Online reputation, plus the editor's own on-the-water reviews.
Honest takes on offshore saltwater lure gear.
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Sagami Bay Catch Watch
Daily catch reports from charter boats all around Sagami Bay, from the Miura Peninsula and Shonan to Manazuru and Fukuura, compiled by species with analysis and a weekly report (in Japanese).
Feature Guides
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Tokyo Bay Hairtail Jigging: 5 Recommended Metal Jigs
Five jigs of different types, three points for choosing, a reference video and the hooks to pair with them. The definitive jig guide, written from the editor's own experience.
Sagami Bay Yellowfin Ebing for Beginners | Recommended Tackle & Rigs
Rod, jig, spreader, rig, worm and line — each explained by role. A beginner's guide to ebing, the bait-imitating technique devised by Masaumi Murakoshi.
Sagami Bay Mahi-Mahi & Yellowtail Casting: 5 Recommended Lures
Five top picks for casting at bird piles and boils — how to choose by depth, plus hooks and leaders for big fish. Put together from the editor's own fishing experience.
Offshore for Beginners | The Gear to Get First
From a life jacket to a cooler, explained in order of priority. You don't need to buy everything at once.
Latest Fishing Reports
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Rental Boat Trip off Uraga, Tokyo Bay — A 40cm Mackerel on My First Time at the Helm in a While
I rented a YFR24 at a marina in Uraga and, at the helm for the first time in a while, headed to 25m of water off Uraga. One 40cm mackerel on a 100g TG Bait with a blade hook.
Sagami Bay Mixed-Bag Jigging — 10 Hits on Young Amberjack at a 30m Drop-Off
Mixed-bag jigging for young yellowtail from Hiratsuka's "Shojiro Maru." 10 hits on shogo (young amberjack) near the bottom of a 30m drop-off in Sagami Bay.
Tokyo Bay Sawara Casting — Two Hits After Endless Cranking, and the One That Got Away
Departing Shin-Yamashita under cloudy skies and a heavy swell. After endless fast reeling: two hits, one fish. A four-finger hairtail and the sawara that got away.
Sagami Bay Yellowfin Right After Opening: A Lesson in Patience — 7 Hours at Sea, No Fish
Chasing Sagami Bay yellowfin with ebing right after the Aug 1 season opening — no boils, no bird piles, no fish. An honest record of a day that ended as a 7-hour cruise.
Latest Reviews
SHIMANO Raft Air Jacket Compact VF-053U
A compact, waist-worn inflatable life jacket approved by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Type A)
Cultiva Cross Lock Snap P-10 #0
A cross-lock snap for quick lure changes in saltwater — the harder it's pulled, the tighter it locks
CB ONE Split Ring XX #5
CB ONE's reinforced split ring made from extra-thick stainless wire
SHIMANO Reel Maintenance Spray SP-003H
A two-can set of SHIMANO's genuine oil and grease (as used in Stella and Antares) — the basics of reel maintenance
DAIWA TG Bait BLJ 60g
The compact, high-density TG Bait body with a blade fitted from the start — built for blade jigging
Major Craft Jigpara Shore Jigi Kin (Gold) Sabiki L
Shore jigging sabiki rig for bays — gold tape and gold mackerel skin stand out even in murky water
Major Craft Jigpara Shore Jigi Sabiki L
Sabiki rig that goes on above your jig so you can target horse mackerel and mackerel while fishing for yellowtail
VANFOOK Blade Works System Parts BWS-S #1/0
Ready-made single hook with a blade — just attach it to turn any jig into a blade-game lure
DAIWA SLJ Assist Hook Rear Single Ransha L
SLJ assist hook whose "Ransha" hook scatters light, so the hook itself adds appeal
Sunny Shoji Magurotto! Ring (22cm / 25cm)
Large-diameter stainless landing ring that slips through the gills to secure big yellowtail and tuna
DAIWA Drift Flicker Laser Impact 110S
Jig minnow built for the drift fall — hit distant boils directly and trigger bites with a rolling fall
DAIWA Kihada Cool 160
Large-capacity soft cooler that fits a whole 50kg-class yellowfin — waterproof tarpaulin with a watertight zipper
Mangrove Studio Sol Azzurra Wipeout 100g
