Introduction
Eight catch photographs from this boat: seven flat fish, often one in each hand, and one long, silver, ribbon-like fish.
Infini sails from Soma Port in Fukushima out into the Pacific, on two boats, Infini and Infini III, mostly on shared trips. According to its website, the boat was refitted in April 2022 and fitted with the latest equipment.
It holds a 4.7-star rating across 14 Google reviews. The boat takes bookings by phone only, and that Japanese back-and-forth is the part I take off your hands.
The Fishing Experience – Step by Step 🎣
- Book through me — The boat only takes bookings by phone, so I'll handle that in Japanese. Bookings open at 15:00 on the 1st of each month for trips three months ahead, and one reviewer says weekends fill up fast.
- Wait for the call — The captain decides the evening before, from the weather forecast, whether the boat sails, and phones to confirm. I'll take that call for you.
- Arrive 30 minutes early — Be in front of the boat at least 30 minutes before departure. Seats are drawn by lot at that point; latecomers get whatever seats are left.
- Fish with live sardines — On the flounder trips, live sardines are the bait; the fare includes about 25 to 35 of them.
- Measure before you keep — Flounder under 50 cm go back into the sea.
Fishing Methods & Target Species
In autumn, the boat's catch reports are almost all flounder. On 13 October it reported 88 flounder for the boat, with 60 kept at 50 cm or over and 28 released; on 5 October, 166. The reports include a 95 cm fish on 11 October.
- Flounder with live sardines — The main autumn trip, near Soma or further out.
- Red sea bream — With tenya (a weighted hook rig baited with shrimp), jigs or tai-rubber (a weighted skirted lure).
- Horse mackerel — Ajibishi, a weighted chum-basket rig.
- Rockfish and deeper water — Black rockfish, offshore rockfish and blackthroat seaperch trips.
- Spear squid, cutlassfish and octopus — Each with its own trip in season.
- Jigging — For yellowtail, amberjack, rockfish and sea bream.
The size rule matters. The website says that from Shinchi southwards, fishers and charter boats alike have agreed not to take, sell or market flounder under 50 cm, measured with the mouth closed. Greenling under 25 cm go back too. The website says Fukushima kept stocking flounder after the disaster, and that flounder are now plentiful.
In the photos, a man in a blue shirt holds a spotted flat fish in each hand, and a man in a blue vest hugs a big mottled one. A woman in a pink top and a wide-brimmed hat holds one in each hand, with the boat's name on the cabin behind her. A man in white bib trousers lifts a big one with both hands, a woman and a man in white each hold one, and a woman in a red and black jacket holds two. In the last shot, a man in a blue camouflage jacket and bucket hat holds up the long silver fish. I won't name species from photos, though the boat's reports at this time of year are nearly all flounder.
🗣️ What Reviewers Say About This Charter
A first-timer at Soma Port says the trip was stress-free and seat allocation went smoothly; bites were slow that day, but the captain worked hard to chase the fish.
— a Google reviewer
A regular who rides a few times a year says the captains of both Infini and Infini III are good people, the boats are roomy and comfortable, and the catches are excellent — but weekends fill up fast, so book early.
— a Google reviewer
Another calls the captain a dedicated expert who teaches methods and rigs carefully, so first-timers can relax, and says the boat and cabin are kept clean.
— a Google reviewer
Reservation, Access & Pricing
Official Links ✨
- Official website: https://zekkouchou.com/soma-infini/
- Restaurant on Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/fukushima/A0704/A070403/7000123/
Important:
Read the full pricing and schedule section before reserving — the departure time varies by season and by trip type!
Budget Guide 💴
A day aboard Infini runs $200–$300 per person. That covers arranging the trip, negotiating the booking with the boat in Japanese, and English-language support before and on the day.
The boat prices its shared trips per person by target and distance, with trips further out costing more. On the rental question the website contradicts itself: the price page says there is no rental gear and asks you to bring your own, while a note further down mentions renting two or three rods on some trips. I'll check which applies when I book. The boat doesn't sell rigs or sinkers, so bring sinkers (both 80 and 100 for flounder), ice and a battery for an electric reel. The website says a tackle shop near the port opens early in the morning.
