ちょい投げ

Basic Structure of the Rig

• Rod and Reel: A 2–3m lure rod or a soft all‑purpose surf rod (2–3号) is suitable. Use a 2000–3000 size spinning reel spooled with around 3号 nylon line.
• Tenkaku (Balance Arm): A device with a built‑in weight and arm that prevents line tangling while dragging the rig along the bottom. It also acts like a spring when a fish pulls, helping the hook set more effectively.
• Hooks (Rig): Since Japanese whiting (shirogisu) have small mouths, small hooks around size 6–7 are recommended. Beginners should start with an easy‑to‑handle two‑hook rig. Prepare plenty of spare rigs to deal with snags or pufferfish biting off hooks.

Fishing Procedure

1. Baiting: Thread sandworms (jari‑me) or ragworms (ao‑isome) onto the hook from the head, following the curve of the hook. If you dislike live bait, artificial bait can also be used.
2. Casting: Check your surroundings carefully for safety. Open the bail, hold the line with your index finger, swing the rod, and release your finger when the rod reaches the 2 o’clock position for a clean cast.
3. Bottom Contact and Searching: Once the weight hits the seabed and the line slackens, slowly drag the rig along the bottom to search for fish around sandy–rocky transitions, or simply cast and leave the rod in a holder.
4. Bite and Landing: When the rod tip trembles, reel in to retrieve the fish.
5. Storage: Keep your catch fresh by cooling it in “saltwater ice”—a mixture of ice and seawater that gently chills the fish.