Small all-round jig that swims and falls well — easy to fish on light offshore trips
CB ONE MAX POWER SWIVEL EXH SIZE 3
High-strength offshore swivel rated at 148lb with smooth rotation to prevent line trouble
SHIMANO Fighting Gimbal BE-200V
Fighting belt with a padded waist belt and resin gimbal cup to support long fights with big fish
Mangrove Studio Wipeout MID 180g
Center-balanced all-round metal jig for offshore yellowtail
SHIMANO 20 Barchetta F Custom 150
Lightweight baitcasting reel with fall lever and counter that handles tai-rubber, SLJ and bait fishing
VARIVAS Avani Jigging 10×10 Max Power PE X9 #5
Max Power PE for deep jigging — 9-braid sensitivity with 10m × 10-color depth markings
Shipsmast Titanium Glove 3C
Three-finger-cut fishing glove in Titanium α material that keeps hands warm without losing dexterity
Nature Boys IRON HOOK Type-SS #3/0
Assist hook in a heavier-wire size for mid-size jigs and yellowtail, with a fluoro core and sharp penetration
DAIWA Real Okiami Worm Tough LL
All-round soft bait that mimics real krill in shape and scent, targeting a wide range of fish
SMITH CB. Nagamasa 200g
Semi-long casting jig whose long body slices through the water and responds crisply to fast jerks
SHIMANO Grappler BB Type C S82H
Powerful H-class rod that lets you enjoy big yellowtail casting at an affordable price
Palms GIG GIGANT HOOK Level Fall GGG-120LF
Metal jig for shore and offshore that falls level so fish bite on the drop
Shout Blade Shotel 50g
Castable blade jigging jig that lures yellowtail with blade flicker and vibration
SHIMANO Grappler Type C S70L
The standard entry-level offshore rod for enjoying light casting games
DAIWA DF-2021 Washable Life Jacket
Shoulder-type auto-inflating life jacket — washable and approved as Sakura mark TYPE A
Vanfook Blade Works System Parts Double BWSD-S #2
Tough double hook for system rigging, supporting hook tuning on blade jigs and plugs
DAIWA Kyoga Hook SS LJ Barasi-less Quick Pack
Light jigging assist hook that raises your landing rate with sharp SaqSas points and the BL barasi-less (anti-drop) system
Nature Boys IRON HOOK Type-SS #2/0
Slow-pitch assist hook with fluoro-cored assist line and MARINE Black DC coating for better penetration and durability
SHIMANO 21 Spheros SW 8000HG
Great-value SW spinning reel with a HAGANE body that can take on amberjack for around ¥10,000–19,999
SHIMANO 24 Stradic SW 5000XG
High-gear SW spinning reel with X-Tough Drag, effective for yellowtail from light shore to offshore
Abu Garcia MAX X SP 2500
All-round general-purpose spinning reel with rigidity and smoothness beyond its price
Melonya Kobo Weak Bait SD (Casting special color)
Special-order color of a handmade slow-pitch jig that imitates a weakened baitfish with a leaf-like fall
SHIMANO Grappler Type Blade S70-0
Dedicated spinning rod for sawara and yellowtail that gets to the heart of blade jigging
DRESS Quick FG Knotter EVO
Knot-assist tool that keeps tension so anyone can tie a strong FG knot quickly
SHIMANO Handy Stringer 3.0L (RP-212R)
Long, easy-to-handle portable stringer that keeps your catch alive in the water
Melonya Kobo Weak Bait SD 150g (WBSD)
Go-to slow-jigging jig for mid-depths — a leaf-like fall packed into an easy 150g
DAIWA Gekkabijin Tsuyukaze 50S
Light-game sinking pencil combining Laser Impact flash with long-distance casting
Sakura Drag Checker 15kg DC-2015
Measuring tool that shows drag force as an exact number so you can set it to match your line strength
DAIWA Ebing Stick 4.2in
High-density stick-shaped tail worm designed specifically for ebing
OWNER Gekito Jig Strike 150g Color 53 Tough Gold
Proven inshore yellowtail jigging color that combines strong gold appeal with pink visibility
AbuGarcia 20 MAX DLC H
Great-value compact baitcasting counter reel with a digital counter and high gear ratio
Seikai Collection Murajig V2 250g
Mid-depth metal jig with a stable fall, optimized for ebing and supervised by Masaumi Murakoshi
DAIWA ICEDRY Crew Neck Undershirt DU-6021S
