Kayak fish Japan

I think this may be the farthest report from home so far and was a lot more fun than I ever thought it was ever gonna be. Still jet lagged so a quick report.

After the all the endless flights, transfers, trains, and walks crashed out after 16 hours of travel. Didn't bring much gear on purpose though, shopping for fishing stuff in Japan is fun  . After sorting through the mind numbing amount of gear, picked up a nice Diawa rod and reel, 12# mono and some lures. Most of the fishing I did was for Suzuki (Japanese seabass, looks like a snook relative) but also some halibut too.

The next day we headed out to the beach and were greeted by 30mph winds and white caps. The next few days were predicted to do the same so rounded the area doing some sight seeing.
Old school Japanese splash wear:


Finally the weather cooperated and we got on the water. Not a very hot day fishing wise, just a few small suzuki, but was good to get on the water. The next day just went off. Light winds in the morning that swept baitfish around some offshore rocks and the fish boiled!


Got the first fish within an hour and the first taste of what Japanese seabass could bring. These are some tough buggers. Somewhat like a striper but w/ a lot more juice. Average fight lasted 5 min! Went through a bunch of schoolies to about 20". Good fun but wanted to get into some sizeable fish.  Had an insane hookup that put the new rod in major bendo mode. Bobbed, weaved, and jumped for a good bit until he went on a lightning quick run. I went to loosen my drag but he took off so fast I fumbled and didn't adjust it in time and snapped the line. Bummed!  Got a few more until I got my best fish of the trip, 27"er.




Got into more fish that day w/ another heartbreaker halibut. Got 'em all the way to the yak and came unbuttoned right as I went for the net. Super fun day and got some Suzuki sashimi out if it so couldn't be happier!


Two more days of fishing w/ some good fishing but none that topped the day before. With the knowledge I got out of the trip I will be making it back!

Z

Obligatory Tokyo shot:

Good read man, thanks!

Nice Z. I think you win for longest long distance report.   Next time I'm in New Zealand or Australia I'll have to make a point to break that record. 

I believe Ocean Kayak has a pro-team member in Japan. I wonder if Allen could have tried hooking you guys up.

Brian

Good stuff Z.

 Did you rented a kayak ?

~ramon~

Darn you go far!  Thanks for think bout your brothers Bryce. That is a long way to go, to be the first to post the farthest fish report.
You win!...until Brian ups' it.
...the furthest south I've ever travelled was 3hrs away, on a plane to Cabo.
 ...furthest north?, a three hr. ride to NorthernClearlake
...east? a car ride to Tahoe.
....west? 30 min to catch surf in the Pacific Ocean.

maybeIshouldGEToutMORE?

Oh man you have to PM me the FULL intel.

I have to go work in tokyo (harumi island triton office square) near Tsukiji fish market about twice a year. I have been jonesing to go fishing out there- and ALMOST went in the bay for those buggers last time. I vowed that this next trip i would schedule in one full day for fishing.

Good stuff Z.
Did you rented a kayak ?
~ramon~

I actually have a friend that has a few yaks up there.

I believe Ocean Kayak has a pro-team member in Japan. I wonder if Allen could have tried hooking you guys up.

Brian

I know who you're talking about. Unfortunately he's waaaay south of where I was at. About an 8 hour drive. And I'll see if I can't beat you to NZ or Aus!

Oh man you have to PM me the FULL intel. I have to go work in tokyo (harumi island triton office square) near Tsukiji fish market about twice a year. I have been jonesing to go fishing out there- and ALMOST went in the bay for those buggers last time. I vowed that this next trip i would schedule in one full day for fishing.

For sure, let me know what info you want. I know that area really well and there's some pretty decent spots although it's urban fishing at it's finest. Best way to fish it is really late evening into the night.

That is so cool!

Awesome report, Z.  And a nice vanity shot, I might add!   

NCKA with international flare - love it!   

Right on Zee... That's so cool!

Did you bring back any cool Japanese fishing gear or lures?

Kayak fishing abroad is one of my dreams.  I want to be one of the first guys here to post a kayak fishing report from the Philippines.  There's gotta be some good fishing near at least one of the 7,000+ islands.  Any of you guys game to plan 2008 expedition?

Great post Z... how'd that sashimi taste. It looks like it tasted kind of sweet... almost striperish. How much cash or yen did you drop on fishing equipment. I hear stuff is really expensive over there.

Chucke-

After Mel's trip to the islands... I'll pass but you can fill me in on alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the details.

Freddie

Nice report.  While I was in Shanghai I saw this display and poster and asked about fishing and kayak fishing but the guy at the store did not know anything.

LOVE the sashimi shot ...but where's the bowl of rice and the soyu???? 

My aunt went to Japan, brought me back a bunch of Japanese freshwater lures I have yet to bust out and try.

Bet that fresh sashimi was awesome.  Thanks for sharing, Z!

As soon as I saw the sashimi my stomach started growling. Great report Bryce looks like great fun. Were you just visiting or was this a business /pleasure trip?