Fishy Fun in Fukuoka

Oct 24, 2011 19:17 No Comments

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Fukuoka Fishing Park

Summer’s around the corner, so you may already be dieting or saving up for an air conditioner. But here’s a way to enjoy the fine weather now! This is the season for fishing! Fukuoka Now’s resident experts give us the lowdown on fishing in Fukuoka

Nigel Paquin: According to his mother, Vancouver, Canada native Nigel has been fishing ever since he could walk. Now in his second year in Fukuoka, his passion for netting our scaled friends continues in seas, lakes, rivers and ponds around Fukuoka.

Back in Vancouver, we regularly hook 20-kg salmon, so at first it was hard for me to get excited about reeling in the local sardines. But then again, fishing is about more than the catch; it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and to mellow out. There’s plenty of oishii critters around; I’ve even pulled a few black bass beauties out of the Ohori Park pond. Before you call the cops on me, chill, it’s legal to fish there. But actually I suggest you try the numerous seawalls and piers for saltwater species. The south and east sides of Shikanoshima are also good. Many locals use the “sabiki” technique. Multiple hooks are baited with shrimp on a single line that also has a small bucket of shrimp brine attached. Just drop the line in, open a beer, and wait! Rods, line, lures, hooks and other equipment can be picked up at any local fishing supply shop. These shops are also a great source of information, tips, and possibly a place to make new friends too. Are you hooked yet? If you have any questions feel free to email me at
fisherkingnigel@yahoo.com

Risa Ogushi: Originally from Nagasaki, Risa was raised in a household that never actually had to buy fish – they went fishing that often. She’s co-hosted a TV program about fishing, and appeared in numerous shows including Fukuoka’s Mentai Wide (FBS), and Shukan Hiru-bara (TVQ).

When I was co-hosting “Koichi Nakano’s Ultimate Fishing Show” five years ago, I went fishing roughly ten times a month that’s 120 times a year! I love that clinching moment, when you grapple with the fish you’ve snared. I like fishing from piers, cast fishing, deep-sea fishing and so on, but my favorite is beach fishing. The only drawback is there are never any toilets, so you have to find a spot in the rocks while taking great care not to slip!
My technique has improved a lot. I can neatly splice fishing worms onto my hook, and I’ve even caught a 70-cm-long dorado. Cool, eh? I don’t own any fishing tackle. You can easily rent gear at most designated fishing areas; another reason why fishing is such a perfect leisure activity. There’s nothing like fresh fish, prepared immediately after it’s been caught. My two rules of thumb are: (1) blood-let the fish after catching them, and (2) let the men think they are to thank for all the fish YOU caught.

Where and What to Fish in Fukuoka this Spring

1) Nishiura Fishing Port
Located in the northwest of Itoshima Peninsula, this is a great choice for those wanting to take the kids along as the concrete seawalls are wide and safe. The inside area is the best place to start.
Access: From Imajuku Intersection go right and follow Route 54. Go past Karadomari Port. When you come to a pedestrian crossing turn right, then at the T-intersection turn left.
Fish: Greenfish (Nibbler), Horse Mackerel, Sillaginoid, Black Porgy etc.

2) Atagohama
Located at Marina Town Kaihin Koen at the man-made beach, there are two seawalls and one more at the ferrry terminal. The more adventurous can hop on the 10 minute ferry to Nokonoshima for more remote angling.
Access: Follow Marina Street to Marinoa City. At Atagohama 4-chome Intersection turn right. Follow the sign for Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal and you’ll come to the parking bay at Atagohama.
Fish: Halfbeak, Horse Mackerel, small Black Porgy etc.

3) Hakozaki Wharf
Located on the east side of Hakata Bay, this concrete wharf has plenty of parking close by. The dock can get pretty busy with workers unloading their boats, so find yourself a position out of the way where you can relax.
Access: From Hakata go towards Shingu on Route 3. At Hakozaki Futo Chuo Iriguchi Intersection, turn left. Go straight to the end of the road and you’ll come to the wharf.
Fish: Horse Mackerel, Black Porgy, Greenfish (Nibbler) etc.

4) Hiro Fishing Port
Located on the west shores of Shikanoshima, there are many varieties here. Try casting inside of the northern arm of the seawall where locals claim the most fish are.
Access: From Fukuoka, travel towards Shingu on Route 495. At Wajiro Intersection, turn left. Cross Shikanoshima Bridge, then turn left at the sign for Hiro no Yuichi.
Fish: Horse Mackerel, Black Porgy, Greenfish (Nibbler), Black Rockfish etc.

All You Need to Know About the Fish You Catch

Horse Mackerel (Aji)
Contrary to what you’d think, this fish is tastier the smaller it is. Sabiki fishing technique is recommended, and it tastes best between April to August when it has the most fat on its bones.
How to cook: sashimi, deep fry, or lightly flour and saut in butter

Black Porgy (Chinu)
In the Kanto region the Black Porgy is called kurodai, but in Western Japan it’s simply called chinu. This one’s a popular catch because it can be caught off beaches.
How to cook: sashimi, in clear broth or soup, or grill with salt

Sillaginoid (Kisu)
Owing to its slim, graceful body, the Sillaginoid is often known in Japan as the Lady of the Ocean. In the water it appears white, but turns a light pink when caught. It has a subtle flavour. You’ll want to kiss it!
How to cook: sashimi, grill with salt, or tempura

Rabbitfish (Bari)
This fish has a poisonous tail fin which can give you a nasty jab, so be careful. It also has a strong smell but once you fillet it, the odor disappears and you’re hungry anyway.
How to cook: sashimi or deep fry

Black Rockfish (Mebaru)
In Japanese the Black Rockfish is literally called ‘big eyes’. Its color varies from black to dark red, and occasionally gold.
How to cook: sashimi, boil with soy sauce and sugar, or grill with salt

Greenfish/Nibbler (Kuro)
This blue-black rascal is an exciting challenge to reel in once you’ve hooked it.
How to cook: sashimi, boil with soy sauce and sugar, or grill with salt

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