Saltwater Β· Year-round; surf lure fishing peaks autumn to spring, boat live-bait in winter
Olive Flounder
Paralichthys olivaceus
Japan and Korea's number-one flatfish and one of Japan's most popular sea targets, taken by surf lure fishing β swimming lures worked along the bottom β and by boat live-bait fishing. A large share of the catch is honestly hatchery-released fish: olive flounder is Japan's biggest marine stocking programme. It is a left-eyed flatfish with a large mouth and sharp teeth, unlike the small-mouthed soles.
Seasons Β· Peak
Identifying features
- Both eyes on the left side of the body; eyed side olive-brown
- Large mouth reaching back under the eye, armed with sharp teeth
- Scattered dark spots on the eyed side; blind side white
- Long dorsal and anal fins fringing a muscular, oval body
- Lateral line strongly arched over the pectoral fin
Habits
- Ambushes prey from sand, often half-buried with eyes exposed
- Feeds on sardines, anchovies, sand lance and crustaceans
- Most active at dawn, dusk and on moving tides
- Juveniles grow in estuaries and shallow sandy bays
- A large share of Japanese catches are hatchery-released fish
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Kujukuri Beach surf, Chiba
- Kashima coast surf beaches, Ibaraki
- Shonan coast around Hiratsuka, Kanagawa
Where they live
How to catch them
Boat live-bait fishing over sand Boat
Rig: Downshot-style live-bait rig with a 1-2 oz sinker and a single hook through a live sardine, drifted over sand
Bait/lure: Live sardine or anchovy
Key tip: Drift with the tide over sand-reef edges and give the fish time to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Surf lure fishing Shore
Rig: Surf rod with a soft swimbait or minnow lure on a jig head, cast from sandy beaches
Bait/lure: Soft swimbait (lure)
Key tip: Work the lure slowly along the bottom with pauses; most strikes come as it lifts off after a pause.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Medium 8-10 ft surf or boat rod
- Line: 20-30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader
- Terminal: Jig heads 3/4-1 1/2 oz, live-bait rigs and single hooks size 1-2/0
Recommended gear for this species
Rod Β· Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
β US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies Β· Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
β US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library β never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 16-24 in (40-60 cm); large fish to 32 in (80 cm) and beyond
On the table
Excellent β a premium sashimi and table fish in Japan and Korea; firm, clean white flesh.
Similar species
Barfin FlounderBarfin flounder is a cold-water Hokkaido fish with dark vertical bars on the eyed side; olive flounder is unbarred olive-brown with scattered spots
Marbled SoleMarbled sole is a small-mouthed sole that eats worms and cannot take lures; olive flounder has a big predatory mouth with sharp teethRegulations vary by area and can change in-season β always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide β
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