From Passionable Fishing, our Japanese-language journal.

However difficult the fishing, they are here.

Here, in the aji’s depth “tunnel”: a band that seems to be only about one metre thick.

When I drift the rig through it, I get a bite every time.

A narrow layer or a broad one?

When that layer is narrow, getting the rig into it properly is difficult. I search by changing the weight of the separate sinker.

A narrow feeding layer is often in mid-water. If the rig simply passes through and out of it, I do not even get a bite.

When the fish occupy a broader depth range—from mid-water right up towards the surface—they will follow even if the rig just passes through.

For a narrow layer, I use a slightly lighter sinker.

For a broad layer, a slightly heavier sinker and something close to a steady retrieve work well.

When they are only near the bottom

If the fish are only near the bottom, I use my lightest sinker: 3 g.

Then I let it sink slowly and wait.

Going heavier leads to frequent snags.

These are observations from the author’s strong-current fishing spot. “About one metre” describes the apparent thickness of the feeding band, not the water depth; 3 g is the lightest sinker described in this account. Related: controlling the fall with line tension, and searching for aji in an oncoming current.

Originally published on our Japanese-language site, Passionable Fishing, on 29 Mar 2020. Translated for Avantgarde Fishing. These are the author’s personal observations at the time of writing. Product availability and fishing conditions may have changed.
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