Saltwater · Year-round; spring and autumn peaks on reefs and sand edges
Crimson Seabream
Evynnis japonica
A standard boat 'gomoku' mixed-bag seabream in Japan, fished alongside the red seabream. It is a deep crimson fish with notably long dorsal spines. Unlike young red seabream, it has no blue spots.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Deep crimson-red body, silvery below
- Long dorsal spines, especially the front spines, longer than in red seabream
- No blue spots — young red seabream show blue spots, this fish does not
- Steep head and a fairly deep, compressed body
- Forked tail with pointed lobes
Habits
- Lives over reefs and nearby sand edges
- Feeds on shrimp, small crabs, worms and small shellfish
- Often taken in mixed gomoku catches with red seabream and other seabreams
- A close relative, the rennkodai (Dentex tumifrons in general usage), is a similar yellowish-red seabream of the same boat grounds
- Moves with seasonal temperature and is active in spring and autumn peaks
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Seto Inland Sea reef and sand-edge grounds
- Sagami Bay boat grounds
- Suruga Bay reef edges
Where they live
How to catch them
Boat gomoku bottom fishing Boat
Rig: Mixed-bag gomoku rig with small hooks over reefs and sand edges from a boat
Bait/lure: Shrimp, worm or squid pieces
Key tip: Use small, neat baits and fish several depths around reef edges.
Tenbin fishing on reef edges Boat
Rig: Tenbin rig fished on sand edges beside reefs from a drifting boat
Bait/lure: Shrimp and squid strips
Key tip: Keep the rig close to the bottom and move along the reef edge.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light to medium boat rod
- Line: 20-30 lb braid
- Terminal: Gomoku and tenbin rigs, size 9-12 hooks, sinkers matched to depth
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 8-12 in (20-30 cm); large fish to about 14 in (35 cm)
On the table
Good — firm white flesh, grilled, simmered or as sashimi from fresh fish.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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