ウキ釣り（タチウオ）

Basic Structure of the Rig

• Rod: A 4–5m surf rod rated around 3号 is commonly used, but lure rods such as seabass rods or shore‑jigging rods can also be used.
• Reel and Main Line: Use a 2500–4000 size spinning reel spooled with 3–4号 nylon line or around 1.5号 PE line (with a 5m leader).
• Electric Float: Use a size 2–3 electric float, either self‑standing or non‑self‑standing, or an inline type suitable for long‑distance casting.
• Rig Components: From the main line downward, set up: float stopper (rubber or thread), stopper bead, electric float, anti‑tangle tube, weight (matched to the float’s buoyancy), and a snap.
• Leader and Hook: To prevent cut‑offs from the sharp teeth of cutlassfish, use wire leaders or thick line. Baits include saury strips, sardines, or whole kibinago.

Fishing Procedure

1. Setting the Depth: Adjust the float stopper to set the fishing depth. Start at 2–3 hiro (about 3–5m) and change depths frequently if there is no response.
2. Hooking the Bait: Use kibinago, saury strips, or konoshiro. For kibinago, insert the hook through the hard head area and position it so the bait stays straight (horizontal) in the water, preventing unnatural spinning and improving bites.
3. Casting and Waiting: After checking safety, cast the rig. Once the float stabilizes upright, let it drift naturally with the current.
4. Luring: Instead of just waiting, occasionally lift the rod about 1m or reel a few turns to let the bait fall slowly. This slow fall often triggers strikes from cutlassfish.
5. Bite and Hook‑set (Important): Do not set the hook immediately when the float sinks. Wait until the float disappears completely and then an additional 15 seconds, or until the fish begins to run and the line tightens. Then lift the rod firmly to set the hook.
6. Landing: Be careful of the sharp teeth. Use fish grips or a gator‑style grip to safely remove the hook.