Ishigaki Squid Egging Tour | To a Hidden Rocky Shore
Walk, cast, and walk again across the shallows that appear when the tide goes out. On Ishigaki, bigfin reef squid are hunted with a style mainland anglers rarely know: run-and-gun in the low-tide shallows. Past the jungle and rocks, at a shore nobody visits, it's just you and Hamachan.
Tour Highlights
Ishigaki's bigfin reef squid come right into the shallow reef at low tide. Instead of waiting in deep water, you walk the shallows with the tide, find where the squid are, and cast. This is Hamachan's shallow run-and-gun. The spot is a hidden shore nobody fishes, so the squid are not shy.
The season runs from November to March. November and December bring steady catches around 600–700 g — the most fun time for egging. From January, big squid over 1 kg join in; Hamachan's record is 3 kg. Whatever the month, he guides you to what works best right then.
Footing, tide and the way back are all judged by Hamachan, who grew up on this sea. Rod, reel, egi lures, a floating vest and magnetic-sole shoes are all provided, so first-timers can join empty-handed. When the squid go quiet, you can also try light lures for fish at your feet.
Tour Itinerary
- Meet & Briefing (20 min) - We choose the route from the day's tide and wind and fit your floating vest and shoes. Quick lesson on casting and jerking the egi.
- To the Hidden Shore (30–60 min) - Through jungle and over rocks on a route only Hamachan knows, to a shore nobody visits. The walk itself is an adventure.
- Shallow Run & Gun for Squid (150–180 min) - Walk the shallows with the falling tide and cast where squid are likely to be. Hamachan teaches jerking and how to feel a bite on the spot.
- Break on the Rocks (30 min) - Snack time in the sea breeze, with Hamachan's homemade island rice balls.
- Return, Photos & Finish - A souvenir photo with the squid you caught. You can take your squid home (ask us about shipping and other options). Photo data sent later.
What's Included
- Eging rod & reel set
- Egi lures & light game lures
- Floating game vest
- Grip-sole shoes
- Light meal (island rice balls) & drinks
- Photo data
- Take home the squid you catch (ask us about shipping)
