Red seabream (Pagrus major) moves onto shallow artificial reefs and rocky bottoms as spring deepens and water temperatures rise, gathering before and after spawning. Based on the fishery outlook information released by the National Institute of Fisheries Science From spring to early summer (approximately May ~ July) This is the peak period for red seabream tairaba. The main venues are the South Sea and the West Sea There are several ways to target the same species, but the most widely used technique on boat during this period is the tairaba. June falls right in the middle of that season.
01What is a tairaba — rig structure
A tairaba may look simple, but each component has a clear role. Broadly Head · Neck tie · Skirt · Hook (tairaba hook) It consists of four elements. When dropped vertically and retrieved at a constant speed, the head sinks while the neck tie and skirt flutter in the current, attracting red seabream.
02Key technique — constant‑speed reeling
The beginning and end of a tairaba are Constant‑speed reeling to reel in at a steady speed. Maintaining a consistent speed is essential; if the speed varies, the neck tie and skirt’s movement is interrupted and the red seabream stops biting. Unlike a lure that ‘provides’ action, the constant rhythm itself is the action, which defines the tairaba rig.
When it touches the bottom, do not leave it there, immediately reel it up at a steady speed And even if a bite is felt at the tip, the proper technique is not to hookset immediately. Thanks to the tairaba hook structure, continuous reeling at the same speed naturally hooks as the red seabream takes the bait and turns. A premature hookset will instead pull the hook out.
There is no ‘right’ reeling speed. The key is to find the speed that the red seabream responds to that day. Whatever speed you choose, the essential point is to maintain the chosen speed consistently to the end.
03Rig specifications and head weight
Rig specifications
How to choose head weight
The criteria for head weight are simple. The minimum weight that can detect the bottom with a 'tap' Likewise, even at the same spot, increase the weight when the current speeds up and decrease it when it slows to maintain verticality.
- Shallow depth · weak current: Start with the lighter side (60~80 g). If too heavy, it embeds in the bottom and the appeal dies.
- Deep depth · strong current: Use the heavier side (100~150 g). If too light, the rig drifts with the current and cannot hold the bottom.
- If the rig flows obliquely: Raise the weight one level to regain verticality.
04Point — where
The point of red seabream tairaba is Artificial reef or rock reef at depths of 30–80 m Likewise, red seabream attach to areas where the bottom terrain is rugged and undulating. In offshore trips in the South Sea and West Sea, the captain’s detection of fish schools highlights terrain change points as key, and catches are better around artificial reefs and weed beds than on flat sandy bottoms.
Bites gather during tides when the current flows. When the water is completely still like at high tide, the movement of the necktie and skirt weakens and bites decrease. Check the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries tide tables for the fishing date in advance, and target time periods when a suitable current is flowing.
05Three common mistakes
- Start with a hookset on the bite— The pah‑needle hooks when you keep reeling. Even if you feel a bite, do not hookset; continue reeling at the same speed.
- Inconsistent reeling speed— If the speed fluctuates, the necktie’s motion stops. Maintain the set speed continuously.
- Do not change the head weight— If the current changes but you insist on the same weight, the rig will embed in the bottom or drift. Adjust to a weight that gives a 'tap' feeling on the bottom.
06Safety line
Red seabream tairaba is a fishing method that repeats the same motion for long periods on the boat. When the deck is wet on‑boat slipping pay special attention, and always wear a life jacket. In June the South Sea begins to be affected by the monsoon front, so check the Korea Meteorological Administration marine weather information before departure and postpone trips on days with high wind or wave heights.
Tairaba is a fishing style that values consistency over flashy action. Master constant‑speed reeling and head weight, and the rhythm of the June red seabream season will fall into place.