Your first pufferfish boat trip

Tokyo Bay pufferfish (mainly Shosai puffer) offers the unique fun of 'hooking' (kattou), superb eating when the size is good, and milt as a winter treat. The two things a beginner should master first are: ① Keep the bottom and set sharply on the odd feeling of a puffer nibbling the bait. Kattou isn't about waiting for a bite — you hook the fish yourself. If you lift off the bottom or wait too long, you won't hook up. ② Pufferfish are poisonous — never butcher them at home. Leave preparation to the operator's licensed staff and take home only the prepared flesh (by local ordinance, only licensed people may prepare it). These two are the basics. Below: the methods, the day's flow, hooking and landing on board, and the precautions for taking it home — in the order beginners stumble.

Meeting/departure times, fares, rentals, payment methods, parking, ice, and whether rigs are sold vary by operator. Always check the operator's official information before your trip.

New to boat fishing?What to wear, plus the cooler, bag and gear to bring when you travel by train.Gear & clothing

Learn the methods

Choose based on the operator's spec and rentals.

Kattou fishing

The classic mid-water hooking method

Draw the pufferfish with bait (surf clam, shrimp) on a main hook, then hook its body with the 'kattou hook' (an anchor-shaped snag hook) below — Tokyo Bay's classic pufferfish method. When you feel the subtle odd sensation of a puffer nibbling the bait, jerk sharply to set. The give-and-take of the hookset is the biggest appeal.

How to work it: Find the bottom, lift slightly and wait or tap. Set sharply when you feel the bait being touched.
Key: Keep the bottom. If you lift off, you won't hook up. Don't wait too long — set on the odd feeling.
Bait: Surf clam, shrimp, etc. often provided/sold by the operator. Ask the skipper how to attach it.
Note: Sinker size and rig per the operator. The kattou hook is sharp — handle with care.

The hookset after feeling a bite is unique, but with the skipper's coaching even first-timers can enjoy it. First, learn the rhythm of finding the bottom and jerking.

Tiger puffer kattou fishing

Targeting premium tiger puffer

The same kattou fishing, but targeting the premium tiger puffer. Spots, seasons and rigs may differ from Shosai puffer, and good, large fish can be expected. Sailing depends on season and operator, so checking in advance is essential.

How to work it: Basically the same as kattou: find the bottom, and set sharply on the odd feeling.
Strengths: Target premium tiger puffer yourself, with the romance of good, large fish.
Season: Seasons and spots are limited. Always check the sailing schedule.
Note: Tiger puffer is also poisonous; only licensed people may prepare it. Follow the operator's instructions for taking it home and preparation.

The basics are the same as kattou fishing. Since the season is limited, check the sailing status before booking.