first catch of the year; first fish of the season
Refers to the first fishing catch of a new year or season. It is a rare term, but it is still encountered in fishing communities and seasonal reports.
The first catch of the year was a big haul.
The local fishermen celebrated the first catch of the season.
A compound of 初 and 漁, both read with Sino-Japanese readings, denoting the first fishing or catch of a year or season.