March 27th, 2020
Field report by Atsuo Azuma
‘Gure’ fishing, Suzaki, Southern Izu.
Gure = Mejina, ‘Girella mezina,’ Largescale Blackfish, native to the southern pacific coast of Japan, and the coastal area of the East China Sea.
The sea is often rough due to spring-like weather, alternating 3 cold days and 4 warm. Owing to strong winds and waves, the original fishing trip on March 18th to the western side of Izu peninsula was changed to Suzaki on the southern side of the Izu peninsula. It turned out, however, to be a delightful trip for a catching 40 cm (17 in.) Gure.
South Izu Suzaki is a peninsula protruding to the east of Shimoda. I arrived, prepared, at the ferry at 5 a.m.; greeted Captain Funaichi Tanaka and boarded.
Around 5:30 a.m. about 15 people boarded the ship and headed for Cape Tsumekizaki, which is behind the wind.
“Azuma-san, let’s go?”
At the first crossing we went up to the top of a remote rock. Satoru Kataoka (age 65) hiked up to the high point on the left, whereas I entered the low-lying area where the boat landed. For Chumming bait, I used a mix of raw and hard processed type bait–6 kg of krill fish-attracting agent added, and the stab bait. My rod was No. 1.5 size. For the line and rig I used VARIVAS Tribute Iso Float Type No. 2.5, VARIVAS Vermax Iso Zero Harisu No. 2 for a leader, and Zeek Gure No. 2 hook.
When I put Chum into the sea the tide flowed toward the right offshore. Despite the strong wind it was easy to set up the line with a tailwind from the back. I raised the bail and pulled the line and I felt a hit right away from the tip of the rod.
I reeled up and a 30 cm (11 in.) Blackfish appeared. Soon after, Kataoka-san got a hit. “It came!” he exclaimed. It was a good size at 38cm (15 in.). After 8 a.m. gusts began to blow, swaying the line, and the struggle continued. When the wind stopped for a while intermittently and the rig settled, I was able to catch a good sized 40 cm (15 in.) fish occasionally.
After wind settled down around 11 o’clock I aimed at a further offshore point where I was curious. The tide changed a little and it started to flow to the left. The float gently moved and disappeared into the sea. When I pulled the rod, I felt a strong pull, and the line made a sharp cry as it cut into the wind. I carefully reeled in and floated under my feet then captured a beautiful blue Izu Gure 42cm (16 ½ in.).
Mr. Kataoka also moved to a higher part of boat landing and aimed at a furthest reach. We experienced several hits alternately.
Then, all at once, my rod bent greatly. It was just before noon. As I lost the sight of my float I suddenly got an unprecedented hit. When I reeled the line in, it suddenly became lighter and a medium-sized Gure came toward me, but behind it I saw a shark … I quickly collected the scared Gure.
Despite some lost opportunities, my keeper bucket was full; and we ended without waiting for the regular 3:00 p.m. finish time. In the end we kept a total of 18, 35-42 cm (13″-16″) size Gure fish between the two of us, and released the rest.
The cooler was full with a souvenir keeper–a 30 cm (11 in.) jumbo Kawahagi (Thread-sail fish).
The next day we moved to Mesu island near Tago in Nishiizu (western Izu), added eight more large 38 -41 cm Gure fish; and ended our 2-day fishing trip.
The original article was published in Japanese by Morris Company, Ltd., March 27, 2020. Field Report by Atsuo Azuma