UPF50+ cooling undershirt that blocks heat — an essential base layer for midsummer offshore trips
DAIWA Trunk Master ND II TSS4800 (THE NORTH FACE logo)
Serious 48L cooler with high-insulation panels and casters, big enough for whole yellowtail and large fish
DAIWA DF-2021 Washable Life Jacket Black Camo
Washable shoulder-type life jacket with Sakura mark approval and auto/manual inflation
DUO Tetra Works Clean Case
Compact case that keeps small light-game lures and jig heads neatly organized
Seikai Collection Straight Tenbin for Ebing
Straight spreader (tenbin) designed for ebing, reducing tangles while transmitting your action
Megabass BOTTLE SHRIMP SW 3inch
Saltwater shrimp worm that precisely imitates crustaceans to get rockfish to bite on the bottom
DUO Tetra Works Toto Shad 48S
Light-game shad with a built-in glow bead — just reel it in; easy for beginners
OWNER Gekito Jig Strike 150g B2 Glow
Semi-long, rear-weighted jig for inshore offshore fishing, balancing the fall and the lift
DAIWA Real Blade TG 40g
Blade jig with a high-density tungsten body and blade flash that pulls in yellowtail from a distance
CB ONE MAX POWER SPLIT RING SIZE 5
Offshore split ring that is both very strong and hard to open, built for GT and big yellowtail
THE NORTH FACE Creston Hike Mid Waterproof
Mid-cut hiking shoe with a waterproof membrane and strong grip to keep you steady on rocks and piers
DAIWA Blast SLJ AP 63MB-S
Two-piece baitcasting SLJ model that packs down to 100cm — serious SLJ, easy to carry
DAIWA Gekkabijin Gengoro Lipless 36S
High-density sinking pencil for light games that flies far and counts down through the layers on a steady retrieve
SHIMANO 24 Stradic SW 10000HG
Large-size, great-value SW spinning reel with X-Tough Drag for big yellowtail and tuna
Seikai Collection Ebing Kihada (Yellowfin) Set (Masaumi Murakoshi)
Complete ebing set for yellowfin — everything from the straight spreader to the rig
DAIWA Saltiga Light Swivel SS
Small, light offshore swivel with high breaking strength that releases line twist
DAIWA Shoreline Shiner Z Set Upper 125S-DR
Deep-running sinking minnow with a heavy weight-transfer system for exceptional casting distance
Gamakatsu Sendo-Approved Tachiuo (Hairtail) Assist Hook Original
Hook-up-focused assist hook for hairtail jigging, built on real charter-boat know-how
Hayabusa Jack Eye Sawara Spin 2 50g
Blade jig whose rear-blade flash and vibration stop fast-roaming sawara and yellowtail
DAIWA Morethan Lazy Fa-Shad 70S
Sinking pencil with a fat shad body that grips the water and swims enticingly even dead-slow
DUO Tetra Works Yurameki
Micro sinking pencil for light games that shows off a swaying slow fall to trigger bites
DAIWA Kohga X 69XHB-S
Great-value power tai-rubber rod for big fish, deep water and heavy heads
DAIWA Liberty Club Isokaze 3-53
Great-value all-round iso rod (3-go, 5.3m) for float fishing, basket rigs and sabiki
SHIMANO 21 Grappler Type J S60-5/3
Easy-to-carry three-piece spinning jig rod that handles serious jigging
DAIWA Tackle Box TB Series (White)
All-purpose tackle box strong enough to sit on, with room to add rod stands
SHIMANO Icebox VL 22L (NX-422V)
SHIMANO's staple mid-size cooler — an easy 22L size with more than enough cold retention
DAIWA Kyoga X 63B-2
All-round starter for hairtail jigging, working one-pitch jerks down to around 150m
Major Craft Crostage CRXJ-B642ML/LJ
Easy full two-piece light jigging baitcasting rod for 60–150g jigs
Palms GIG GIGANT HOOK 100S
Shore-capable slow-pitch metal jig with MAG Mount and Gigant hooks for better penetration
DAIWA Saltiga KY Jig II Adel 180g
Slim, long jig built for amberjack (hiramasa), combining fast retrieves with a straight-line slide
DAIWA TG Bait 150g
Tungsten about 1.7× denser than lead. A staple 150g jig for deep water and fast currents
DAIWA Saltiga Ebing 62HS
Short ebing-specific model supervised by Masaumi Murakoshi. Easy to use from low-sided boats and also handles jigging — a sensitive power rod
DAIWA 20 Revros LT3000S-CH-DH
Under ¥10,000 with a double handle — a light, easy all-round starter spinning reel with LT design
