January
Deep sea jigging. Amberjack, coral grouper and rock fish are the targets. Squid (Tip Run) is also in season, though not yet at its peak.
Okinawa Fishing Seasons: What You Can Catch, Month by Month
Okinawa has fishing all twelve months of the year — there is no closed season here. What changes is the target. January to June is deep sea jigging for amberjack and grouper. April to June brings GT and squid together, which is the strongest window of the year. July to October is hairtail and light jigging. October to December is GT again, and squid returns from December.
If you already know when you are coming, jump to your month below.
Month by month
February
Deep sea jigging continues. Same targets: amberjack, coral grouper, rock fish. Squid still available.
March
Deep sea jigging. Amberjack and grouper remain the main catch. Squid season continues and begins building toward its April peak.
April
The year's strongest month. GT enters its peak, squid (Tip Run) enters its peak, and deep sea jigging is still in its peak period. Three good fisheries overlap.
May
Same as April — GT peak, squid peak, jigging peak. If you can only come once, April to mid June is the window.
June
GT peak continues, squid runs through mid June, jigging peak runs through June. After mid June the squid season closes.
July
The season turns. Giant hairtail opens, and SLJ (super light jigging) enters its peak. GT is still available and in one of its peak stretches.
August
Giant hairtail and SLJ. Both in season, both productive. GT remains available year-round.
September
Giant hairtail and SLJ continue. The last full month before GT re-enters its autumn peak.
October
Three fisheries again: GT returns to peak, giant hairtail is still running, and SLJ is in its final peak month.
November
GT peak continues. Giant hairtail runs through the end of the month.
December
GT peak, and the squid (Tip Run) season opens again. Hairtail closes.
By method
GT Fishing (Giant Trevally)
Season: year-round. Peak: April–July and October–December.
The signature Okinawa target. Requires heavy tackle and long-distance casting experience — this is the one plan where prior experience matters. Maximum 4 casters per charter.
Deep Sea Jigging
Peak: January–June.
Amberjack (kanpachi), coral grouper (suziara) and rock fish. The main winter and spring fishery.
Tip Run (Squid)
Season: December – mid June. Peak: April – mid June.
Bigfin reef squid (aori) and red monster squid.
Giant Hairtail (Tachiuo)
Season: July – November.
The summer and autumn fishery.
SLJ (Super Light Jigging)
Peak: July – October.
Reef fish, pelagics and a wide mix of species. Light tackle, easy on beginners.
Gomeoku Tenya
Season: year-round.
Snapper, reef fish, emperor fish and other bottom species. Available any month.
You don't have to pick — the captain will
There is no closed season in Okinawa. Whatever week you arrive, something is running.
So you do not need to study this page and choose a method yourself. Tell us two things — your dates, and how much fishing you have done — and the captain decides what to target. He has been fishing these waters for over thirty years, and he is reading things this page cannot show you: where the fish actually are that week, which coast the wind is on, and what a group of your experience level will get the most out of.
If you have never fished before: say so. There is no wrong answer here, and the captain would much rather know in advance. The shared boat experience from Kadena runs year-round and is built for first-timers.
If you fish seriously and want the biggest fish: say that too. April–July and October–December is when GT is at peak, and GT is the one target that needs heavy tackle and long-distance casting experience.
If you want the widest choice: April to mid June is the strongest window of the year — GT, squid and deep sea jigging all peak at the same time.
Send your dates and we will come back with what the captain recommends.
FAQ
Is there a closed season for fishing in Okinawa?
No. Charters run all year. GT and gomeoku tenya are available every month, and every month has at least one method at or near its peak.
What is the best month to fish in Okinawa?
April to mid June, if you can choose freely. GT, squid and deep sea jigging all peak in that window at the same time. But every month has something running, so the better question is what to target on your dates — send them to us and the captain will advise.
Which plan should I book?
You don't have to decide. Tell us your dates and your fishing experience, and the captain picks the target based on conditions that week and what suits your group.
What can I catch in Okinawa in winter?
January to March is deep sea jigging season — amberjack, coral grouper and rock fish. Squid is also in season, and GT is available year-round.
What can I catch in Okinawa in summer?
July to September is giant hairtail and SLJ. GT is in a peak stretch through July.
Do I need experience to fish in Okinawa?
Only for GT, which requires heavy tackle and long-distance casting experience. Every other method is fine for first-timers, and all tackle is provided or available to rent.
Can I eat what I catch?
Yes. Fresh catch can be prepared as sashimi on board, or taken back to your hotel.
Send us your dates and your fishing experience — the captain will tell you what to target.
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