First Sagami Bay Yellowfin Challenge!
— Scorching Boils and the Ebing Battle
Area / Charter Boat
Sagami Bay (off Hiratsuka) / Charter boat "Asahachi Maru" (Hiratsuka Port)
Result
Two hits on the boat (just under 20kg)
No hits for me / a chase while casting
Target / Technique
Yellowfin tuna (casting & ebing)
Sagami Bay yellowfin season has finally arrived. I'd originally planned to go on opening day, August 1, but the trip was canceled because of an approaching typhoon. So today, August 4, became my first trip of the season and a rematch. I went with "Asahachi Maru," a popular charter boat at Hiratsuka Port. Here's the record of a day on the scorching sea.
Arriving at 3:30: Weekday Calm and Quiet Determination
The shop opens at 4:30, but I was fired up and arrived at 3:30 to be ready. It was a weekday, so there was plenty of room for fishing spots and a calm atmosphere. The target, of course, was yellowfin tuna. That day the ebing team was a small elite group of just three people on the boat. Quietly fired up.
After Leaving Port: A Long Cruise and a Search for Bird Piles
After leaving port, a long cruise of about an hour. The first plan was a casting game targeting yellowfin near the surface. We moved across the water searching for bird piles. And finally, we found a jumping boil! The mood on board shot up, and while the chum (komase) team watched, the ebing team went straight into battle mode.
A Chase on My Second Cast! But No Hookup…
For casting, I used the same setup as on my previous mahi-mahi trip.
🔹 Casting tackle
- Rod: SHIMANO Grappler Type C
- Reel: SHIMANO Stradic SW 5000XG
- Line: PE #2.0
- Leader: 32lb fluorocarbon shock leader
- Lure: DAIWA Set Upper 125SDR (*stock hooks)
Admittedly, the hooks were on the weak side, but I kept casting with a "just get a bite first" attitude… and on my second cast, a chase! A tuna followed it along the surface, but saw through it at the last moment and turned away… I'd estimate around 15kg — kimeji (young yellowfin) class. So close!
Switching to Ebing in the Scorching Heat
After that we moved around looking for bird piles, but it stayed quiet. And it was so hot…! The heat that day was truly scorching, so I brought four frozen 500ml bottles. Staying hydrated is everything. Around the time searching for bird piles on our own seemed to hit its limit, the captain decided to join the fleet. From here, in the second half, we switched to ebing.
The School Came… but Only a Few Got Fish
We started ebing, but the schools just wouldn't pass directly under the boat. I kept jerking with no bites. Then, finally!
- As a school passed, two hits on the boat!
- Both fish were just under 20kg — beautiful fish!
After that, one more angler hooked up, but the PE line snapped high up and the fish was lost… So close… I also kept jerking stubbornly… but got no hits, and as the wind picked up we headed in early.
This Trip's Wrap-Up and Resolve for Next Time
My impression is that Sagami Bay yellowfin are still "before the real season." Even so, the fish are definitely becoming more active. My tackle is all set, so all that's left is to time it with the schools. By the way, last year I had the painful ending of a shark taking my fish just before landing it… This year I really want a proud photo with a "yellowfin I landed." I've even found a fish shop nearby that will fillet yellowfin for me (lol). A rematch is definitely coming soon!
Everyone, watch out for heatstroke and take on Sagami Bay in midsummer!
Yellowfin Ebing: What Gear Do You Need?
The gear used in this fishing — rod, jig, spreader, rig and worm — organized by role.
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