A thorough introduction to popular rankings of smelt fishing nationwide and recommended ice/dome boat tours for beginners!
On this page, we will introduce the Japanese winter tradition “ Smelt fishing (Wakasagi fishing) ” special feature on the experience tour!
Along with popular rankings from all over the country, how to fish for smelt, tips, tools/bait, clothes to protect from the cold, etc. Useful information for booking a smelt fishing experience tour I will summarize and explain.
Popular spots such as Kanto, Koshinetsu, Hokkaido and Tohoku "Have fun fishing and eat deliciously" Smelt fishing Please enjoy!
table of contents
- 1 The charm of smelt fishing
- 2 Popular spot for smelt fishing
- 3 Smelt fishing season/time
- 4 Types of smelt fishing experience tours
- 5 How to fish for smelt and tips
- 6 Smelt fishing equipment
- 7 Smelt fishing clothes
- 8 National smelt fishing experience tour popularity ranking
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions about Smelt Fishing
- 10 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
The charm of smelt fishing
The event is held at lakes and ponds all over Japan. Smelt fishing (Wakasagi fishing) ".
A number of experiential tours are held mainly in the winter, and are suitable for everyone from small children to the elderly. Outdoor leisure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages It is a very popular event.
Compared to general fishing (sea fishing, mountain stream fishing, etc.) The fishing equipment is lightweight and easy to handle, making fishing easy even for beginners. That's the charm.
Also, the smelt that we lifted ourselves. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be cooked and eaten as tempura or fried chicken. is.
National smelt fishing experience popularity ranking
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】茨戸川で氷上わかさぎ釣り体験!わかさぎの天ぷら付き♪~Sapporo駅からの送迎付き~
- 4.9
- (7 reviews / experiences)
Sapporo中心部から車で約30分~45分、大人気スポット【茨戸川】で今注目の、氷上わかさぎ釣り体験!Sapporo駅からの送迎付き、道具は全部貸出付きなので気軽にご参加いただけます。屋外での活動なので暖かい服装でお越しください。釣ったわかさぎは、その場でガイドが天ぷらにしますので、お召し上がりいただけます。えさを付
- 4.3
- (3 reviews / experiences)
We have introduced a new smelt fishing dome boat at Lake Yamanaka. Let's fish for smelt on a shiny and beautiful dome boat! It's an empty-handed plan that comes with everything you need including a rod, tackle, bait, and something to take home that you can easily experience in 2 to 3 hours. We will also give you free ice and Ziploc bags to take home, so please feel free to join us.
- 4.7
- (77 reviews/testimonials)
How about fishing for smelt on a small dome boat that doesn't require a boat license? You can reserve it for a small group and enjoy it at your own pace. The small dome ship is equipped with an engine, so you can move freely and easily! You can fish at any point you like. You can enjoy fishing comfortably while staying out of the wind, rain, and snow. Last return will be at 2pm. The engine cannot be used during freezing conditions.
Popular spot for smelt fishing
" Smelt fishing Where can I enjoy it? "or" Where are the famous spots for smelt fishing in Japan? I think there are many people who are looking for smelt fishing spots.
From here, we will introduce “ Smelt fishing experience tour popular prefecture ranking ” to see popular spots.
Smelt fishing experience tour popular prefecture ranking
The first place
|
Lake Yamanaka/Oshino (Yamanashi) |
---|---|
2nd place
|
Hakodate, Onuma, Matsumae (Hokkaido) |
3rd place
|
Sapporo (Hokkaido) |
4th place
|
Nozawa, Kijimadaira, Akiyamago, Madarao, Kurohime (Nagano) |
5th place
|
Furano, Biei, Tomamu (Hokkaido) |
6th place
|
Azumino/Omachi (Nagano) |
7th place
|
Urabandai/Bandai Highlands (Fukushima) |
8th place
|
Shiretoko, Abashiri, Kitami (Hokkaido) |
9th place
|
Obihiro/Tokachi (Hokkaido) |
10th place
|
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose (Hokkaido) |
Lake Yamanaka is the No. 1 smelt fishing spot in Kanto-Koshinetsu!
Lake Yamanaka in Yamanashi Prefecture, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, represents the Kanto-Koshinetsu region. Smelt fishing spot is.
In the best location overlooking the world heritage site, Mt. Fuji “Dome boat smelt fishing” experience tour held It has been.
usual year The season for smelt fishing is from the opening of the fishing season in September until around April in early spring. This means that winter is the most popular season.
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Hokkaido is dotted with many famous spots for smelt fishing!
