Catch Fish in Southern Kyushu with Sakurajima as Your Backdrop
Overview
Kagoshima Bay (Kinko Bay) offers an exceptional combination of dramatic scenery and world-class fishing. With the active volcano Sakurajima rising right beside the bay, the area is not only spectacular to explore but also known for its deep waters and abundant marine life.
This fishing charter can depart from three ports—Kagoshima Shinko, Ibusuki Yamakawa Port, and Kirishima Hayato Port—and can accommodate bookings from just one guest.
No fishing experience? No problem. Professional-quality fishing equipment is available to rent free of charge, and the captain will guide you through everything from setting up your tackle to working your bait or lure. With around six hours on the water, even beginners have plenty of time to enjoy serious fishing and potentially bring home a great catch.
Your fish can be kept fresh in a cooler box, and if you choose to have your catch prepared at a partner izakaya, you can enjoy the ultimate fishing experience: catching your own fish and eating it fresh on the very same day.
What You Can Catch in Southern Kyushu in September and October
Autumn is one of the best times of year for fishing in southern Kyushu. From Kagoshima Bay to the Hyuga-nada coast, a variety of popular species can be targeted during September and October.
| Target Species | Main Fishing Methods | Typical Tackle | Fishing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Barracuda (Tachiuo) | Bait fishing with a tenbin rig or tachiuo tenya | 40–80 g sinker + single-hook rig with strips of cut bait | Gently lift and drop the rig to attract fish. When you get a bite, maintain the same rhythm or pause to give the fish time to commit. |
| Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji) | Sabiki rig or light lure fishing | Sabiki rig with a feeder cage and krill, or a light jighead with soft plastic | Look around illuminated areas and areas with strong tidal flow. Search different depths from the surface down to the bottom. |
| Red Sea Bream (Madai) | Tai-rubber or hitotsu-tenya fishing | 60–100 g tai-rubber lure or tenya rig | Work the lure close to the bottom with a gentle tapping motion, adjusting your retrieve to the strength of the current. |
| Grunt / Three-line Grunt (Isaki) | Bait fishing with ragworms or krill | Sabiki-style dropper rig with 3–5号 sinker | Target the lower part of the water column over sandy or muddy bottoms. The bites can be subtle, so stay alert. |
| Pelagic Fish (Yellowtail, Greater Amberjack, Spanish Mackerel) | Live-bait fishing or jigging | Live horse mackerel or 60–100 g metal jigs | Work the surface to mid-water quickly. If you spot diving seabirds or a feeding school, cast immediately. |
| Rockfish (Scorpionfish, Rockfish, Greenling) | Bottom fishing or soft plastics | 4–6号 bra-kuri rig with marine worms, or soft plastics | Keep your lure close to the bottom while being careful around rocky structure to avoid snags. |
| Flounder & Flathead | Live-bait fishing or lure fishing | Live horse mackerel, large soft plastics, or metal jigs | Target sandy areas and drop-offs. Dawn and dusk are often the most productive periods. |
⚠️ Please Note
The species listed above are representative catches for September and October. Available species and fishing conditions can vary depending on the season, weather, water temperature, and sea conditions. Before joining the tour, check with the captain or guide for the latest fishing conditions and target species.
How to Get There: For International Travelers
The tour can depart from three different ports in Kagoshima Prefecture. For visitors arriving from other parts of Japan, Kagoshima-Chuo Station, a major Shinkansen station, is a convenient starting point for reaching all three locations.
🚢 Kagoshima Shinko — In Kagoshima City and the Most Convenient Port
- From the east exit of Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take Kagoshima City Bus Route 16 (Kamoike Port / Culture Hall Line) and get off at the Suizokukan-mae stop. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
- By taxi, the journey from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to the port takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
- Groups of three or more can also use the free hotel pickup service for hotels located within approximately 10 km of the port.
🚢 Ibusuki Yamakawa Port — Ibusuki Area
- From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take a limited express or local train on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line to Yamakawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
- From Yamakawa Station, the port is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi.
🚢 Kirishima Hayato Port — Kirishima Area
- From Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the JR Nippo Main Line to Hayato Station, approximately 40 minutes away.
- From Hayato Station, the port is approximately 10–15 minutes away by taxi.
Hotel Pickup: Groups of three or more can use the free hotel pickup service for hotels within approximately 10 km of the port. If you select a Japanese-speaking guide, pickup may also be available for individual travelers. If you’re not confident about getting to the port on your own, selecting the pickup option when booking is recommended.
Who Is This Fishing Tour For?
- First-time anglers and travelers without fishing gear — Professional-quality fishing equipment is available free of charge, and the captain will teach you the basics from the ground up.
- Solo travelers — The tour is available from just one guest. Depending on the booking arrangement, joining a shared boat can also be a fun way to meet local anglers.
- Families and groups — With three departure ports and optional pickup services, you can choose an arrangement that fits your itinerary.
- Travelers looking for something beyond sightseeing in Kagoshima — Enjoy spectacular views of Sakurajima from the water while adding a memorable experience of eating freshly caught fish to your trip.
- Experienced anglers — With approximately six hours of fishing time, there is plenty of opportunity to target larger fish and enjoy the challenge of landing a strong fighter.
Book Your Kagoshima Fishing Charter
Ready to experience autumn fishing in southern Kyushu with Sakurajima rising in the background?
Spend a day on the water targeting local fish, use professional-quality fishing gear at no extra cost, and keep your catch fresh in a cooler box. You can even have your fish prepared at a partner izakaya and enjoy your own catch later that day.
It is an easy way for both beginners and experienced anglers to experience Kagoshima fishing, local seafood, and the spectacular scenery of Sakurajima—all in one trip.
👉 View Tour Details & Book Here
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