A 2020 account, first published on 14 April 2020. The Japanese source was last updated on 10 November 2023. Hamachi is a name for a young Japanese yellowtail.
When my wife hooks something big, she calls me. I would not quite describe it as shouting—but she certainly calls.
I hurriedly wind in my own line, put down my rod and run over.
People nearby have begun to gather. Her rod is bent so far that it almost looks overbent.
It is a Lateo 86ML, a rod that has already caught quite a few fish.
There is a rope over there
We swap over. This feels like one of the pelagic predators.
“You should take it slowly. Slowly,” says someone watching.
Then I spot a rope running vertically into the water. Oh, that could be a problem. I put more pressure on the fish to keep it away from that direction.
“Slowly!” comes the advice again.
Yes, but… the rope!
Once I have it clear of that worry, I ease off just a little.
“That’s it. Take your time.”
I am not really the type who likes to take his time. With our opinions quietly differing—at least inside my head—I start bringing the fish closer.
The onlookers seem unable to relax. Perhaps they are even more excited than I am.
That flash of silver
By now, I have a sense of the balance of strength between me and the fish. I am not worried about the leader either: I made the rig, so I know what is on it. I begin to bring it in.
The fish’s body comes into view and flashes in the light. That is the best moment, isn’t it?
The spectators are on edge. “Oh! It’s a buri!”
I cannot simply lift it out on the rod; the rod does not have that sort of power. So, not a lift—time for the net. I guide it into the landing net my wife has prepared.
Whew. Landed.
Somehow, the few people watching seem more excited than we are.
“Well, you might not need to fish again this year after that!”
No, no… please. That is not happening.
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