General guidance only. For booking, fees, meeting time and whether the boat sails, always check with the boat directly.
1. Choose a boat
home page: use the trip calendar and “this weekend” to compare target fish, seats and fees, then pick a boat. Read the boat's own page too.
2. Book by phone
When to call: during the hours given on the boat's page. They often can't answer while at sea.
What to say: the date and trip (morning/afternoon), number of people, target fish, your name and a mobile number that works on the day.
If it's your first time on the boat or fishing at all, say so and they will explain.
3. Ask when booking
Meeting time and place (where to park)
What the fee includes (bait, ice, rigs, rod rental)
Bring your own ice and bait?, or can you buy them on board
Rod rental: available, and how much
Go / no-go notice: when and how it comes (e.g. the evening before)
Cancellation rules (until when is it free)
Payment (cash only?)
Specified line and sinker sizes
4. The day before
Confirm the go / no-go notice (call if none comes). Check the weather and wind forecast. If you get seasick, take medicine the night before and in the morning.
5. On the day
Meet
Go to the port
Arrive 15–30 min before the set time. Check where to park.
Check-in
Check in and pay
Give your name; pay on the spot (many boats take cash only).
Seats
Seats are assigned
By lottery, first come, or the captain's call — it varies.
Depart
Life jacket on, depart
Sit while underway and listen to the captain's briefing.
Fish
Fish on the captain's call
Drop on “dōzo”, retrieve on “agete kudasai”. Keep to the depth the captain gives.
Return
Back to port, tidy up
Take your rubbish home. Ice the fish in your cooler.
6. What to bring
Cooler box with ice
Life jacket (some boats lend them)
Towel, rain gear
Non-slip shoes, hat
Drinks, snacks
Seasickness medicine
Rubbish bag
Fish grip, pliers
7. On-board etiquette
Rules common to most boats. Each captain's own instructions come first.
Call early if you cancel or run late: phone the boat as soon as you know you cannot make it. No-shows may not be accepted next time.
Be on time: one late angler delays everyone. If you will be late, call.
Keep your life jacket on: worn the whole time on board (required by law). Many boats lend them; bring your own if you have one.
Follow the captain: seats, depth, rig and sinker sizes, the signals to drop and retrieve. Ask if unsure.
Use the boat's specified rig and sinker: mismatched sizes cause tangles with your neighbours. Check when booking.
Tangled? Say sorry and stay calm: it happens to everyone. Do not yank; let the crew sort it out if needed.
No running or shouting on board: say a word when moving about; hold the rail when it is rough.
Seasick? Do not tough it out: tell the captain early. Lean over the lee side; never inside the boat.
Take your rubbish and line home: no line, packaging or cigarette butts in the sea.
Keep what you will eat: ask the captain about releasing small fish or a big haul. Ice your catch right away.
Keep other anglers out of your photos: do not post photos showing other guests' faces. Ask before having the captain take one.
Go easy on alcohol: some boats ban drinking before or on board. Drunk anglers cause accidents.