Introducing bichi bachi

In Japan, cephalopods are particularly sought-after for their gustatory qualities. Japanese fishermen have therefore invented and refined techniques to get as many hits as possible. They use jigs, also known as Egi, which means wooden bait in Japanese. In other words, lure fishing is totally different from traditional bait fishing.
The principle of bichi bachi is to make very wide and powerful upward animations so that the jig jerks in the water layer and imitates prey. The name of this technique comes from the sound the rod makes as it splits the air when the animation is correctly executed. This technique is mostly practised from shore, but it can also be fished from a boat, as long as suitable equipment is used.
Bichi bachi animation

To fish correctly with bichi bachi, you need to be able to perform the animation correctly. Although not difficult to learn, this animation requires a little practice to master it and be as effective as possible. It also depends on the size and weight of the jig you're going to use, and even on the length and action of your rod.
The basic principle is simple: let your jig sink to the bottom, or at least as close as possible if you don't want to snag, then make 3 or 4 large jerks with the rod. The jig's pointed, symmetrical nose will create resistance to the water as we pull, causing it to move to one side. Another pull will make it change sides, and so on until the end of our animation. Once we've done a few jerks, we let the jig sink to the bottom so that the cephalopods can grab it.
Why does the bichi bachi technique work?

The technique most commonly used in France to catch cephalopods is a very slow linear. So why do we jerk our jigs so violently? The answer is simple: when the jig makes fast jerks, the cephalopods' predatory instinct is triggered, making them aggressive. In fact, it's by imitating a fleeing prey that we trigger the most strikes, regardless of the lure fishing technique we use.
Don't forget that prey doesn't stay still when it's running away from a predator; rather, it tends to leave as quickly as possible, trying to dodge certain death. There are a multitude of variations on bichi bachi fishing, so you'll have plenty to keep you busy for a long time, while still being effective!