A must-see for beginners and fishing enthusiasts alike! Enjoy fishing in Kerama!

What are the Kerama Islands like?

The Kerama Islands are a group of about 20 islands of various sizes located 40 km west of Naha City in the southern part of Okinawa's main island.

The "Cibici Atoll," located in the waters between Okinawa Island and the Kerama Islands, also belongs to the Kerama Islands.

On March 5, 2014, the area was designated as the 31st national park, Kerama Islands National Park, and has been attracting attention both domestically and internationally in recent years.

The main reason why Kerama is so popular is the beautiful and clean sea that only a remote island can offer.

The area is usually crowded with bathers and is also a popular spot for various marine leisure activities.

In 2005, Tokashiki Island and part of Zamami Island, and in 2015, the entire Kerama Islands were registered under the Ramsar Convention, and in 2009, Zamami Island and Kozamami Beach on the island were awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon. The number of tourists from overseas who come to the island for the purpose of diving has been increasing.

Therefore, we would like to introduce the charm of the Kerama Islands and fishing.

If you are planning a trip to Okinawa, please refer to this page!

 

Attractions of Kerama

The waters of the Kerama Islands are characterized by their incredible clarity.

The waters of the Okinawa area have always been famous for their high transparency, but the Kerama Islands in particular are so beautiful that they are called "Kerama blue" because they boast some of the clearest waters in the world, and can be said to have one of the world's highest levels of transparency.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The beauty of "Kerama Blue," one of the clearest in the world, captivates divers not only in Japan but also from around the world.

There are many divers who come back again and again because once they dive, they will never forget it.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

The Kerama Islands are famous as a spawning ground for sea turtles, so there is a possibility of encountering them.

Moreover, sea turtles sometimes appear in shallow water that can be seen from the beach because seaweed, which turtles feed on, can be found in shallow water.

Of course, since they are wild creatures, it is impossible to say for sure that you will see them, but snorkeling and diving tours to see sea turtles always attract a large number of participants.

Thus, Kerama is truly a sacred spot for marine activities.

Kerama is also rich in its ecosystem.

For example, there is a dense concentration of various types of corals within walking distance of the beach, numbering some 250 species!

It is said that about 60% of Japan's corals live in the Kerama Islands.

Even if you are not a confident swimmer or have small children with you, just gazing at the pure white sand and coral from the beach is worthwhile, as it will cleanse your mind.

 

Magnificent Nature

One of the main attractions of Kerama is not only the ocean, but also the great nature that stretches across the entire island.

For example, Keiruma Island, which is connected to Aka Island in the Kerama Islands by a bridge, is the smallest inhabited remote island in Zamami Village.

As you make your way through the quiet villages and fields lined with fukugi, time passes slowly and there is an emotional atmosphere that makes you feel nostalgic.

The island is also home to unspoiled nature throughout, and has been designated a protected area for the Keramas deer, a natural treasure.

As you can see, this is a small, remote island where life is rich in nature.

In addition, Tokashiki Island's rugged terrain and well-developed mountain forests make it a lush island where visitors can enjoy not only marine activities but also trekking and nature walking.

The beautiful natural scenery of the sea and greenery is well worth a visit.

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

Once underwater, you can see dozens of meters ahead of you.

And the sun's rays reflect off the white sand, which is unique to Okinawa, creating a delicate and beautiful glow.

In the clear underwater world, beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish swim about... it is a world full of fantastic charm, just like a real dragon's palace.

 

Big catch! Fishing in Kerama

The Kerama Islands, where tours for various marine activities are offered, are actually said to be a very suitable area for fishing due to the intricate topography of the islands facing the open sea.

Enjoy fishing to the fullest in Kerama, surrounded by nature!

 

How to enjoy fishing

There are many ways to enjoy fishing in Kerama.

This is an area where fishing enthusiasts can enjoy various types of fishing, from easy fishing in the fishing port, rock fishing, offshore fishing that can be experienced easily by the family, and full-scale trolling out to the open sea.

 

Attraction of Fishing in Kerama

You can sometimes catch fish that are hard to find in Honshu, such as yellowtail snappers and yagara,This is the charm of fishing in Kerama.

What kind of fish will I encounter? and enjoy fishing in the beautiful tropical sea with a relaxed mood.

 

Easy to catch even for beginners

Fishing experience tours include fishing equipment rental, so you can participate without any equipment.

In addition, a fisherman will guide you to the best spots to fish, making this an activity that even beginners and those with small children can enjoy without getting bored.

 

Enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean

Fishing under the clear blue sky, the sparkling clear ocean, and the surrounding islands is the most luxurious experience.

Even in the unlikely event that you don't catch a fish, just seeing this view will surely relieve the fatigue of daily life!

 

You can even eat the fish you catch.

Some plans allow you to take your catch home or eat it on the spot.

The fish you catch yourself are exceptionally tasty.

Please indulge your taste buds with fresh fish that you would not normally be able to enjoy.

