Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Japan

Wow, the water temperature is finally cooling down, and it sounds like the surf is buzzing with some great fishing opportunities! But hey, there are still some summer vibes hanging around in the sea.

On November 1, 2024, I had the incredible experience of catching a yellowfin tuna while casting in Sagami Bay in Japan. It feels like a summer day in late fall! On that day, my fishing buddy Kaneko san had chartered the No.5 Fuji Maru and graciously invited me along for the adventure.

I had heard that yellowfin tuna had really started to show up in Sagami Bay since late October, but I never expected to see so many of them breaking the surface. As we reached our first spot in Sagami Bay, we were immediately greeted by a flurry of action on the water. 

I began by fishing just below the surface with a Pintail Tune+ 170 SVG, but I wasn’t having any luck at first. Then the captain chimed in with a positive vibe: “I have a feeling we’ll catch some fish on the surface today!” As I was using the dive-and-stay technique—definitely a favorite for luring tuna—I noticed a massive splash at another spot.

I was completely captivated by it when suddenly, my Plowler 190 vanished beneath the water! The line took off toward the boat, and I hooked it right away. The line pulled hard, running out about 100 meters from the boat. With the water at a warm 23 degrees Celsius, it was a wild ride!

Thanks to the Offshore Tribe 80MH rod, designed to handle 40kg class yellowfin tuna, and with a little help from Kaneko san, I managed to land the fish in under 20 minutes. We took our prize to Jackson Field Monitor Sugiyama's shop for him to take apart.

The yellowfin, which had been feasting on those delicious 20 cm sardines, turned out to be the most succulent, fatty tuna ever!

Angler: Iguma (Jackson Pro Staff)

Lure: Jackson Prowler 190

Rod: Jackson Offshore Tribe 80MH

Reel: Tailwalk STEALZ 14000

Line: VARIVAS Casting PE SMP #6

Leader: VARIVAS Ocean Record 120lb