Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC NOAA Photo Library / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Hyporhamphus sajori
Japanese Halfbeak
Saltwater
About this species
A slender surface fish with a long, needle-like lower jaw, common in Korean bays and harbors. It skims just under the surface, feeding on plankton and drifting particles. Very light float rigs with tiny hooks and berley bring lively, delicate sport.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 10 m
Habitat Spots
NearshoreHarborEstuary
Fishing Methods
FloatBottom
Bait & Rig
Very light float rigs with tiny hooks baited with bread paste, seaweed or small shrimp pieces, fished just under the surface with berley.
Edibility & Taste
Delicate, sweet flesh excellent as sashimi and tempura; a distinctive black peritoneum inside the body is removed before eating.
Similar Species
Japanese halfbeak has only the lower jaw elongated; needlefish (Strongylura anastomella) has both jaws equally elongated and is much larger and faster.
Record Weight
0.15 kg