A mecca for winter sports Hokkaido has a vast area dotted with spots known as famous smelt fishing spots. doing.
Good access from Sapporo Ponds and river lakes in the Ishikari River system, Lake Shinotsu in Shinshinotsu Village, Lake Kanayama in the Furano area, Onuma Quasi-National Park in Hakodate, etc. is a particularly popular spot.
rare in Japan There are many spots where you can enjoy ice fishing for smelt. This is also the reason why it is gaining popularity.
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Smelt fishing season/time
It is known as a winter tradition in Japan. Smelt fishing (Wakasagi fishing) ".
Demand for experience tours is highest during the period from January to March when temperatures are low. Outdoor leisure with a strong “winter” image is.
but, In Yamanashi Prefecture and Lake Yamanaka, from autumn (around early September) to early spring (around early May) is the opening season for smelt fishing.
Due to the low temperature in Hokkaido and parts of Honshu, In areas where the lake surface freezes, you can enjoy smelt fishing on the ice by drilling holes in the ice. will be held.
Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Yamanaka, etc. Dome boat smelt fishing is available on an unfrozen lake (a lake that does not freeze even in winter), which is fully equipped with toilets and heating. is held and becomes popular.
Types of smelt fishing experience tours
Smelt fishing There are two main types of experience tours: It can be divided into
- Smelt fishing on ice
- Dome ship smelt fishing
What is ice smelt fishing? How to have fun by drilling holes in the frozen lake surface is.
It is held only in areas where the winter temperature is below freezing, and is mainly held in Japan. Hokkaido and some areas of Tohoku and Koshinetsu You can enjoy it at.
Recommended plan for ice smelt fishing
- 5.0
- (11 reviews / experiences)
About 50 minutes from the center of Sapporo city, you can enjoy smelt fishing experience in the ponds and lakes of the Ishikari River system. In the era of with corona, it is necessary to avoid fishing methods that are densely packed in a tent of about 1 tsubo with shared seats, trace the new Hokkaido guidelines and Go To travel, and at the same time provide the enjoyment of winter without hesitation. increase. So, on the ice with the customer
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】ウィンターセール実施中!5歳から楽しめる☆釣り仙人と行くSmelt fishing体験☆★写真・動画無料サービス付き★
[Challenge everything from drilling holes to fishing and making tempura! ]★Can you clear the mission of the smelt fishing hermit! ! ? ★Enjoy 3 missions☆ Everyone from small children to adults can make memories with the fishing hermit, this is a plan that anyone can play♪ While completing the missions, you can experience the original smelt fishing from scratch! Our motto is learning through play.
[Hokkaido/Minamifurano] Frozen smelt fishing at Lake Kanayama! Half-day trial course
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
You can experience frozen smelt fishing in the middle of winter at Lake Kanayama in Minamifurano Town, in the middle of Hokkaido. We will take you on a sled from the front of Lake Kanayama campsite to a warm tent on the lake. Experienced guides will teach you fishing tips, so even beginners can fish with confidence.
What is dome boat smelt fishing? How to enjoy a private boat with heating, toilets, and shelter from the rain and wind is.
Yamanashi, Lake Yamanaka, etc. mentioned above Dome boat smelt fishing is the mainstream in many lakes in the Kanto and Koshinetsu regions. It becomes.
Recommended plan for dome boat smelt fishing
- 4.7
- (77 reviews/testimonials)
How about fishing for smelt on a small dome boat that doesn't require a boat license? You can reserve it for a small group and enjoy it at your own pace. The small dome ship is equipped with an engine, so you can move freely and easily! You can fish at any point you like. You can enjoy fishing comfortably while staying out of the wind, rain, and snow. Last return will be at 2pm. The engine cannot be used during freezing conditions.
- 4.4
- (28 reviews and experiences)
Let's go fishing for smelt at Lake Yamanaka! This is a course with a hand-wound rental rod and a gimmick. (Electric rental rods are also available as an option) *Feed will be charged an additional 100 yen on-site. Enjoy up to 6 hours from 7:00 to 13:00. Please apply for your desired boarding time when making a reservation (you can disembark at any time you like on site). Coro below
- 4.8
- (8 reviews / experiences)
Speaking of winter, smelt fishing and the deliciousness of freshly caught fish are exceptional! Although the smelt is a small fish, the tingling response is very interesting! Feel free to enjoy from adults to children. You can fish on a dome boat at Lake Kisaki in Nagano Prefecture. The dome protects against snow, rain, and wind, so it's comfortable even in the cold winter.
