Katsuura is historically known as a fishing port, and currently has the second largest catch in Chiba Prefecture after Chōshi City. There are nine active fishing ports in Katsuura, with the Port of Katsuura being the largest. The catch of katsuo bonito in 1990 was the largest ever recorded in Japan. Tourism is also important to the economy, and the town has facilities for public beaches, golfing and other leisure activities. Katsuura is home to small-scale sakeproduction, and koshihikari rice, blueberries, kiwi fruit, and shiitake mushrooms are also produced in the area.