A beginner challenges sea fishing with only Daiso fishing gear! Can the family enjoy it for 1870 yen?

A fishing novice takes on their first sea fishing experience using only three items from Daiso (fishing rod, rig, bait). With the help of their family through numerous mishaps, they enjoyed their time in nature. What was the catch?

First fishing trip, and I got fishing gear from Daiso

On a holiday, my family had a discussion about "let's go fishing." While we have experienced fishermen in our household, I myself have never gone fishing. I had yearned for the sight of casting a line by the seaside, but it seemed difficult to gather the equipment.

"I shouldn't buy expensive fishing gear suddenly if I might not be able to use it well." With that thought, I only purchased the essential minimum three items sold at Daiso and am challenging myself to my first fishing experience.

You can't start without this, fishing rod for 1100 yen

First, I chose a metallic blue telescopic fishing rod. It's light and easy to hold, and the line was already wound on the reel. The simplicity of "you can fish with just this one" is reassuring for beginners. When I took it out of the bag and held it, I felt, "this is more serious than I thought."

Product name / Fishing rod (metallic blue)
Price / 1100 yen
Material / Rod: fiberglass Grip: EVA resin Line: 100% nylon
Size / 13cm × 8cm × 180cm
● Daiso Industries

The set with a sinker, weight, and hook is 110 yen.

Next, I picked up the "Light Casting Tackle Set." It includes a balance (tenbin), weight, and hooks all in one package, with an illustration of how to assemble it on the back of the bag.

Without having to spend time wondering "which one should I choose?" in the fishing gear section, I was equipped for fishing with just this one item.

Product Name: Light Casting Tackle Set (No. 7, with weight and balance, 2 hooks x 1 set)
Price: 110 yen
Material: Hooks: Carbon Steel, Weights: Lead, Line: 100% Nylon
Size: 12cm x 1.5cm x 110cm
● Daisou Sangyou

I purchased three types of bait for now, totaling 660 yen

Bait is essential for fishing. This time, I tried three types from the room temperature-storable "Hit-kun" series (3 bags). There is squid, clams, and another type which is a red-dyed squid. All of them are packaged in palm-sized small bags, and they look compact. Even as a beginner in fishing, they seemed easy to handle.

I bought three bags intending to catch a lot, but I actually used only the red squid and clams. The squid has a bit of elasticity, and when I touch it with my fingertips, it has a moist and soft feel. The clams are small but emit the genuine scent of shellfish, which piqued my interest, "Will fish really be attracted by this?"

I already started dreaming about what kind of fish might come near before I even cast my line. It was more realistic than it appeared, and just standing by the shore elevated my spirits.

Product Name: Room Temperature Storable Live Bait Hit-kun (Squid, Red)
Price: 220 yen
Material: American Red Giant Squid (Genus: American Red Giant Squid, Species: American Red Giant Squid)
Size: 9cm x 14.5cm x 0.7cm
Content Weight: Solid about 18g

Product Name: Room Temperature Storable Bait Hit-kun (Clam, Natural)
Price: 220 yen
Material: ABS Resin, Polystyrene
Size: 9cm x 14.5cm x 0.7cm
Content Weight: Solid 10g

● Daisou Sangyou

Alright, let's fish! But before that, a trouble emerges

We arrived at the seaside, extended the rod, and prepared. The reel was already attached, so I thought, "All I have to do is cast," but when I tried to turn the handle... it wouldn't move at all.

In a panic, I checked, wondering, "Is it stuck?" and found that the screw securing the handle of the reel was loose, meaning the handle wasn't firmly attached to the main body. In other words, the reel was still partially assembled. After tightening the screw, the handle turned smoothly, and finally, the reel started functioning normally. "Now I can finally fish!" I sighed in relief.

However, this time I noticed that the joint between the rod and reel was slightly wobbly. It seemed that the nut securing the reel to the rod was also a bit loose, and as my family laughed, saying, "If you'd cast like that, the reel would have come off," I firmly tightened it again.

My first fishing experience began with tightening screws. Such small troubles, fixed with the help of my family, have now become a memorable moment.

Casting, waiting, and just looking at the sea.

Finally, I cast the line and let the thread dangle into the sea. The sound of the weight dropping on the water’s surface was surprisingly pleasant, and just watching the float sway with the waves made time flow slowly.

"Are you catching anything?" "Shall we reel it in a bit more?" we called out to each other as a family, taking turns holding the rod. The children were excited even with a slight movement of the line, exclaiming, "Something might be coming!" Spending that time feeling the sea breeze was enjoyable enough just by lowering the thread into the water.

The catch of the day was zero, but the experience gained was like a fishing enthusiast’s diary.

In the end, we weren't able to catch any fish that day. However, learning how to handle the fishing rod, setting up the bait, and standing by the sea feeling the wind and waves became a special experience in itself.

Even with just under 1500 yen, the value of spending time with family while being creative doesn't change. Rather, realizing that "this is how fishing starts" enhanced the enjoyment of thinking, "What kind of fish should we aim for next?"

Reflecting on the fishing experience, I realized that even with simple tools, the experience gained is quite genuine. The thrill of attaching the bait, the stillness while waiting with the line in the water, and the moments of laughter shared with family were all first-time sensations.

You can enjoy the sea just fine with a little equipment and curiosity, without needing to gather expensive fishing gear. This fishing experience turned out to be a day that reminded me of such simple happiness.

Writing and reporting by SYURI

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