Fishing Difficulty 🎯
Solo Travelers · Couples & Small Groups · Age limits and group minimums are set by each boat
Tackle rules differ too — some boats hire out rods and reels, some hire out nothing but life jackets. I confirm this boat's rules with the operator before you book; what is already confirmed for this one is in the Schedule section above.
Note: Catch results depend on nature — success is never guaranteed!
Schedule 🕘
The website gives no fixed departure or return time; it changes with the season and is confirmed on the phone. Be in front of the boat 30 minutes before departure for the seat draw; groups of three or more may be placed by the captain.
A few things to know before you book. Wear rubber boots: the boat warns that flip-flops and worn clogs are slippery, and that bare feet risk a hook when a flounder thrashes. The boat also asks you not to board in boots with metal studs or in heels. A sakura-mark Type A life jacket must be worn from boarding until you are back on land. Only one rod in the water at a time, and take your rubbish home. Cancelling the day before costs half the fare; on the day, or without notice, the full fare.
The boats have a flush toilet, air-conditioned cabins, heaters under the fishing seats, a 3D fish finder, collision-avoidance AIS, a satellite phone and a spare GPS. Infini takes up to 14 anglers and Infini III up to 12.
What to Bring 🎒
☀️ Spring/Summer: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, plenty of water, and light snacks. The deck is fully exposed — no shade. Stay hydrated, especially on early-morning departures and the return leg.
❄️ Autumn/Winter: The sea is colder than on land. Dress at least two layers warmer than you would ashore, and bring a windproof outer layer.
👟 Footwear: Water-resistant shoes or sandals that can get wet and won't slip on a wet deck.
📦 Optional: Motion sickness tablets if you're prone to seasickness, a towel, a change of clothes, and a camera.
🚚 For travelers continuing to another city: Cool-pack delivery of your catch to your next accommodation can be arranged on request.
Full seasonal gear details: Spring/Summer Gear Guide · Autumn/Winter Gear Guide
How to Get to Infini
The boat sails from Soma Port in Haragama, Soma. Soma Station on the JR Joban Line is 5.8 km away, about 13 minutes by car, and Sendai Airport is 46.5 km, about 42 minutes by car. Parking is free: unload in front of the boat, then park along the quay on the road side.
The boat is run by Nobutaka Sato, who has loved fishing for years, fished almost every day on a boat their father owned, and learned in Miyagi, Yamagata and Akita as well as at home; Infini III is skippered by Captain Monma.
Matsukawaura sits right next to the port. Hama no Eki Matsukawaura, the Soma Reconstruction Market, is 1.6 km away, about four minutes by car (3.9 across 2,458 Google reviews). Matsukawaura Bridge is 1.9 km, about four minutes (4.0, 451 reviews), and Unoosaki Lighthouse 2.9 km, about five minutes (4.0, 389 reviews). In the Nakamura area of Soma City, Soma Nakamura Shrine is 6.4 km, about 13 minutes (4.2, 613 reviews), and Baryo Park, the site of Soma Nakamura Castle, 6.6 km, about 14 minutes (3.9, 203 reviews). Hibarigahara Festival Field in Minamisoma City, where the Soma Nomaoi horse festival is held, is 26.0 km, about 38 minutes by car (4.2, 525 reviews).
For a street of thatched roofs like the one in the photo, Ouchi-juku, an old post town in Shimogo in the Aizu region, holds 4.2 across 19,590 Google reviews — but it is 169.8 km from the port, about 2 hours 42 minutes by car, so it is not a side trip from Soma. I can't tell whether the photo was taken there. I haven't checked admission or opening hours, so look those up before you go.
