Robson starts his Japanese adventure with an early morning visit to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji market – the largest fish market in the world. Ten per cent of all the fish caught across the globe pass through this vast emporium, which takes millions of pounds every day. Some 400 different types of seafood are sold here – amongst them the highly poisonous fugu, or blowfish. “It says a lot about the Japanese that their favourite delicacy is a fish that could send you six feet under,” reflects Robson. “And they’ll pay up to a hundred quid for the pleasure!”
Unfortunately for him, Robson’s experience of the iconic fugu does not end at Tsukiji. The following morning, the Geordie joins a local fisherman for a perilous trip into the unknown. “It’s bewildering and petrifying at the same time,” he says. Having donned several layers of protective clothing to safeguard against the deadly toxins in the fish’s skin, Robson helps prepare the lines. So valuable are the blowfish that Robson’s guide lays some 1,500 hooks to ensure he does not return to land with nothing. After a long wait on the calm seas, it is time to pull in the lines. Will Robson have caught his first fugu, and will he live to tell the tale if he does? “The suspense is killing me!” he says.
The next stop is the Kano river, where the intrepid angler prepares for a fishing trip with a difference. A popular sport in this region involves dressing in wetsuits and using live bait to catch ayu, a tiny but supposedly delicious fish. Using a method known locally as ayu-no-tomozuri, Robson and his guide hook a live ayu, then release it into the water. When the hooked fish encounters another, a fight will break out and the second fish will also become ensnared – or at least that is the theory. After four hours in the water, Robson has had no luck. “I’m reliant on how aggressive my little fish is feeling,” he says. “Unfortunately, this one seems to be a bit of a pacifist.” Half an hour and a change of bait later, Robson finally manages to catch a tiny fish – but promptly drops it when removing it from the net.
Having had little luck with the ayu, Robson moves on to the rich coastal area of the Ise-Shima National Park to try a fishing technique as old as the hills. Ama diving is a 2,000-year-old tradition that involves freediving to the seabed in search of snails and sea urchins. More comfortable fishing from the safety of a boat, Robson flails around in the water for a while, until his guides show him the ropes. Visibility is poor beneath the surface, but the Geordie lad eventually manages to collect a handful of giant snails – which he later eats with his guides.
The final day of Robson’s trip takes him to Suruga Bay at the foot of Mount Fuji – a mecca for sports fishermen from all over the world. “If there’s one thing Japan has plenty of, it’s wide-open seas full of huge fish!” he enthuses. However, a sudden change in weather means that this trip will be somewhat soggy. Undeterred, Robson and his American guide cast their lines and soon bring in a grunt and a horse mackerel. But having travelled thousands of miles to be here, Robson is determined to land a giant of the sea before heading home.
Long into the night, when the local fishermen have given up and returned to shore, Robson and his guide remain on the boat in the pouring rain, rods in hand. Eventually, the pair’s patience pays off as Robson gets a bite from what he hopes is an oilfish – a hefty species of horse mackerel that can grow up to two metres in length. But will Robson manage to land this monster of the deep, or will it be the one that got away? “Now then, we’ve got an extreme fight on our hands!” he yells.
Comments (23)
over 2 years ago
callum lynch
excellent series there should be more in places such as iceland and unknown resorts but excellent show keep it up!.
over 2 years ago
ross sims
lol this is a good programe and presenter i would wish i can do what he does travelling ove the world just to catch exotic fish :)
over 2 years ago
paul sanders
why am i unable to view five player in my current location.
over 2 years ago
Anonymous
should be more programs like this on tv, makes a welcome change from reruns keep up the good work robson a brill show
over 2 years ago
naomi and dave
love the show me and my step dad hope i can get him the boxsets if i have the money from ebay from naomi xx
over 2 years ago
jordan
what a great guy keep the show going love it watch it every week keep it up please!
over 2 years ago
adam
omg i whant the fish wagon. i whant to go fishing and catch puffer fish. The 1 thing i whant to do in my teens is go exteem fishing with robson and my dad
over 2 years ago
Dave
Great programme, wish I was there with him, just have to get the gear out and fish the Severn. Looking forward to next weeks episode.
over 2 years ago
Daniel
I am addicted to this programme as much as I am to fishing. I love Robson's sense of humour - he is so natural. Keep it going Robson.
over 2 years ago
Simon
I would like to know the whistle song aswell! The one playing whilst he was catching the fish he kept dropping! Cheers
over 2 years ago
mark
does anyone know what the peice of music is called that was played in last nights episode whilst he was fishing for the tiny fish (do excuse my ignorance im no angler)
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over 2 years ago
Ryan Fitter
Great episode Robson!!
over 2 years ago
SWfletch
he is okay, but not a proper fisherman, he has the passion but i just personally am not his biggest fan, a great idea for a programme, maybe something like this with henry gilbey or ed schliffke. i spose you have to start somewhere though
over 2 years ago
freddie
the funniest program ever, Robson Green you lad, his presenting is so unique.
over 2 years ago
Anonymous
Haha the fishwagon! Classic
over 2 years ago
Yousaf
The best fishing programme in the world. the way he presents his self is so good.i've seen every episode. I wish i could come with you. Brilliant work Robson keep it up.
over 2 years ago
ian davies
love the program, and he tells it has it is,down to earth lad and thats why you can relate to robson, great,great program
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over 2 years ago
ziad s
yeah it's a great programme to watch - it's not about fisging fishing n fishing - u get to see the place as well - well thought of approach
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This comment was removed by a moderator
over 2 years ago
Frank
What a great guy (and actor). Down to earth and swears-like me. Great programme, alwaya watch it. Keep it up!