Your first Spanish mackerel boat trip

In Tokyo Bay, Japanese Spanish mackerel is a lure fishery. Rather than waiting in one spot as with bait fishing, the boat runs to find bait fish (sardines and the like) and, once it stops, you have a short window to make it count. Two things a beginner should master first: ① When the boat stops, cast at once and cover water. The chance doesn't last. If birds are working or fish are busting the surface, cast beyond them and bring the lure through the school. ② The teeth are extraordinarily sharp. They will cut a leader instantly unless it's wire or heavy. Never handle the fish bare-handed either — use a fish grip. Those two are the basics. Below: the method, the day's flow, how to move on board, and taking the fish home — in the order beginners stumble.

Meeting/departure times, fares, rentals, payment methods, parking, ice, and whether rigs are sold vary by operator. Always check the operator's official information before your trip.

New to boat fishing?What to wear, plus the cooler, bag and gear to bring when you travel by train.Gear & clothing

Learn the methods

Choose based on the operator's spec and rentals.

Spanish mackerel on lures (casting / jigging)

Search, cast, bring it through

The boat runs to find bait marks, and where it stops you cast, or drop and work a jig. Unlike bait fishing in one spot, the time you spend matters differently: how many casts you get in during the short stop is what decides the day.

Searching: The boat moves to find bait marks and working birds. Cast the moment it stops — fumbling with tackle costs you the drift.
Casting: Cast where the skipper indicates. When fish are busting, cast past the school rather than into it and bring the lure through.
Working it: Don't let the retrieve slow down. Add a fall between retrieves and let them take it on the drop.
Teeth: The teeth cut leaders. Use wire or a heavy leader and carry plenty of spare lures.
Handling: Stay clear of the teeth when landing. Grip the fish with a fish grip and remove hooks with pliers.

More casts means more fish. Re-rig while the boat is running so you can cast the instant it stops.