Assemble the fishing rods, dome boat equipment, and large coolers into one for a group of friends. Winter wakasaagi fishing with a private jumbo taxi.
From Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba, we headed straight to Takataki Lake (Ichihara City) and Yoronoda Lake (Kigo Town) in the early morning. Without being stuffed with luggage, we all got to the lakeside in the same car.
Catfish fishing is a game that requires a lot of equipment. You need a rod, reel, bait, folding chair, and a large cooler to bring home the fish caught. If you use a dome boat or a dome pier, you’ll also need warm clothes and a blanket. To transport this for 4-9 people by train in the early morning is honestly a bit of a hassle. In this article, we’ll specifically compare the various options of train, rental car, multiple taxis, and charter jumbo taxis, and also explain how each one is more convenient based on factors such as the number of people and the amount of equipment, as well as the cost.
First, there's the common problem of "luggage and early mornings."
It’s more tiring to get there than actually fishing. This is a typical example of the common problems with trout fishing. Specifically, these situations tend to occur:
The first is:The luggage does not get on the trainProblem. Rod cases in the 70cm class and large coolers that hold equipment for two to three people are cumbersome to carry on a crowded morning train. Adding winter gear for dome boat use makes it impossible to hold both hands.
The second is,The first train won't be able to make it in the early morning.Problem. The action really starts in the morning. After making multiple transfers to get to the lake closest to my destination, I usually end up waking up at a time that feels like the middle of the night.
The third time,The lake is far from the station in the first place.Problem. Both Takataki Lake and Yonoura Lake are a short walk from the nearest station to the fishing pier. Carrying heavy equipment and walking on unfamiliar paths takes a lot of physical effort.
Here is the turning point:The difficulty of trout fishing lies in focusing on the "fishing spot" and not on the "equipment needed for an early morning trip." If this is resolved, you can focus solely on fishing that day.
Compared to trains, rental cars, and multiple taxis, it’s honestly a lot better.
Each method has its advantages. Not to belittle anything, but let’s fairly compare what’s inconvenient about each situation (large numbers of people, a large amount of equipment, early morning).
| Means of transportation | Tools and large coolers | Early morning, door to door | Large group (4 to 9 people) | The honest difficulty with this condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus | Running out of space to store my rods. I'm interested in a rod case | It's hard to calculate ahead for waiting for the first train and changing trains. | Everyone is easily discouraged | Getting tired before arriving due to luggage and transfers |
| Car rental | It can be stacked, but someone has to be the driver. | Freedom but with arrangements such as receiving it the night before | If it doesn't fit in one unit, I'll arrange for two units. | The person in charge of driving can't relax either while fishing or driving on the way back. |
| Multiple taxis | The number of units is large, so the luggage is also distributed evenly. | In the early morning, it is difficult to get a ride. | Family and friends get on the bus separately | There was no operational meeting in the car, and the fare was also difficult to read. |
| charter jumbo cab | Tools and large coolers are loaded together in the cargo compartment | Pick-up time is specified from the front of the entrance | Up to 9 people can all travel together | The burden is reduced by sharing the cost with as many people as possible. |
Especially with rental cars, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the “driver” is tied down for the entire day. At fishing spots, you’re more likely to put off drinking and taking a nap to worry about getting back in the car, and you can’t fully enjoy the day because you’re not able to see the schedule of the next day. With multiple taxis, the early morning assignments are difficult to read, and it’s difficult to consult with the family while they’re in separate cars. These are the subtle frustrations of living under “these conditions.”
Therefore, it is suitable for charter flights (solving inconveniences one-on-one)
Regarding the "common inconveniences" mentioned earlier, how can we solve them in the case of a charter jumbo taxi? If we tackle each one one by one, it will be easier to convince them.
Tools not loaded → Stowed together in the cargo compartment
The cargo compartment of the HiAce Wide Super Long can accommodate a rod case, large cooler, and winterizing gear all in one place. Long-length and special items can be stored with prior consultation regarding dimensions.
Early morning is tough → Pick-up time is scheduled from the front door
There are no extra charges for late night or early morning rides, so even starting in the early morning the fees are easy to read. You don’t have to wait for the first train; you get from your home to the lake front door-to-door.
