On June 1st, sweetfish fishing was allowed in many rivers in Kochi Prefecture. It is a typical summer leisure activity in Kochi that attracts many people from inside and outside the prefecture, but every year there are accidents where anglers are swept away. On the 27th, we will tell you about the points to be careful of when enjoying water leisure activities, including sweetfish fishing.

Ayu fishing was opened in three rivers in the prefecture, including the Shinjo River, in mid-May, and in many other rivers, including the Niyodo River and Nahari River, on June 1st. Many anglers, attracted by the beautiful mountain stream scenery and the beautiful ayu, visit the prefecture every year.

■From Ehime
“We arrived here around 6 o’clock. The mountains are beautiful, nature is abundant, and the water is clean, so the sweetfish are delicious.”

Although it is Ayu fishing, drowning accidents while fishing occur almost every year. According to the prefectural police, in 2023, there were seven fishing-related accidents in the river, and four people died. Most of the accidents were thought to have occurred while Ayu fishing.

Why do accidents occur while sweetfish fishing? We asked Hiroya Okazaki, director of the Niyodogawa Fisheries Association, about the causes.

This is the Niyodo River, known for its high quality and crystal clear water. You can see the underwater scenery and even the stones on the riverbed very well, but this transparency can sometimes be deadly.

■Niyodogawa Fisheries Association Director Yuya Okazaki
“I want people to realize that rivers with clear water are deeper than they think. The clearer and more transparent the water, the greater the illusion of depth, so I think it’s important to enter the water calmly and without haste.”

This spot doesn’t look deep from the shore, but when you actually go in and measure it, it’s about 50cm deep, about knee-deep for an adult.

It is said that the clear water and refraction of light can sometimes cause people to misjudge the depths and panic.

■ Reporter Rintaro Nonaka
“When I actually tried walking, I felt like my knees were being pushed down all the time, and I think it would be difficult for a beginner to even walk without help.”

It is also important to be aware of “changes in the river.” The topography of the riverbed changes every year due to the water flow, so places that were shallow last year may not be shallow this year. Okazaki says that when moving through the river, people should not be limited by their own experience, but should pay attention to changes in the riverbed.

■Niyodogawa Fisheries Association Director Yuya Okazaki
“You need to keep in mind that as the water level rises, the stones on the riverbed move. Shallow areas become deeper and deep areas become shallower, and the current that was pushing against the right bank will push against the left bank. Please keep in mind that the flow of the river changes every time the water level rises.”

However, if you are swept away, it is important to remain calm and act accordingly.

■Niyodogawa Fisheries Association Director Yuya Okazaki
“It’s designed to float so that sweetfish can be put in.”

“When swimming, your feet get tangled in the rope, and you get completely stuck and can’t swim. This is also a cause of trouble.”

“If you panic, you might not know what to do, and that’s the scariest thing. I think it’s important not to rush or panic.”

Next, we asked a fishing tackle shop in Kochi City about life jackets that will help you enjoy sweetfish fishing safely.