What is an Ishigaki Island Fishing Tour?
When people think of Ishigaki Island, they imagine its beautiful ocean and rich natural landscapes. One of the best ways to experience both is through a fishing tour, where you can enjoy the stunning sea while catching fish.
Unlike traditional fishing, Ishigaki’s fishing tours offer a resort-like atmosphere, allowing anyone to easily experience exciting fishing. Since the fish here are not accustomed to bait, even beginners can enjoy a high success rate year-round.
During a fishing tour, you will board a boat and head out into the open sea. The experienced captain will take you to the best fishing spots of the day, where you can feel the ocean breeze and catch plenty of fish.
From the boat, you can admire Ishigaki’s crystal-clear waters and observe the colorful tropical fish swimming below. It almost feels like snorkeling from above, making it an enjoyable experience even for those who simply love being on the water.
Types of Fishing Tours on Ishigaki Island
Many people associate fishing with patiently waiting for fish to bite. However, fishing on Ishigaki Island can be much more exciting!
| Type of Fishing Tour | Description |
| Sabiki (Bait Fishing) | The most beginner-friendly fishing method, great for families and tourists. |
| Jigging & Casting | More advanced techniques, usually offered on private charter tours. |
All fishing equipment is available for free rental, making it easy for anyone to jump in and enjoy. Most tours focus on fun and easy bait fishing, where you can catch fish continuously without long waiting times.
Since Ishigaki’s coral-rich waters are home to abundant fish, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch tropical species in a short amount of time.
Recommended Attire & Items for Ishigaki Island Fishing Tours
What to Wear
| What to Wear | ✔ Sandals or water shoes ✔ Clothing that can get wet |
While there are no strict dress codes, you should dress according to the tour plan. Some tours combine fishing with other marine activities, so choose attire that fits your itinerary.
What to Bring (Recommended)
| What to Bring (Recommended) | ✔ Sunscreen ✔ Sunglasses (polarized lenses recommended) ✔ Drinking water ✔ Towel ✔ Hat ✔ Motion sickness medication (if needed) |
Since you will be on the boat for an extended time, sun protection is crucial.
Rental Equipment
| Rental Equipment | ✔ Fishing rod ✔ Bait ✔ Life jacket |
All essential fishing gear is provided, making the tour accessible even for first-time fishers.
What Kind of Fish Can You Catch?
Ishigaki Island is part of the Yaeyama Islands, an area known for over 100 unique fish species that cannot be found anywhere else.
Some interesting fish you might catch include:
✔ Foxface Emperor (Kitsune Fuefuki) – Recognizable by its pointed snout, resembling a fox.
✔ Red Grouper (Akajin) – One of Okinawa’s top three gourmet fish, highly prized for its delicious taste.
✔ Ruby Snapper (Akamachi) – Another luxury fish, famous for its exquisite flavor.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with tropical fish, part of the fun is discovering and identifying your catches!
Beginner-Friendly Fishing Tours
Many participants on Ishigaki Island have never fished before, and that’s completely fine!
With expert fishing guides, beginners will receive full support, including:
✔ Setting up fishing rods
✔ Attaching bait
✔ Teaching basic fishing techniques
Since the guide will handle the more complicated tasks, all you have to do is focus on catching fish. Even small children can participate, making it a perfect family activity.
Fishing at Different Times of the Day
One of the best aspects of Ishigaki’s fishing tours is that they offer different experiences depending on the time of day.
✔ Sunrise Fishing – Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ocean while fishing in the early morning calm.
✔ Sunset Fishing – Enjoy fishing against a golden-hued sky as the sun sets over the horizon.
These tours combine fishing with stunning natural scenery, making them an unforgettable experience. Just be careful not to get too distracted by the views and miss your catches!
Eat Your Catch at a Local Izakaya
One unique feature of Ishigaki’s fishing tours is that you can take your freshly caught fish to a local izakaya (Japanese pub) for cooking.
After the tour, you can bring your fish to a participating restaurant, where chefs will prepare it into a delicious meal (additional fees may apply).
Rather than just catching fish, you get the satisfaction of enjoying your own fresh seafood. This makes for a truly rewarding and memorable experience!
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Fishing Tours on Nearby Islands
If you’re looking for fishing experiences beyond Ishigaki Island, consider these options:
