| When summer approaches bringing those summer | | | | lower numbered one like a 1 or 2 could result in |
| doldrums a small silver fish called the kissu makes | | | | many break offs from puffer fish. (god I hate |
| themselves commonly found around beaches, | | | | those things) Puffer fish are your enemy at times |
| harbors and bays. Since Japan is simply covered | | | | because they can bite off your hook or leader in |
| with these types of environments fishing for | | | | one fowl swoop. Many times you will have the |
| these oishi fish is a great way to spend a day on | | | | choice between a leader with 2-5 hooks, it's really |
| the beach with family and friends. Kids can easily | | | | just personal so choose one that best fits your |
| master how to catch some and it will certainly | | | | style. Also in the stores in can be quite confusing, |
| bring a smile to their faces. As we all know young | | | | so make sure to just look for the package that |
| ones are easily bored if there are no fish being | | | | has a kissu on it. Do not forget to always ask for |
| caught and they will soon develop a non interest | | | | help when choosing the right leader package.....it |
| in sport fishing. So this type of action is great for | | | | has always worked for me. Next you are going |
| their self confidence........remember it's not the size | | | | to need to add a weight and a metal wire rig. For |
| that counts for kids it's just the fun in catching | | | | the weight I have become very fond of #8's. |
| them. Lets gets started with some key | | | | They seem to get out far and do not put too |
| information you are going to need to start your | | | | much stress on the rod making it perfect for |
| kissu fishing. The bait is very simple, worms or as | | | | feeling those bites. For the rigs you can choose |
| we say in Japanese gokae. The fishing rod can be | | | | just about any size but do not go too long. For |
| as simple as you make it. I myself just use a | | | | technique it is actually quite simple. Let your set |
| short 7 foot bass rod that is usually used for boat | | | | up hit the bottom of the beach or sand and |
| sea bass fishing. Some anglers in Japan like using | | | | slowly reel in. Place your rod on a side ways |
| 10 foot plus rods but I much prefer the light hit | | | | position ready to slightly twitch when you feel a |
| and the battle that will persist. My reel of choice is | | | | hit. Try to stay clear of rocky or points that |
| a Shimano NAVI 4000 series. Now you may | | | | constantly snag you up, if you do run into these |
| wonder why I use such a large reel. The reason is | | | | problem areas move onto somewhere else |
| simple, the spool is larger so I can make longer | | | | where you will not loose your gear every cast. |
| casts. If you use a smaller reel you will not be | | | | Some x-tra things that are important are tripod |
| able to spool off large amounts line as quickly as a | | | | rod holders, a pair of scissors to cut off the |
| larger one. Keep your main line nice and light with | | | | heads of those nasty worms, folding plastic |
| some braided line of 10-15lbs. For the leaders I | | | | buckets, a fish towel, a sun hat, suntan lotion, |
| use store bought ones that are specially designed | | | | chairs, a sun umbrella for the wife to keep her |
| for this type of fishing. Depending on what type | | | | cool and happy, a cooler which can filled with ice |
| of area you will be fishing you might have to | | | | for 100 yen at just about any fishing port, of |
| experiment with different types of packaged | | | | course a few beers with the cell phone turned |
| leaders. In Japanese harisu means leader so | | | | onto manner mode.....and a crazy friend to keep |
| choosing the right strength is important. Using a | | | | you entertained! Tight lines, Nigel Paquin. |