Location: Osaka Bay Channel
Conditions: Slack tide; depths ranging from 120m to 160m.
The Descent into the Deep
Today, we found ourselves positioned exactly in the middle of the Osaka Bay channel. This is a spot known for its notoriously fast currents, so timing is everything. We timed our arrival for the slack tide, giving us a window to target the depths effectively.
Our target for the day? Kuroguchi, also known as the Black Mouth Croaker.
Reaching them is no small feat. To combat the depth and any lingering current, I’m running a 400g weight. Even with that heavy lead, it takes about a full minute just to reach the bottom. We started our drifts at 160m, gradually working our way up the slope toward the 120m mark.
The Catch
The strategy is simple: stay on the bottom. Once you feel that hit, it’s a long haul back up.
The first few on deck were a “good eating size”—around 160m deep. If you’ve ever wondered how they got their name, you only need to look inside: the entire interior of the mouth is jet black. It’s a striking feature that gives the Kuroguchi its identity.
To ensure the best quality for the table, we brain and bleed the fish immediately upon landing.
From Hook to Table
Fishing is only half the adventure here at Fishing Life Awaji. Once the catch is secured, we transition from the deck to the kitchen.
Today’s bounty is being prepared as Sugatazukuri. It’s a traditional and fancy style of sashimi presentation where the fish is served in its original shape, showcasing the freshness of the catch.
Join the Crew: If you find yourself traveling through Japan, come join us! I’ll take you out onto Osaka Bay to hunt for these deep-sea treasures, and afterward, we’ll turn our catch into fresh sushi and fish chowder.