Fish in Okinawa’s Rich 18–20m Deep Waters from a Spacious, Stable Offshore Fishing Raft
Overview
Motobu, in northern Okinawa, is best known as home to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the new JUNGLIA theme park — both just a 15-minute drive from the fishing dock. From there, it’s only a 10-minute boat ride out to a massive floating “marine leisure house” (fishing raft), which is exactly where this experience takes place.
Built to hold 50–80 people, the raft’s wide, stable deck barely moves with the waves, making it a great option for anyone prone to seasickness, families with kids, or older travelers. You’ll also find a shaded rest area, restrooms, tables, and chairs on board — so even non-anglers in your group can relax and enjoy the day. Fishing at a depth of 18–20 meters means richer fish populations than what you’d typically find from a pier or rocky shoreline, so both first-timers and experienced anglers tend to walk away happy.
Rods, bait, and tackle are all included in the rental, so you can show up empty-handed. Catch and release is fine, or you can bring your fish to a nearby restaurant to have it cooked (cooking fee charged separately).
What’s Biting in Northern Okinawa Right Now (September–October)
Fall is peak season for fishing in northern Okinawa’s Motobu, Nakijin, and Nago areas.
| Species | Sept | Oct | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurukun (Double-lined fusilier) | ◎ | ◎ | Okinawa’s classic catch — great numbers on sabiki rigs |
| Taman (Humphead snapper) | ◎ | ◎ | A prized reef fish — target with bait fishing or tenya rigs |
| Miibai (Grouper species) | ◎ | ◎ | The go-to bottom fish — bait fishing or jigging |
| Akajin (Coral trout) | ○ | ○ | Picks up from fall — live bait or jigging |
| Bigfin reef squid (Aori ika) | △ | ○ | Egging season kicks into gear in October |
| Bluefin/Giant trevally | ○ | ○ | Migratory — sabiki or jigging works well |
| Bigeye trevally & emperor bream | ○ | ○ | Larger reef fish — bottom rigs or live bait |
| Halfbeak (Sayori) | ○ | ○ | Easy target with a float rig |
How to Catch Each Species (Beginner & Family-Friendly)
| Species | Method | Tackle | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurukun | Sabiki fishing | 4–6 hook sabiki rig + chum basket + krill bait | Chum the water to draw in the school, then jig the rig slowly up and down at different depths |
| Taman | Bait fishing / tenya | Ground rig or tenya rig, baited with shrimp or sandworm | Work the bottom carefully to avoid snags — bites tend to be strong |
| Miibai | Bait fishing / jigging | Live bait rig, 40–80g metal jig | Target reef edges and drop-offs; work live bait or jig along the seafloor |
| Akajin | Live bait / jigging | Live baitfish, larger jigs | Fish offshore drop-offs; adjust your drag carefully for bigger fish |
| Aori squid | Egging | 2.5–3.5 size squid jig | Season ramps up in October — jig along the bottom, then let it fall |
| Trevally species | Sabiki / jigging | Sabiki rig, metal jig | When schools pass through, target mid-to-upper water column |
| Bigeye trevally & emperor bream | Bottom fishing / live bait | Ground rig, live bait | Fish the 18–20m depth zone near the bottom |
| Halfbeak | Float fishing | Long-cast float rig, krill bait | Let it drift slowly across the surface |
Basic Sabiki Fishing Steps (For Beginners)
- Fill the chum basket with krill
- Lower the rig gently to the seafloor
- Slowly lift the rod to release chum, then wait 10–15 seconds
- When you feel a bite, lift the rod and reel in steadily
- Handle your catch with a hook remover — never bare hands
⚠️ A Quick Note
The species listed above reflect typical September–October conditions. What’s actually biting can shift with the season and sea conditions, so it’s always worth checking the latest fishing report with staff on the day of your trip.
How to Get There (For International Travelers)
The departure dock is in Motobu Town, roughly a 15-minute drive from the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Northern Okinawa isn’t served by monorail or train, so getting there from Naha Airport means choosing between bus, taxi, or rental car.
🚌 By Public Bus (Best for Travelers Without a Car)
- From Naha Airport, take the Yanbaru Express Bus (Naha Airport–Unten Port route)
- The bus stops directly at “Motobu Port” — no transfers or guesswork needed
- Journey time: roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, fare around ¥2,000
🚗 By Rental Car or Taxi
- From Naha Airport, take the Okinawa Expressway — about 1.5 to 2 hours
- If using GPS, search for “Ocean Expo Park” or a nearby landmark for easier navigation
⛴️ From the Port to the Raft
- The boat ride from the dock to the fishing raft itself takes about 10 minutes — this is your official meeting point, so just follow staff instructions once you arrive
Good to know: Since this area is popular with travelers visiting Churaumi Aquarium and JUNGLIA, this fishing trip pairs naturally with a same-day or next-day aquarium visit.
Who Is This Trip For?
- Anyone worried about seasickness — the raft’s size and stability make it far more comfortable than a typical fishing boat
- Families with young kids — restrooms, shade, and tables mean non-fishing companions can enjoy the day too
- First-time anglers — rods, bait, and tackle are all included, and sabiki fishing makes for easy, high-volume catches even for beginners
- Travelers combining aquarium and theme park visits — just 15 minutes from Churaumi Aquarium and JUNGLIA, easy to slot into your itinerary
- Anyone who wants to soak in Okinawa’s crystal-clear waters — enjoy 360-degree views of the emerald sea from the raft
Book Your Spot
Cast a line into northern Okinawa’s rich, crystal-clear waters from a raft so stable you’ll forget you’re on the water. With rods, bait, and tackle all included, there’s nothing to prep — just show up and fish. Pair it with a trip to Churaumi Aquarium or JUNGLIA for the perfect Okinawa day out.
👉 View Tour Details & Book Here
Want to compare this tour with other options? We’ve rounded up the best sea fishing tours in Japan for international travelers.