Fish the Crystal-Clear Kerama Blue with All Fishing Gear and Bait Included
Overview
Located just west of Okinawa’s main island, the Kerama Islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, spectacular coral reefs, and legendary Kerama Blue. Visibility can reach more than 30 meters in some areas, making the waters around the islands an incredible setting for an offshore fishing adventure.
This fishing tour makes it easy to experience the Kerama waters, with free pickup from hotels in central Naha included.
Choose between a 3-hour half-day course or a full-day fishing trip, with shared and private boat options available for groups of approximately 8–14 people. This flexibility makes the tour particularly suitable for families, groups of friends, and larger travel parties.
All fishing equipment and bait are included, so there is no need to bring your own gear. Experienced crew members provide guidance throughout the trip, making the experience accessible even to first-time anglers and families traveling with children.
The captain speaks Japanese and can also communicate in basic English, so international visitors can participate without worrying too much about language barriers.
You can take your catch home after the trip, or ask the tour operator about a partner izakaya near Kokusai-dori in central Naha, where your fish can be prepared as sashimi, karaage, and other dishes. Cooking is charged separately, with preparation costing approximately ¥6 per gram based on the live weight of the fish, plus any additional actual costs.
What Can You Catch Around Okinawa in September and October?
Autumn is an excellent season for offshore fishing in Okinawa. From September through October, a variety of reef fish, bottom-dwelling species, and migratory game fish can be targeted.
| Target Species | September | October | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurukun (Blue-and-Gold Fusilier) | ◎ | ◎ | Okinawa’s signature fish. Easy to catch in numbers with a sabiki rig. |
| Taman (Spangled Emperor) | ◎ | ◎ | A powerful emperor fish commonly targeted with bait and bottom-fishing techniques. |
| Mibai (Grouper) | ◎ | ◎ | One of Okinawa’s classic reef fish. Target them with bait or jigs. |
| Akajin (Malabar Grouper) | ○ | ◎ | Becomes increasingly active in autumn. Target with live bait or jigs. |
| Aori-ika (Japanese Reef Squid) | △ | ○ | The popular autumn eging season gets underway in October. |
| Filefish & Goatfish | ○ | ○ | Easy targets for mixed-species or “five-species” style fishing. |
| Emperor Fish | ○ | ○ | Includes species such as yellowspotted emperor and ornate emperor. |
| Skipjack Tuna & Mahi-mahi | ○ | △ | Fast-moving pelagic fish targeted with trolling and jigging. |
Basic Fishing Techniques by Species
| Target Species | Main Method | Recommended Tackle | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gurukun | Sabiki fishing | 4–6 hook sabiki rig + chum basket + krill | Use chum to attract schools, then slowly lift and lower the rig while adjusting the depth. |
| Taman | Bait fishing / bottom fishing | Bottom rig, bottom rod, krill or small baitfish | Work the bottom carefully around structure. Bites can be surprisingly powerful. |
| Mibai (Grouper) | Bait fishing / Jigging | Live-bait rig or 40–80 g metal jig | Target reef structure and drop-offs. Use live bait or work the jig close to the bottom. |
| Akajin (Malabar Grouper) | Live bait / Jigging | Live gurukun or large metal jigs | Target offshore drop-offs. Large fish can make powerful runs, so adjust your drag before fishing. |
| Aori-ika (Reef Squid) | Eging | 2.5–3.5 size squid jigs | The season becomes more active from October. Work the jig near the bottom, then allow it to fall. |
| Filefish / Goatfish | Mixed-species fishing | Bottom rig or sabiki rig | Focus on bottom-dwelling fish and use relatively small hooks. |
| Emperor Fish | Bait fishing / Live bait | Bottom rig or live bait | Search depths of approximately 30–60 meters. |
| Skipjack Tuna / Mahi-mahi | Trolling / Jigging | Trolling tackle or metal jigs | When a school passes through, work the surface to mid-water. |
How to Sabiki Fish: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Sabiki fishing is one of the easiest ways for beginners to catch fish in Okinawa, making it a good option for families and first-time anglers.
1. Fill the chum basket with krill or prepared chum.
2. Carefully lower the rig beside the boat until it reaches the desired depth or bottom.
3. Slowly lift the rod to release the chum, then wait approximately 10–15 seconds.
4. When you feel a bite, raise the rod gently and slowly reel in the line.
5. Avoid touching the fish directly with your bare hands. Use a hook remover or fishing tool to safely remove the hooks.
⚠️ Please Note
The species listed above are representative catches for September and October. Available species can vary depending on the season, weather, water temperature, and sea conditions. Before joining the tour, check with the crew for the latest fishing conditions and which species are currently being caught.
How to Get There: A Guide for International Travelers
One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the free pickup service from central Naha.
There are three designated pickup locations, all conveniently located near stations on the Yui Rail, Okinawa’s urban monorail system.
🚋 Pickup Locations Along the Yui Rail
- ① Makishi Station area — Near Sanrio Characters Hotel Okinawa. Morning pickup at approximately 8:15 AM / afternoon pickup at 1:15 PM.
- ② Miebashi Station area — Near Richmond Hotel Naha Kumoji. Morning pickup at approximately 8:30 AM / afternoon pickup at 1:30 PM.
- ③ Kencho-mae Station area — Near Hotel Livemax Budget Naha. Morning pickup at approximately 8:40 AM / afternoon pickup at 1:40 PM.
From Naha Airport, all three locations can generally be reached in approximately 15–25 minutes by Yui Rail, depending on the station and connections.
For many international visitors, a convenient itinerary is to travel from the airport to your Naha hotel, spend the evening exploring the city, and meet the tour’s pickup service the following morning.
⛴️ Departure Port
After pickup, the tour’s shuttle takes guests to the Miegusuku Fishing Port area, where the boat departs for the fishing grounds.
Transportation from the designated pickup point to the port is included in the operator’s transfer service, so you do not need to arrange your own taxi or other transportation.
Travel Tip: If you’re staying at a hotel in central Naha, the included transfer makes this tour particularly convenient. You can avoid the hassle of arranging early-morning transportation and simply meet the shuttle at the designated pickup point or nearby Yui Rail station.
Who Is This Fishing Tour Best For?
- Travelers staying in Naha who want an easy, hassle-free experience — Hotel pickup means you don’t have to worry about arranging transportation to the harbor.
- Groups and larger travel parties — Boats can accommodate approximately 8–14 guests, making the tour suitable for groups of friends, family trips, and even corporate or incentive travel.
- First-time anglers and families with children — Rods and bait are included, while the experienced crew provides guidance throughout the trip. Reviews also include examples of children successfully catching fish.
- International travelers looking for basic English support — The captain speaks Japanese and can communicate in basic English.
- Travelers who want to experience the Kerama Blue — The trip is about more than fishing. You can also enjoy the spectacular scenery and exceptionally clear waters around the Kerama Islands.
Book Your Kerama Islands Fishing Adventure
Experience offshore fishing in the Kerama Islands without the hassle of arranging transportation or bringing your own equipment.
With free pickup from central Naha, fishing rods and bait included, and experienced crew members on board, this tour is an easy way for beginners, families, and experienced anglers alike to get out on the water.
And after the trip, you can take your catch home or enjoy it prepared at a partner izakaya in Naha. Imagine ending your fishing adventure by sitting down to sashimi or crispy fried fish made from your own catch that same day.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a larger group, add a day of fishing in the stunning Kerama Blue to your Okinawa itinerary for a memorable experience beyond the usual sightseeing.
👉 View Tour Details & Book Here
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