Hayabusa Jack Eye Sawara Spin 50g
Spin jig with an asymmetrical body and rear blade that drives sawara crazy
CB ONE G2 130g
Semi-long, rear-weighted yellowtail jig that pairs casting distance with a crisp jerk
DAIWA Kyojiku Snap Slim M
Slim lure snap in strong-wire stainless, easy to open yet highly durable
DAIWA Kyoga Jig Basic 130
Standard center-weighted jig with HD coating and SaqSas hooks — easy to use and tough
Seikai Collection Ebing Rig (Hook 1/0, #18 Leader, 3m)
Ready-to-fish fluorocarbon ebing rig supervised by Masaumi Murakoshi
Aqua Wave Metal Magic Mini 7g
Compact metal jig whose rear-blade flash and UV glow draw small yellowtail from a wide area
Seikai Collection Murajig V2 200g
Proven metal jig produced by Masaumi Murakoshi — center-balanced to work on both the fall and the retrieve
Studio Ocean Mark OGM Ocean Snap BB #4BB
Connector that builds a ball-bearing swivel into a strong snap, reducing line twist while handling big fish
SHIMANO Grappler 8 PE 200m #1.5
Great-value 8-braid offshore PE line using IZANAS, combining smoothness and strength
Meiho Rod Stand BM-300 Light
Double-lock rod stand that clips onto a bucket rim without any screws
Aqua Wave Metal Magic TG 50g
Tungsten jig with a heavy single hook that sinks small and fast to fool pressured fish
Abu Garcia 23 Revo SP Rocket 4000S
Super-high 7.6:1 gear ratio for the fastest turnaround — a go-to for mahi-mahi and yellowtail casting
SHIMANO Casting Glove GL-004V
Saltwater fishing glove with five cut fingers plus one open finger, balancing dexterity and protection
SHIMANO Stradic SW
Mid-range saltwater spinning reel with improved waterproofing and rigidity, for offshore and shore
Seikai Collection Ebing Rig (Hook 2/0, #24 Leader, 3m)
Ebing rig with tube-reinforced circle hooks and a long leader to land big yellowfin and skipjack
DAIWA Morethan Real Steel 26
Metal vibration bait with a two-way high-flutter action that covers the surface down to the bottom
Major Craft Crostage CRXJ-S742MJ/T
Entry-level micro jigging rod for jigs up to 40g, tuned for hook-ups on a mixed bag of fish
DAIWA Ebing Stick 3.5in
Rig one for a sinking presentation, two for suspending — an ebing worm whose buoyancy you can tune to the current
Seikai Collection Ebing Katsuo (Skipjack) Set (Masaumi Murakoshi)
Complete ebing set with a straight spreader and long leader for finicky skipjack and yellowfin
DAIWA Sagoshi Z 95HS
Heavy sinking minnow built for sawara (Spanish mackerel) that stays stable even on a fast retrieve
Major Craft Crostage CRXJ-S682L/TE
Great-value starter rod — an easy 6'8" that handles tip-run squid jigs up to 45g
Major Craft Nanoraba 7g
Compact rubber-skirt lure with UV coating and UV-reactive glow for low-light conditions
DAIWA Liberty Club Lure 5105TLFS
Telescopic entry-level light lure rod that packs down to 44cm — easy to carry anywhere
Caspal Trout Rod #Bazurimasu 4.0ft Spinning
Ultra-light area-trout rod with an extra-short length built for control
Caspal Trout Rod #Bazurimasu 4.6ft Spinning
Short, nimble trout rod for working small minnows and spoons with ease
DAIWA Jigcaster 90M
Great-value shore jigging starter rod — a 9ft M that balances casting distance and power
DAIWA TG Bait 120g
Tungsten about 1.7× denser than lead. A versatile, easy-to-handle 120g jig
DAIWA Saltiga Overthere Adel Normal 80S
Jig-cast minnow for shore jigging that combines long casts with a lively straight-retrieve swim
DAIWA TG Bait SLJ 60g
High-density tungsten sinks small and fast, maximizing efficiency in SLJ — a rear-hook jig
DAIWA Plier V 220H
All-round stainless pliers for hook removal, split rings and line work
VARIVAS Shock Leader Fluorocarbon 70lb (#20) / 80lb
Heavy-class 100% fluorocarbon shock leader that absorbs the shock of big yellowtail and rocky-shore fishing
Jackson Teppan Vibe 7g
Compact metal vibration bait whose balancer slit produces a stable, consistent wobble
Seaguar Grand Max Shock Leader 32lb #7 25m
High-end 100% fluorocarbon shock leader with excellent knot strength and abrasion resistance