Dinner After the Charter – Takohachi, Open for Lunch 🍚
The restaurant I pair with this boat is Takohachi (たこ八), a seafood restaurant by Matsukawaura run by Kaneyo Suisan, a Soma seafood company, next to its own fish shop — 2.4 km from the port, about five minutes by car. Its website says it serves a wide range of fresh fish, starting with the local surf clam, hokki. It holds a 4.0-star rating across 2,215 Google reviews.
One reviewer describes very fresh seafood set meals and rice bowls, a choice of two mini bowls, hokki-meshi (rice cooked with surf clam) with a broth-scented rice, ordering by tablet, and an upstairs room where you can eat with a view; it is popular, so expect a wait at busy times. Another says the hokki sashimi, hokki tempura and hokki-meshi were all delicious.
It is open for lunch only: weekdays 11:00–14:30 (last order 14:00), weekends and holidays 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30), with irregular closing days (its website). It takes reservations and cards, and has parking for 20 cars (Tabelog). The boat doesn't publish a return time, so I'll ask the captain whether you can make the last order.
Whether they will cook a catch you carry in yourself hasn't been confirmed — neither the website nor Tabelog says. Please don't build the day around it; if it matters to you, I'll ring them and ask before you book.
Why Book Your Charter Through Me?
Most Japanese fishing boats accept reservations only in Japanese.
Partner restaurants typically do not advertise "cook-your-catch" or sushi-making courses on public-facing menus.
That's why I handle all direct negotiations and arrangements — so your day runs without friction.
- ✅ I contact the captain directly in Japanese to confirm your date, party size, and preferred fishing style.
- ✅ Before departure, I'll walk you through the full day schedule so you arrive confident and prepared.
- ✅ I coordinate the dining experience and meal timing at the partner restaurant so everything connects seamlessly.
- ✅ I handle any allergy, dietary, or special-requirements communication with the restaurant.
- ✅ If bad weather forces a cancellation, I'll immediately propose alternative sightseeing options so your day isn't wasted.
- ✅ On-call support in English throughout the day for anything that comes up.
- ✅ I am the only guide in Japan specialising in fishing + dining packages for international travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- "I want to try fishing in Japan but have absolutely no idea where to start." 👉 That is exactly what I am here for — guiding international travelers through the whole process is my specialty.
- "I only have one day here. Can I really fit fishing into my itinerary?" 👉 Often, yes — but departure and return times vary enormously, from pre-dawn starts to trips that finish after dark. See the Schedule section above for this boat, tell me your dates, and I'll work out what fits around the rest of your trip.
- "Is it safe for kids and beginners?" 👉 Wearing a life jacket is the rule on Japanese charter boats, and many of the boats I work with take complete beginners. Age limits are set by each operator, though, and some do not take children at all — so check the Schedule section above, or ask me and I'll confirm before you book.
- "I don't speak any Japanese. Will I be able to manage on the boat?" 👉 Of course. I brief you thoroughly in English beforehand and stay in contact throughout the day for anything that comes up.
- "Can I rent fishing gear on the day?" 👉 It depends on the boat. Some hire out rods and reels; others hire out nothing but life jackets and expect you to arrive with your own tackle. I check what this boat does before you book, and if you need to bring your own I'll pass on the exact specifications it asks for.
- "What if the weather is bad on my day?" 👉 Safety always comes first. If the charter is cancelled due to rough seas, I'll have an alternative day plan ready for you immediately.
- "Do all plans require a minimum group size?" 👉 It varies by boat and by plan — some take solo anglers on a shared boat, while a private charter often sets a minimum. Tell me your party size and I'll find the plans that work for it.
Summary
A two-boat outfit out of Soma Port on the Pacific — autumn flounder on live sardines, plus sea bream, squid, rockfish and cutlassfish in season — with a 50 cm size limit on the flounder you keep.
Then a seafood lunch by Matsukawaura, about five minutes by car from the port. If you'd like to fish Fukushima, get in touch and I'll make the call for you.
👉 中文咨询请点击此处 ※使用翻译软件进行处理
Review excerpts on this page are paraphrased from public reviews (mainly Google reviews) of the boat and restaurant. Prices, schedules and details are confirmed at the time of booking.
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