How to fish for smelt and tips
" Smelt fishing Is it difficult? "or" Can beginners catch smelt? I think there are many people who have such concerns.
Smelt, once you get the hang of it Even beginners can catch a big catch on the same day. The simplicity is also appealing.
From here, How to fish smelt and tips I will explain.
1. Feed the gimmick needle
Put a whole piece of food on the needle. The point is to put out a little food from the needle.
2. Drop the device to the bottom of the water
Smelts live in deep water and do not move much, so drop the needles on the bottom.
3. Move to lure the smelt
Operate it with the snap of the wrist, move it up and down, and stop for 3 to 5 seconds repeatedly.
4. Grasp the feeling of Atari
When the smelt bites the bait, the tip of the rod will move or move as if it is being held down.
This is called "Atari". When you get a hit, lift the reel and hook the hook into the smelt's mouth.
5. Wind up the thread
If the awase is successful, we will wind the thread on the reel. After fishing, remove the needle from the mouth of the smelt and put it in a bucket.
Smelt fishing equipment
Next, Smelt fishing fishing gear used for I will explain about it.
The main tools needed to enjoy smelt fishing are listed below.
List of main tools for smelt fishing
- Fishing line (tegus line)
- reel
- contraption
- Weight
- Bait (marble, bloodworm, rabbit, etc.)
- bucket
- Such
In the smelt fishing experience tours held all over the country, the above It is possible to rent a set of tools is.
participant is, Prepare cooler boxes and zippered plastic bags to take home. let's.
Smelt fishing clothes
" Smelt fishing What kind of clothes should I wear? ”There may be many people who are worried about their clothes.
As mentioned above, The fishing season for smelt is held mainly in the winter, but from autumn to early spring. will do.
Therefore, whether you are fishing for smelt on ice or fishing for smelt on a dome boat, Thorough cold protection measures are essential It becomes.
with heating When fishing for smelt on a dome boat, dress appropriately for the temperature and weather of the day. No problem.
When ice fishing for smelt, wear warm, windproof and waterproof clothing such as ski and snowboard wear. is recommended.
Below is a list of things you may find useful when participating in a smelt fishing experience tour.
A list of things you should bring when fishing for smelt
- gloves
- Scarf
- Knit hat
- Thick socks (replacement when wet)
- Earmuffs
- neck warmer
- Cairo
National smelt fishing experience tour popularity ranking
Finally, based on Activity Japan's latest reservation data, Whole country Smelt fishing Experience tour popularity ranking I will introduce.
Please use this information to help you compare and choose a plan based on the tour content and fees (prices) as well as reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials.
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】茨戸川で氷上わかさぎ釣り体験!わかさぎの天ぷら付き♪~Sapporo駅からの送迎付き~
- 4.9
- (7 reviews / experiences)
Sapporo中心部から車で約30分~45分、大人気スポット【茨戸川】で今注目の、氷上わかさぎ釣り体験!Sapporo駅からの送迎付き、道具は全部貸出付きなので気軽にご参加いただけます。屋外での活動なので暖かい服装でお越しください。釣ったわかさぎは、その場でガイドが天ぷらにしますので、お召し上がりいただけます。えさを付
- 4.3
- (3 reviews / experiences)
We have introduced a new smelt fishing dome boat at Lake Yamanaka. Let's fish for smelt on a shiny and beautiful dome boat! It's an empty-handed plan that comes with everything you need including a rod, tackle, bait, and something to take home that you can easily experience in 2 to 3 hours. We will also give you free ice and Ziploc bags to take home, so please feel free to join us.
- 4.7
- (77 reviews/testimonials)
How about fishing for smelt on a small dome boat that doesn't require a boat license? You can reserve it for a small group and enjoy it at your own pace. The small dome ship is equipped with an engine, so you can move freely and easily! You can fish at any point you like. You can enjoy fishing comfortably while staying out of the wind, rain, and snow. Last return will be at 2pm. The engine cannot be used during freezing conditions.
