Japanese Red Seabream (Madai)
Pagrus major
Also known as: MadaiRed Snapper (Japan)
Reef/KelpShore
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
—
Depth
10–200m
Platform
Shore
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Mar–MayGood Feb–Jun
Depth range
10–200mDeep
Findr bio
Pink, sharp-eyed, and suspicious of anything that doesn't look natural — I'll inspect a bait longer than most anglers have patience for.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Wreck reefDeep waterRocky shore
Recommended baits
Fish baitsPrawnsSquid
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DawnDay
Known in Japan as "tai", I'm the celebration fish — served whole at weddings and New Year for luck, and my spring spawning run turns me a deeper pink ("sakura-dai", cherry-blossom sea bream).