Saltwater
Main Types
| Type | Target species | Main lures | Tackle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea bass | Spotted sea bass | Minnows, sinking pencils, VIBs, paddle tails | Spinning 8'6"–10', spinning reel 3000–4000, PE 0.8–1.5 + 16–25 lb leader |
| Shore jigging | Spanish mackerel, bonito, jacks and other pelagics | Metal jigs 30–100 g, pencil baits, poppers | Long rod 9'6"–10'+, spinning reel 4000–6000, PE 1.5–3 |
| Boat jigging | Amberjack and yellowtail, grouper, jacks, etc. | Metal jigs 80–300 g+ | Short dedicated jigging rod, large spinning reel or round baitcaster, PE 2–5 |
| Eging | Cuttlefish, squid, bigfin reef squid | Egi (shrimp-shaped squid jigs with umbrella hooks) | Dedicated eging rod 8'–8'6", spinning reel 2500–3000, PE 0.6–0.8 |
| Rockfishing | Rockfish, greenling, grouper and other reef fish | Texas rigs, jig-head plastics, free rigs | ML–MH rod, spinning reel or baitcaster |
Two Approaches to Boat Jigging
High pitch / one pitch
A continuous high-speed rhythm of one rod jerk per handle turn makes the jig dart upward like a fleeing baitfish; best for active pelagics that are chasing bait.
Slow pitch
Uses the spring of a dedicated rod to lift the jig a short distance, focusing on a long, fluttering fall. The rhythm is slow and easy on your body, and it works for bottom fish and inactive fish.
Egi
An egi (エギ in Japanese) is a shrimp-imitating lure with a ring of barbless umbrella hooks at the tail. You jerk the rod upward repeatedly to make the egi dart up high, then let it sink slowly; squid usually grab it with their tentacles on the fall or the pause. Egi are sized by number (号, go); sizes 2.5–3.5 are the most common from shore.
Differences from Fresh Water
- Tides: fish activity is closely tied to the tide; the turn of the tide and the strongest flow are often the bite windows. Check a tide table before you go.
- Corrosion: after use, rinse rods, reels (don't blast water into the reel), lures and hooks with fresh water and dry before storing; hooks rust easily and need replacing promptly.
- Heavier leaders: reefs, shells and fish's sharp gill plates and teeth quickly cut light line.
- Distance and weight: the sea is open and windy, so rods are longer and lures heavier.
On rocks and breakwaters, always wear a life jacket and non-slip shoes (spiked or felt soles), and watch for surges and rising tides cutting off your way back. On boats, follow the captain's instructions. Some sea areas have closed seasons and other rules for recreational fishing.
For sea bass habits and tackle, see 06 Species · Sea Bass.