The prefectural record for tokajā (Japanese name: black sea bream) was caught on Ishigaki Island, so we went to cover the story.
Kazuya Shimabukuro was transferred to Ishigaki Island last October and enjoys fishing at the fishing port using float fishing and cast fishing.
On March 5th, I arrived at the Hamasakicho point at 7am and started fishing. I used an original blend of bait and boiled krill. The morning was tough, so I cast far and wide and caught a good-sized fish, but I lost three fish and the line broke, so I changed to a thicker No. 5 line. After 4pm, when I was thinking about moving to another spot, I started seeing fish offshore.
The line slowly tightened. When I set the hook, the fish ran offshore at a speed I had never experienced before. I thought it was a big fish, but it also crossed my mind that it might be a migratory fish.
After a strong fight, he carefully scooped the fish up with a dip net. The fish he caught was a large Tokajer, far exceeding his previous record. When he weighed it at the fishing shop, it was 69.5cm and 4.4kg. The weight was approved and it was certified as a prefectural record.
Shimabukuro said, "The richness of the sea around Ishigaki Island is amazing, as you can catch big fish even if they're not in the same spot."
The name "Tokaja" is said to come from the fact that if you touch the fish, the smell (kaja) will not go away for about 10 days (there are various theories). If you prepare it properly, it has no smell and is delicious. I like it as sashimi.
© Shima Tsurigu - A comprehensive supermarket for the sea
May Fishing Information
In Ishigaki Island in May, you can usually catch large numbers of red snapper, makubu and kaei from the land, and tuna and gurkun from the boats.
This is the best time for beginners to start fishing. Don't forget to take precautions against heat stroke! Be sure to take home any trash you produce while fishing and dispose of it properly to protect the rich environment.