- 5.0
- (11 reviews / experiences)
About 50 minutes from the center of Sapporo city, you can enjoy smelt fishing experience in the ponds and lakes of the Ishikari River system. In the era of with corona, it is necessary to avoid fishing methods that are densely packed in a tent of about 1 tsubo with shared seats, trace the new Hokkaido guidelines and Go To travel, and at the same time provide the enjoyment of winter without hesitation. increase. So, on the ice with the customer
- 4.4
- (28 reviews and experiences)
Let's go fishing for smelt at Lake Yamanaka! This is a course with a hand-wound rental rod and a gimmick. (Electric rental rods are also available as an option) *Feed will be charged an additional 100 yen on-site. Enjoy up to 6 hours from 7:00 to 13:00. Please apply for your desired boarding time when making a reservation (you can disembark at any time you like on site). Coro below
- 4.8
- (13 reviews / experiences)
It is a smelt fishing experience tour delivered by the leading smelt fishing guide who guided the most customers in Hokkaido. It is a luxurious plan to charter the south fishing spot, which is known as one of the best fishing points in Shinshinotsu Village, which is one of the best fishing points for smelt in Hokkaido. With the location of smelt fishing of a famous variety show from Hokkaido
【Hokkaido・南富良野】金山湖で冬の風物詩でSmelt fishing on ice~釣った後の天ぷら付き!6才からOK
- 4.6
- (8 reviews / experiences)
Make a hole in the frozen lake and set a gimmick! With just this, all you have to do is pull the thread when you eat. Let the guide handle the troublesome drilling, feeding, and setting of gimmicks! If you learn a little trick, both beginners and children can feel free to experience it! After fishing, fry it on the spot and make it into tempura! Freshly fried hot and fresh on the spot you caught is exceptional!
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】ウィンターセール実施中!5歳から楽しめる☆釣り仙人と行くSmelt fishing体験☆★写真・動画無料サービス付き★
[Challenge everything from drilling holes to fishing and making tempura! ]★Can you clear the mission of the smelt fishing hermit! ! ? ★Enjoy 3 missions☆ Everyone from small children to adults can make memories with the fishing hermit, this is a plan that anyone can play♪ While completing the missions, you can experience the original smelt fishing from scratch! Our motto is learning through play.
【Hokkaido・Sapporoスノーシュー】ウィンターセール実施!雪の妖精シマエナガやエゾリスが潜む粉雪の森 or 日本三大夜景"煌めく宝石箱」を臨む雪の丘
- 4.5
- (2 reviews / experiences)
===================================■ You can choose your favorite plan for day and night! ■ "Snowshoe set" that allows you to walk easily on the fluffy snow is available for free rental! ■(Daytime) Held in the forest where small animals such as the long-tailed moth and the Ezo squirrel live! ■(Night) Held on a snowy hill with a panoramic view of Japan's top three night views! ■
【Hokkaido・函館】冬の定番体験!大沼国定公園で氷上わかさぎ釣り~駅から徒歩5分!手ぶらOK!
- 3.8
- (12 reviews / experiences)
さお・えさ一式セットをご用意しており、釣り放題でお楽しみいただけます。手ぶらでお越しくださいませ。駅から徒歩5分とアクセスも良好is.釣れたワカサギは天ぷらで美味しく調理!出来立ての天ぷらは格別ですよ!※一皿600circle(15匹前後)で天ぷら調理いたします!(現地払い)
*The contents of this article are current as of November 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smelt Fishing
Q What is smelt fishing?
A Public fish (smelt) whose main fishing season is winter from October to March. Smelt fishing is actually a standard activity for lake leisure that you can enjoy all year round. Smelt fishing experience tours are roughly classified into two types. One is "ice smelt fishing" where you can drill holes in the frozen lake surface and enjoy it, and the other is "dome ship smelt fishing" where you can enjoy floating a dedicated boat on an antifreeze lake that does not freeze even in winter.
Q What kind of tools do you need for smelt fishing?
A You will need a fishing rod for smelt fishing, a reel (a tool that attaches to the fishing rod and winds up the fishing line), a device, and bait. Since a flock of smelt is often found in deep water, the electric reel is recommended for beginners because of its many advantages. Many of the smelt experience tours rent tools, so it's a good idea to check when you apply.
Q Where can I catch smelt?
A Smelt fishing that can be enjoyed mainly in the Hokkaido-Kanto Koshinetsu region. The most popular is Lake Yamanaka at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The reason for its popularity is the good accessibility of a day trip from the city center and the length of the season from autumn (around September) to early spring (around early May). In addition, Lake Shinotsu / Barato River near Sapporo, Hokkaido, Lake Hibara in Fukushima Urabandai, Lake Nojiri / Lake Kisaki in Shinshu are among the most popular.
Q What should I do with the smelt I caught?
A It is said that the smelt, especially when it is oily, is in early March. Tempura and fried chicken, which are synonymous with smelt dishes, can be eaten whole without any pretreatment. Fresh smelt can also be eaten as sashimi. The best part of fishing for smelt is to rent cooking utensils and use cooking services to eat on the spot, but you can also take it home with you if you bring a cold box or ice pack.