CATCH AND RELEASE
Bluefin Tuna Fishing:
Will the First 7 Days of Each Month Be "Catch and Release Only"?
The Fisheries Agency's new policy for next fiscal year and "PRATIKO," the essential tool for a catch-and-release era.
Next year's tuna fishing may change significantly
On August 19, 2026, the Fisheries Agency's "Bluefin Tuna Recreational Fishing Expert Panel" presented a new management proposal for the next fiscal year (2027). Here are the details:
"For the first 7 days of each month, possession of large bluefin tuna on board is prohibited. Only release is permitted."
This means that for the first 7 days of every month, you cannot keep any bluefin tuna you catch. It will be a completely catch-and-release tuna game. Seeing this trend, I am convinced that the skill and tools for releasing bluefin tuna will become essential for future bluefin tuna fishing.
The content for the next fiscal year introduced in this article is currently a "proposal" presented by the Fisheries Agency to the expert panel on August 19, 2026. It is not yet officially decided. For confirmed information, please check the Fisheries Agency's "Bluefin Tuna Recreational Fishing Room".
Summary of the Fisheries Agency's proposal for next fiscal year
Here's a summary of the management direction for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, as presented in the expert panel document on August 19.
◆ Catch and Release for the First 7 Days of the Month (Draft)
For the first 7 days of each month, possession of large fish (30kg or more) on board is prohibited; only release is permitted. The aim is to disperse fishing opportunities. If this is implemented, it will be a significant step.
◆ Strengthening Bag Limits
A proposal has been made to revise the current "one fish per person every two months" to "one fish per person per year + one fish per boat per day."
◆ Reporting "On the Same Day"
The deadline for reporting catches will be shortened from the current "by the next day" to "on the same day of the catch." This moves towards real-time management.
◆ Lottery System Also Under Consideration for the Future
A concept where only selected individuals/boats via lottery can keep fish (those not selected can only release). Immediate implementation is deemed difficult, and the "prohibition of possession for the first 10 days of the month" serves as an interim measure.
| Item | Current (FY2026) | Proposed for Next Fiscal Year (FY2027~) |
|---|---|---|
| First 7 days of the month | Retention permitted (within limit) | Prohibited from possession on board (release only) |
| Bag Limit | 1 fish per person every 2 months | 1 fish per person per year + 1 fish per boat per day |
| Catch Report | By the day after landing | By the day of landing |
| Small Fish (under 30kg) | Year-round catch prohibited | Year-round catch prohibited (continued) |
Why are regulations becoming so strict? The reason is clear from the numbers. In June and July of this year, the monthly catch limit was exceeded on the very first day of the season. This year's recreational fishing quota started at 51.4 tons, after subtracting the excess catch from last year, and from September onwards, it's a mere 2.3 tons per month. This proposal aims to disperse opportunities, changing the current situation where it's "first-come, first-served and ends in a few days."
Incidentally, there's also some good news. At an international conference this month, it was agreed to increase the fishing quota for large fish by 25% starting in 2027. Resources are definitely recovering. That's why an era that balances "catching" and "releasing" is now required.
"PRATIKO," the essential tool for a catch-and-release era
The problem here is "how to release safely." We're talking about monsters over 30kg, even 100kg or 200kg. Releasing them by grabbing their jaw with bare hands or a towel is impossible, and an improper landing is dangerous for both the fish and the person. Even if released, it's meaningless if the fish cannot survive.
That's where AMBERJACK, as an authorized dealer, introduces the Italian-made bluefin tuna specific releaser, "PRATIKO."
▲ PRATIKO live release video
◆ Supports over 400kg
Handmade one by one by craftsman Luciano in Marche, Italy. It has the rigidity to securely hold monsters weighing over 400kg.
◆ Proven track record from North American regulations
This is a global standard releaser that has released countless Atlantic bluefin tuna in strictly regulated North America.
◆ Supplies oxygen with water flow and unhooks
While holding the fish, it supplies oxygen with water flow, removes the hook, and returns the fish to the sea in perfect condition.
◆ Complies with Fisheries Agency's catch regulations
It complies with Japan's "Bluefin Tuna Catch Regulations." It is the one and only tool that enables a catch-and-release regulation.
Its use is simple. It's designed to open when you squeeze the grip and close to firmly grasp the tuna's jaw when you release it (familiarity with operation is required, so prior practice is recommended). You can hold the fish at the side of the boat, let it swim to recover, and then release it in good health. This is truly a tool for "sustainable tuna fishing based on all-release." Prices will be revised (increased) for items arriving in autumn. Current prices are for limited stock.
| Model | Price (incl. tax) | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| SUS Tuna Releaser (XL/L/M/S) | ¥88,000〜 | In stock |
| Carbon Tuna Releaser | ¥121,000〜 | Scheduled for November arrival |
| SUS Releaser Custom Colors | ¥110,000〜 | Scheduled for mid-November arrival |
| One-touch Harness Adapter | ¥33,00nl--> | Inquire about delivery |
To prevent loss, please always secure it to the boat with a rope.
As these are handmade by Italian craftsmen, there may be slight paint irregularities or scratches. This is part of its "authenticity."
Prices have risen due to the weak yen and strong euro, but there are lives that only this tool can save.
Review: Don't forget the current rules
Before discussing next year's proposals, let's review the current rules (FY2026).
◆ Small fish are prohibited year-round
Fish under 30kg are prohibited year-round. If you catch one, release it immediately.
◆ Large fish are limited to 1 per person every 2 months
You can keep up to one large fish per person per two-month period. If you catch one, you must report it to the Fisheries Agency within the next day.
◆ Notification system already started
A notification system was introduced in April 2026. You cannot target tuna without notification (notification is required once a year).
◆ Prohibition starts "the day after announcement"
Catch prohibitions take effect the day after they are announced on the Fisheries Agency's website. Always check the latest information the day before and the morning of your fishing trip.
"The skill to release" is part of your tackle
Release only for the first 7 days of the month, one fish per person per year, and a lottery system. While next year's proposals are not yet finalized, the direction is clear. The future of bluefin tuna fishing will be "catch and release focused." The time has come when releasers will become standard equipment, just like rods, reels, and lures.
For a brighter future where resources recover and quotas increase by 25%, let's ensure each fish is returned to the sea alive and healthy. We will provide updates on this blog once the expert panel minutes and official decisions are announced!
For consultations on tuna tackle, such as choosing the right PRATIKO size, please feel free to contact us via official LINE (100% same-day response rate).
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