Where else do you find salt water, brackish water and fresh water in one city? In Matsue, the Sea of Japan, two large lakes and several rivers lie just a few kilometres apart. Every fishing day can be on different water.
In the sea: the north coast
The coast of the Shimane Peninsula is part of Matsue and lies in Daisen-Oki National Park: rocks, small islands, bays and sheltered harbours.
At Kaka harbour, fishermen land sawara (Spanish mackerel), buri (yellowtail), saba (mackerel) and shiira (mahi-mahi), among others. For anglers looking for the sea, this is the place.
On the lakes: Shinji and Nakaumi
Both lakes are brackish, a mix of sea and fresh water. Lake Shinji is famous in Japan for its "seven delicacies", including sea bass (suzuki), eel and shijimi clams.
Calm water without waves, right on the edge of town: ideal for families, beginners and anyone wary of the open sea. With sea bass, there are still strong fish.
Important: shijimi clams belong to the local fishermen's rights and must not be collected. I am currently checking with the authorities whether a permit is needed for rod fishing on the lakes. Ask me before your trip.
On the rivers
Several rivers flow into Lake Shinji, including the Hii River. On rivers in Japan, local fishing cooperatives usually manage the water and sell day tickets (遊漁券). I can tell you where to get one.
In the sea: no licence, no fee
Recreational anglers fishing in the sea in Japan with a rod or hand line need neither a licence nor a permit. You buy your gear, head to the coast and start.
Rivers and lakes are different: there, local fishing cooperatives (漁協, gyokyō) manage the waters and sell day or annual permits (遊漁券, yūgyoken). You can usually buy them at a tackle shop or a store near the water.
What is allowed and what isn’t
Shimane Prefecture allows recreational anglers, among other things:
- Rod and hand line
- Landing net and hand net
- Cast net, but only from the shore, not from a boat
Prohibited for recreational anglers are, for example, traps and pots, longlines, snagging hooks, trolling, and diving with equipment or spearguns.
Hands off shellfish, sea snails, sea urchins and octopus. On most coasts they fall under the fishing rights of local fishers. Anyone who collects them is poaching, tourists included. Fines go up to 1 million yen, and for abalone and sea cucumber up to three years in prison or 30 million yen.
Sources: Shimane Prefecture – rules for recreational fishing (Japanese) · Shimane Prefecture – Kaka fishing port (Japanese)
Which water suits you?
Sea, lake or river, with family or alone, beginner or expert: I can tell you where to go and where to get gear, in German or English.