and reel combinations recommended by SESSYA.
Choose one that suits your budget and the way you want to fish.
Your first surfcasting setup
These are suggested combinations, not bundled sets. Each item can be ordered separately. Check the linked product pages for current prices, stock and specifications. Prices are shown in Japanese yen.
Next, line and rigs.
Let’s check the essentials you need in addition to your rod and reel.
Basic line and rig components
- Main line: SESSYA PE Surfcasting Line II, 200 m, No. 1
- Shock leader: SESSYA Kuroito tapered PE shock leader, 12 m standard, No. 1–6, pack of 5 / View range
- Swivel: UG Guide Thru
- Casting boom and sinker: FUJI KAISO casting boom with sinker, No. 20 (pack of 2)
- Rig leader (sunazuri): SESSYA Sunazuri rig leader, Stealth Pink SV-1, pack of 5
- Hook rig: SESSYA 50-hook continuous rig / View range
Main line is the line wound onto your reel. A shock leader is the stronger section at the casting end that takes the load of the cast. A swivel is a connector that helps reduce line twist.
Cut a continuous rig to the number of hooks you want to use. Start with two or three hooks. Make sure your sinker is within your rod’s recommended casting range.
Other useful essentials
- Rod rest: SESSYA Competition Special rod rest, long version
- Bait box: SESSYA ultralight stainless steel bait box, single
- Finger protection: SESSYA Finger ver.4
- Cooler and ice or ice packs
- Bait, scissors, towel and rubbish bags
- Life jacket (recommended when fishing from breakwaters), drinks and a hat
Choosing hooks for whiting.
This video introduces common hook shapes and when to use them.
Which bait should you use?
You can use live bait or artificial bait.
Choose what feels comfortable and easy for you to handle.
Sandworms are a popular choice.
Ishigokai is a live worm bait commonly used for whiting in Japan. It may also be sold locally as “jarime” or “iwadeko.”
At a tackle or bait shop near the sea, ask for bait for whiting. Staff can also suggest bait that works well at nearby fishing spots.
Stock and opening hours vary by shop. Check before your trip.
Artificial bait is an option, too.
If handling live worms is not for you, you can still enjoy whiting fishing with artificial bait.
MARUKYU Power Isome Soft, Medium (M)
This soft artificial worm bait comes in a Medium (M) size suitable for whiting. Cut it into short pieces to suit your hook size.
Fish may respond differently to live and artificial bait. Try changing between them to suit the conditions.
Baiting and storage tips.
- Avoid using too much bait. Start with a piece just long enough to cover the hook, leaving the point slightly exposed.
- Keep live bait out of the heat and take out only what you need. Avoid direct contact with ice or ice packs.
Learn more about bait and baiting (Japanese)
The SESSYA information site also features a fishing video comparing live bait with Power Isome.
Your first trip, in three steps.
Find a spot where fish are being caught
Ask a local tackle shop or check recent fishing reports. Check access, footing and nearby toilets, too.
Bait your hooks and make a cast
Start by casting straight rather than far. Make sure nobody is in front of you, behind you or to either side.
Retrieve slowly and find the fish
Slowly drawing the rig along the bottom is called “sabiku” in Japanese surfcasting. Feel for the lively taps of a bite.
Casting basics
Start with a basic overhead cast. Focus on sending the rig straight ahead before trying for distance.
The SESSYA information site explains casting basics and useful tips. Start with the section on the overhead cast.
Read SESSYA’s casting guide (Japanese)Have you packed everything?
Tick each item as you pack it. You can tap the item’s text to tick it, too.
This checklist is for use while this page is open; your ticks are not saved.
Keep well back from the water’s edge and enjoy fishing from a safe place.
Check the weather, waves and restricted areas, and leave plenty of space around you.
The fun continues after the catch.
Keep your catch fresh and try preparing it yourself.
Enjoy the journey from the beach to your table.
Keeping your catch cool on the way home
Bring a cooler and ice or ice packs to keep your whiting chilled. Clean your catch promptly after getting home.
Easy fish preparation with kitchen scissors.
Learn how to clean fish using only kitchen scissors, without a knife or chopping board. Watch this time-saving method without adding more tools to your kit.
Watch the preparation steps: sashimi
Prepare a knife and chopping board, then follow the steps. Pause the video whenever you want a closer look.
It’s okay to have questions.
Can I catch fish without casting far?
Depending on the season and location, whiting may be close to shore. Try fishing nearby areas, too.
Is a rig with more hooks better?
A two- or three-hook rig is easier to handle at first. Add more hooks gradually as you become comfortable with your rig.
What if I’m not getting bites?
Check that the bait is still on your hooks, then vary your retrieve speed and the distance you cover. Moving to another spot can help, too.
Tips for choosing a fishing spot (Japanese)Which hooks should I choose?
The best shape and size depend on the size of the whiting and how actively they are feeding. Start with a ready-made whiting rig.
Read the hook selection guide (Japanese)