Try Wakasagi Fishing in Furano

Some of you may have seen “wakasagi fishing” on TV, in which a hole is made in a frozen lake and a line is dropped into the hole.
In fact, Hokkaido is one of the most famous places for wakasagi fishing, which is a winter specialty.
During the wakasagi fishing season from late December to March, wakasagi fishing fans from all over Japan gather in Hokkaido.

Such wakasagi fishing is very popular here in Furano!
In fact, Furano is one of the most famous wakasagi fishing spots in Hokkaido.

So, this time, we would like to introduce you to a few things you may not know about wakasagi fishing.
We have compiled a list of the basics of wakasagi fishing that many of you may not be aware of at this point.

What is Wakasagi Fishing? Why it’s so popular?

All you have to do is sit back! Beginner-friendly wakasagi fishing

Many people have seen wakasagi fishing on TV or in books, but do not know how it is actually done.
Wakasagi fishing is a very simple activity.
You lure the fish by attaching bait or a lure (artificial bait) to a hook.

But to be honest, the charm of wakasagi fishing is that you just hang out a fishing rod and the fish will often bite the bait on their own.
Of course, I may be offended if I tell this to hard-core wakasagi fishing fans, but even those who are new to wakasagi fishing can catch fish relatively easily.

Furano Wakasagi Fishing Tour is recommended for first-timers!

I’ve never been wakasagi fishing before, and I’ve never fished before, so I want a guide to give me full support on everything from how to put on bait to how to handle a fishing rod! – if this is the case, join a wakasagi fishing tour.
Most of the tours introduced on Basho Trip are the same, but basically all the fishing equipment is provided.

If you join a wakasagi fishing tour, the guide will basically set up your gear for you, so all you have to do is prepare as instructed.
Wakasagi are basically schooled fish, so all you have to do is wait for the school to migrate.
That said, the experience of catching a fish yourself is still exciting!
When you catch a fish, it is sure to be a big hit, regardless of whether you are an adult or a child.

 

Recommendations for Wakasagi Fishing in Furano

Three types of wakasagi fishing

There are actually three types of wakasagi fishing methods.

The first is wakasagi fishing aboard a dome or houseboat in a warm and comfortable environment.
The second is boat wakasagi fishing, where you fish from a boat while enjoying the boat.
The third and most popular method is called “ice hole fishing,” which is enjoyed in winter on frozen lakes and rivers.

One of the most attractive features of Hokkaido is the scenery covered with snow.
During such cold and snowy winters, lakes with beautiful clear water in summer turn into fishing grounds with thick ice.
Ice hole fishing is done by drilling a hole in the ice with a special tool.

Basho Trip offers two types of wakasagi fishing tours in Furano: one in which you drill the holes yourself, and the other in which a guide will do it for you.
Whether you want to enjoy drilling holes by yourself or ask a guide to do it for you, you can choose whichever you prefer.
Just the thought of ice fishing while looking out at the pure white lake and snowy landscape as far as the eye can see is very exciting!

Not only fishing, but also eating!

Catching wakasagi is fun, but the main part of wakasagi fishing is enjoying wakasagi tempura after catching them! Or rather, this is the main fishing + tempura activity.
One of the best parts of wakasagi fishing is eating fresh wakasagi you caught yourself as tempura.
The taste of hot and crispy tempura in the cold winter environment of Hokkaido is fantastic.
If you don’t have a car to drive, you may want to bring beer and snacks to enjoy.

Of course, you can sample freshly caught wakasagi tempura when you go wakasagi-fishing, which we introduce on our Basho Trip.
After fishing, people often enjoy tempura with a beer in one hand and a smile on their face!

Eating Wakasagi Tempura while enjoying the winter scenery is one of the unique ways to enjoy Hokkaido.
It will truly be a page in your life’s memories!

Families, couples, and everyone else can get excited about wakasagi fishing!

When you travel to Hokkaido in winter with your family or loved ones, you tend to do activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, but while skiing or snowboarding, you basically cannot talk while you are skiing or snowboarding, which reduces the opportunities for conversation with your family or loved ones.
But for those of you who want to have a good conversation with your family or loved ones, don’t worry about that with wakasagi fishing!

Since wakasagi fishing is basically sitting in one tent with everyone else, you can have a lot of conversation, compete with each other to see how many fish you catch, and have a lot of fun!
Of course, Basho Trip’s guides will provide you with a tent for wakasagi fishing, so you don’t need to bring anything.
Whether you have small children or are a couple, you don’t need to worry about heavy luggage at all.

What to wear and bring for wakasagi fishing in Furano

When wakasagi fishing in Furano, it is important to be well-protected against the cold, and not just because you are in a tent!
If the cold prevents you from enjoying wakasagi fishing, you are missing the whole point.
While it is good to layer up with a winter coat, fleece, or down jacket, the recommended clothing is ski wear that is close to the environment in which you will be using it.
It’s the easiest and warmest after all.

Even if you want to be more fashionable, take good measures to protect your feet from the cold.
A warmer to put in your shoes is especially useful.
And of course, don’t forget gloves and a hat!

Also, there is a possibility that your clothes will get a little dirty while fishing, so basically avoid expensive clothes, pure white clothes, or super-favorite clothes.
If you don’t have ski wear or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, please consider our activity plans that allow you to rent them for a fee.

Also, when wakasagi fishing during the daytime, you will get quite sunburned, even in winter, because of the strong sunlight in the all-white world.
If you are concerned about sunburn, it is a good idea to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.

Enjoy wakasagi fishing in Furano!

While there are many popular winter sports in Hokkaido, such as skiing and snowboarding, wakasagi fishing, introduced here, is one of the most popular winter activities among Hokkaido residents!
Wakasagi fishing is both fun to catch and delicious to eat, and it is sure to be a wonderful memory of your trip.
From small children to adults, everyone can enjoy fishing for wakasagi without losing track of time.
Why not give it a try？

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip