In a World Where Chastity is Reversed, I Ended Up Working as a Hot Spring Attendant - Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Extra: Fishing

The surface of the sea swirled with a menacing sound.

Not just splashing, but steam was visible.

“It’s amazing, but also terrifying…”

I understood why I was made to wear a floating vest. It was a rough scene, where it felt like we could be swallowed even from the breakwater on land, not just from the boat.

—

“Since we’re near the sea, I’d like to try fishing.”

I said this while gazing at the ocean.

“The water temperature is still low here, so let’s go somewhere we can definitely catch fish.”

Misago was surprisingly enthusiastic about it, and that’s how this discussion started.

We got into the car and set off, and ended up at this place.

**Thermal Power Plant Hot Water Discharge Fishing Park**

A rather peculiar sign was displayed.

“What’s this about?”

I couldn’t help but ask.

“You understand how thermal power plants work, right?”

“You burn fuel like oil to spin turbines…?”

“Exactly.”

It felt good to have a quick conversation.

“The freshwater used to spin the turbines is surrounded by secondary and tertiary cooling water, which is seawater. Some of it is used effectively in public baths and hot water pools, but the rest is discharged into the sea.”

Indeed, there were signs along the way indicating a pool and a mysterious hot spring.

“Environmentally speaking?”

The impact seemed high.

“By mixing with the cold seawater, it balances out to about zero.”

“So, it’s okay?”

“It’s not directly lethal, so it’s not a big issue.”

“I see.”

“But the seawater temperature here is significantly higher, so some wandering fish from tropical regions end up staying.”

He paused and pointed to the wall of the entrance reception.

“Like those… quite interesting…”

Names of fish from tropical habitats, along with their past catches, fish prints, and photos, were displayed.

At least the GT, the giant trevally, doesn’t belong here, right? Isn’t it from the Ogasawara Islands or somewhere like that? Even with my vague knowledge, it seemed quite odd.

“Big and rare ones are treated like this.”

“Indeed, it looks fun.”

—

After finishing at the reception, we moved to the designated fishing spot, where white lines and numbers were marked on the ground.

“Over there, hot water flows from underfoot, creating a whirlpool here. So, aim just beyond the edge of the whirlpool. Usually, you’d aim right at your feet on a regular breakwater.”

“Certainly.”

The seawater at my feet was swirling loudly. It seemed like fishing at my feet would result in snagging.

“There are many flashy swimmers here, so use this for bait.”

Misago took out something metallic and shiny. Not a spoon or a vibe, but since it’s for the sea…

“A metal jig?”

“Correct. Since there are many big ones here, it’s easier than using worm bait like isome.”

“Indeed, if it catches, it’s easier.”

If it catches, that is. When not using real bait, the final push relies entirely on the angler’s skill, which can be quite challenging.

“Can you set it up?”

“Yes, I can.”

With those words, I received the equipment before finishing the setup.

“The main line is PE2 line on the reel, with a 1m fluorocarbon leader. Attach a round snap, right?”

To a layman, Misago’s words sounded like an incomprehensible spell, living up to his name reminiscent of a water bird.

“No problem.”

For a complete beginner, they might not be able to attach bait, tie the line, or touch the fish they catch. Such people might never get invited again, but as a guy, these kinds of activities were my forte.

So, I connected the rod, extended it, unlocked the bait reel with a click, and threaded the line through the guides from the base to the tip. After tying a wire knot at the tip, I switched the thick, noticeable PE line to the semi-transparent pink fluorocarbon line. Then, I extended the fluorocarbon line about 1 meter and tied a round snap with a clinch knot. Finally, I connected the metal jig to the snap.

“You’re quite skilled.”

Misago murmured, impressed.

“I remember doing this before.”

I was part of a generation where fishing for invasive species was a trend.

“Then, that’s reassuring.”

Misago nodded approvingly.

“And the drag setting?”

Pull the line and bend the rod to check, right?

“Yes, go ahead.”

Misago grabbed the dangling metal jig casually. The drag was so loose that even in the locked position, the line came out smoothly.

As I tightened the adjustment knob next to the handle, the rod bent to its limit, and the line finally started to come out.

“Is that okay?”

The final adjustment was rather rough. I was a bit worried Misago might get hurt by letting the jig slip.

—

“What’s the depth around here?”

“About 10 meters. With that metal jig, it should hit the bottom in 10 seconds. Do you want to aim for the bottom with a bow and arrow?”

“Let’s go for 5 seconds.”

Losing a lure would be sad, so I chose the safe route. With a bow and arrow, the weight distribution ensures the hook always points upward as it sinks, but it’s not entirely safe since the hook isn’t the only thing that can snag on the bottom. Memories of losing gear I bought with my meager student allowance resurfaced. Although this time I’m using borrowed equipment, I can’t be careless.

I am thrifty by nature.

“Well then, I’ll go first.”

Whoosh

Zzz…

Misago cast his line first. The sound of the rod cutting through the air and the line coming off the reel echoed.

Splash

He adjusted the pace of the line release with his fingertips, controlling the sound of the splash.

“One, two, three, four, five, six… got it!”

He locked the reel and made a big pull while counting down from the splash.

“6 meters, got it during the fall, so they’re active.”

Misago reported the depth with a hint of pride. As expected of a water bird.

This was an advanced technique of detecting bites from the way the line was coming off during the fall.

—

With perfect timing, Hachikuma-san extended the landing net to retrieve the catch. It was a large mackerel, about 40 cm.

With a precise aim, a blade like an ice pick was stabbed into the mackerel’s head. The mackerel instantly stopped moving.

“Impressive.”

Misago exclaimed in admiration. It was more like brain spiking than just a quick kill, as there wasn’t much blood, suggesting it was a nerve spike.

The one who did it was Suzume.

“You could just break the neck, but this method makes it taste better.”

She said proudly while wiping the blood off the blade.

“So, keep catching them, okay?”

They talked as if catching fish was a given. This group was quite skilled.

—

Results

Misago had an incredible haul. They worked seamlessly, ensuring Misago didn’t get a break.

What about my catch?

I was barely not empty-handed.

A crowd gathered at some point, and it became quite a commotion. Tsuburi-san, who joined from somewhere, filled the cooler with sea bass and high-end grouper, regardless of our catch. As expected of the water bird group.

—

Somehow, our photos were taken, and we were treated like fishing ambassadors, but that’s another story.

~Postscript

Thermal power plant hot water discharge fishing spots do exist.

In the past, many people fished at the hot water discharge of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

There were reportedly some very big ones.