Becoming scattered → All of them in the same car
Up to nine people can travel in one vehicle. You can discuss setup and fishing spots on the go, and even families with children can stay together.
Worried about getting home → Zero driving role
No one is driving, so everyone is focused on fishing. On the way back, you can just get on the bike and rest. With the fatigue from the cold, this difference should be significant.
Basic knowledge about each lake (varies depending on the destination; just keep this one in mind)
Even within the same lake, the fishing methods for each season are different. We have organized the two lakes within the area (the latest period and fees can be found on the official websites of each management fishing spot).
Takataki Lake (Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture) | Also the Suma Lake and Dome Pier in the Boso Peninsula
The largest man-made lake in Chiba Prefecture, the pike spawn from October to the end of March each year. You can choose between boating, the dome pier, and jigging (shore fishing). In winter, the warm dome pier is popular. There is also a rental of fishing equipment, so you can enjoy it even if you don’t have all the equipment. Ichihara City is within the coverage area of Jumbo Taxi.com, so you can get off the bus from Tokyo or Saitama and head to Ichihara in one vehicle.
Yenyorita Lake (Kigo Town, Saitama Prefecture)｜A hidden spot where the ice doesn't freeze—the pier and boat
This is a hidden fishing spot in Nagayoi Town, Saitama Prefecture. The pike fishing season runs from November to late February each year, and you can enjoy both pier fishing and boat fishing. Since it doesn’t freeze over, even beginners and families can go without special equipment. The area is also within the coverage area of Nagayoi Town, making it convenient for people from Saitama and Tokyo.
Unique criteria:Both lakes have entry fees and boat and pier usage fees that generally range from a few hundred yen to about two thousand yen per person (please check the latest official rates). The cost of fishing itself is reasonable, so how to ensure that everyone has the "tools to carry" here will determine the comfort of the day.
Using the concept of numbers to say "value for money when there are enough people"
Chartered rides are priced per vehicle, so the cost per person decreases the more people ride. For example, even if the same vehicle costs the same, the cost per person will vary significantly depending on whether there are 4 people or 8 people. Comparing the total cost of train fare, bus fare, and local taxi fare per person with the cost per person for chartering the vehicle, there are not many cases where you feel that the difference is less than you expected or that it’s more reasonable because you won’t have to carry luggage and face the early morning rush hour problems.
What’s important here is that you can also get rid of the “struggles” that are difficult to convert into money. The burden of carrying heavy coolers, the time lost getting changed trains, the fatigue from worrying about the family falling apart—all of these can be shared by everyone, and the cost per person is a small amount. If your group is more than four people, it’s worth trying out that estimate. The exact price isPricing pageandContact UsI will let you know.
Of course, if you’re going on a leisurely trip with just one or two people, a train is perfectly fine. The time when private charters come into their own is when you have a group of people, plenty of equipment, and want to leave early in the morning. If that applies to you, a private charter should probably be a lot more convenient.
The process from booking to the day of the event
- Contact:From the web form, please let us know the desired date, number of people, and the lake destination (Takataki Lake/Yenyorida Lake, etc.) and departure time.
- Plan & Estimate:We will suggest the appropriate vehicle type, route, and price based on the quantity of tools and large coolers. Please consult us regarding the dimensions of long-length luggage.
- Reservation Confirmed:Once you are satisfied with the content, it is final. We will also coordinate the meeting point for the early morning departure.
- Boarding on the day:We will pick you up at your home or at a designated meeting point. Once you have loaded your equipment, just leave it on the lake shore.
summary
The biggest challenge in trout fishing is not the fishing spot but the early morning trip with a large amount of equipment. If you’re going to Takataki Lake or Yoronoda Lake in a large group, a private jumbo taxi that can take everyone from the front door is the perfect choice. There’s no need for a driver, and you can just head back home together. For those who want to go together, we’ll split the cost among everyone. If you’re interested, please let us know the date, time, number of people, and destination first.
Tools and companions, all in one unit, headed for the lake
When enough people are gathered, the charter fee becomes more affordable per person when paid in cash. We can take care of everything for you, including carrying heavy coolers and changing trains early in the morning.
Just let us know your preferred date and time, number of people, and destination. Inquiries via the web form are available 24/7. Estimates are free of charge.
Contact via web form
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