Your first horse mackerel boat trip

Aji (light bishi aji) is a staple that lets you catch numbers, popular with beginners and families. Still, on the same boat, the anglers who catch well and those who don't split clearly. The difference comes down to two things. ① Match the depth and sync the chum. Lower to the instructed depth (tana), shake the chum 2–3 times, and place the hook bait inside that cloud. If the depth is off, you won't catch even when the person next to you does. ② Aji tear easily at the mouth, so reel at a steady speed. Aji have soft mouths; pumping or cranking hard tears the mouth and loses the fish. Don't relax until it's in the boat. Get these two right and your numbers grow. Below: the methods, the day's flow, landing on board, and taking your catch home — in the order beginners actually stumble.

Meeting/departure times, fares, rentals, payment methods, parking, ice, and whether rigs are sold vary by operator. Always check the operator's official information before your trip.

New to boat fishing?What to wear, plus the cooler, bag and gear to bring when you travel by train.Gear & clothing

Learn the methods

Choose based on the operator's spec and rentals.

Light bishi aji (LT aji)

Numbers with light tackle

Using a cage called a 'bishi' packed with chum, you scatter chum and hook the aji drawn in with a baited hook. Light tackle (LT) is easy to handle, and hitting a school lets you catch numbers. The key is to shake chum at the instructed depth and sync the hook bait with that cloud.

How to work it: Lower to the instructed depth, shake the chum 2–3 times, lift slightly and wait. Feed the fish at this 'waiting depth'.
Landing: Don't rush on a bite — reel at a steady speed. Pumping or hard cranking tears the mouth. Don't relax until it's in the boat.
Bait: Chum (krill or minced sardine) + hook bait (red-dyed squid / green ragworm). Often provided/sold by the operator.
Gear: Match bishi size and leader to the operator. Bring a few spare rigs.

The basics are shaking chum and matching the depth. Keep the skipper's instructed depth and even first-timers can catch numbers.