 

What kind of fish can be caught in Kerama?

Many species of fish can be caught year-round, including bonito, yellowtail snapper, gurukun, and taman.

You can lose track of time and immerse yourself in fishing in the rich nature of the southern ocean.

In addition, you can target all kinds of prey, including gara, kachu, meibai, stew, and marlin tuna.

 

gurukul (Tripterospermum japonicum)

Gurukun is commonly enjoyed in Okinawa, both for fishing and dining.

Since there are certain fishing methods and points, this fish is easy to catch for beginners.

It is rarely distributed nationwide, so if you catch it safely, take the opportunity to try it.

The recommended recipe is fried chicken.

 

Indian rhinoceros

Mibai, Okinawa's premium fish.

It is a white-fleshed fish with a moderate fat content and a delicious flavor that increases as it is chewed, even though it is a light fish.

It has an elegant taste with the same sweetness as kue and ara, and is excellent not only as sashimi or simmered dish, but also in Western-style arrangements such as sautéed or meuniere.

 

Tokaja (people)

Officially, it is a false kanranhagi.

This species and other blackfish are called tokazers or tokajers.

Because they school in coral reef areas, they are often landed and are an inexpensive and affordable fish.

It has a slight odor, but depending on how it is cooked, it can be very tasty.

 

Fishing available in Kerama

The Kerama Islands are visited by many fishing enthusiasts because of their intricate island topography and the favorable conditions where the open ocean meets just a short distance offshore.

Both rock fishing and offshore fishing can be enjoyed, and big fishing can be enjoyed as well as float fishing, bukkomi, and fukase.

 

fukase fishing (submarine fishing)

FUKASE fishing is a method of attracting fish by letting the hook drift in the sea (fukase) with only the weight of the bait, hook, and line, without using a float in the hook.

By spreading a bait around the area to lure fish and at the same time placing the trap in the current together with the bait, the fish will bite the bait without feeling any discomfort.

This is a slightly more advanced fishing method, as it requires skill in reading the tide and predicting the movement of the bait.

 

Falkland steamer

It is to cross over to an offshore rocky shore or a local rocky shore by a ferry.

It is also called a segyo (ferry).

First, decide on the fish you want to catch and determine the rocky shore where the target fish can be caught well.

This is a method of heading to a point of interest and fishing by ferry.

 

driving

Uchikomi is a method of fishing in which a hook with a bait attached is cast into a point where fish are present, and the angler waits for the fish to bite the bait.

Instead of manipulating the rod by hand as in float fishing, the rod is usually fixed to a device.

It is also for relatively advanced anglers, as it requires skill and knowledge to determine the depth of water preferred by the target fish, bait, and habits, and to adjust traps accordingly.

 

sourdough

It is a type of rock fishing that originated in Okinawa.

Sururu is the Okinawan term for yellowtail snapper, and this is a style of fishing in which the angler uses a fully floating device (sururu trap) without a float stopper to feed the fish smoothly and smoothly in order to catch large fish.

Targets include migratory fish such as kampachi, sunfish, and yellowtail, as well as root fish such as groupers, yellowtail snapper, and any other fish that feeds on kibinago.

 

Fishing spots recommended by locals

Here are some of the best spots for fishing recommended by the locals.

Enjoy a great fishing experience at this hidden spot that only the locals know about!

 

Kakise

It is an uninhabited island and a great point for rock fishing.

This spot offers an abundance of fish, including gurukun, gara, yamanagayu, tokaquin, cachu, tokaja, and hilaker.

 

Recommendations

Because of its reputation for good fishing, this point attracts a relatively large number of anglers.

Often there are first customers.

Some anglers have caught meibai weighing as much as 50 kg, making this a great place to target large fish.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

It is an uninhabited island located about 3.8 km southwest of the Aka district on Aka Island, and can be reached by boat.

 

calf

This is a small uninhabited rock in Kerama.

It is said that big fish can be caught here as well.

 

Recommendations

Offshore, many species of fish can be caught, including hilakers and isuzumis, kahaja, and smelt.

We recommend that you try your hand at through-route or fluke fishing.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

Babei is located near Kuroshima Outlying and can be reached by boat.

 

If you want to enjoy fishing casually, join a tour!

Even beginner fishermen can easily enjoy fishing by taking a tour.

They will lend you a complete set of necessary equipment!

In addition, local guides will give you lectures on how to fish and show you the points where you can catch fish well, so you will have a more meaningful fishing time than if you go on your own.

 

summary

This time,We have introduced the fishing you can enjoy in Kerama.

There are many spots where you can enjoy fishing, even in the heart of the city.

However, fishing in the tropical island of Okinawa, in the beautiful waters of Kerama, so beautiful that it is called Kerama Blue by divers from around the world, is something else!

Regardless of whether the fishing is good or bad, just looking at the Keramas blue soothes the soul.

We hope you will experience the unique fishing experience that can only be found here!

Thank you for reading to the end.