Book of Saltwater Species Cartiligeous Species

Home , Greater weever, Grey gurnard, Oily fish, Pollachius pollachius, Pollachius virens, Poor cod

Book of Saltwater Species Cartiligeous Species ...... 5 Boney Species ...... 6 Bull Huss - Scyliorhinus stellaris ...... 7 Blackmouthed Dogfish - Galeus melastomus ...... 9 Lesser Spotted Dogfish - Scyliorhinus canicula ...... 11 Shark, Blue - Prionace glauca ...... 13 Shark, Porbeagle - Lamna nasus ...... 15 Smoothhound, Starry - Mustelus asterias ...... 17 Smooth hound - Mustelus mustelus ...... 19 Spurdog - Squalus acanthias ...... 21 Tope - Galeorhinus galeus ...... 23 Common Skate - Raja batis ...... 25 Ray, Blonde - Raja brachvara ...... 27 Ray, Cuckoo - Raja naevus ...... 29 Ray, Small-eyed - Raja microocellata ...... 30 Ray, Spotted - Raia montagui ...... 32 Thornback Ray - Raja clavata ...... 34 Ray, Undulate - Raja undulata ...... 36 Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca...... 38 Angler Fish - Loahius Piscatorius ...... 40 Bass – Dicentrachus labrax ...... 42 Black Bream - Spondyliosom cantharus ...... 44 Couch’s Bream - Sparus pagrus ...... 46 Bream, Gilthead - Sparus aurata ...... 48 Bream, Red - Pagellus bogaraveo ...... 50 Ray’s Bream - Brama brama ...... 51 Wolf fish (Catfish) - Anarhichas lupus ...... 52 Coalfish - Pollachius virens ...... 54 Cod – Gadus morhua ...... 56 Conger - Conger conger ...... 59 Common Eel - Anguilla anguilla ...... 61 Garfish - Belone belone ...... 63 Gurnard, Grey - Eutrigla gurnardus ...... 65 Gurnard, Red - Aspitriela caculus ...... 67 Gurnard, Tub - Eutrigla gurnardus ...... 69 Haddock - Melanogrammus aeglefinus ...... 71 Herring - Clupeid harangues ...... 75 John Dory – Zeus faber ...... 77 Ling - Molva molva ...... 79 Mackerel - Scomber scombrus ...... 81 Mullet, Golden Grey - Liza aurata ...... 83 Mullet, Thin-lipped Grey - Liza ramada ...... 86 Pollack - Pollachius pollachius ...... 87 Poor-cod - Trisopterus minutus ...... 89 Pouting - Trisopterus luscus ...... 90 Red Mullet - Mullus surmuletus ...... 92 Greater Sandeel - Hyperoplus launceolatus ...... 93 Scad - Trachurus trachurus ...... 95 Sea Scorpion, Short Spined - Myoxocephalus scorpius ...... 97 Sea Scorpion, Long Spined - Taurulus bubalis ...... 99 Tusk - Brosme brosme ...... 100 Trigger Fish - Balistes capriscus ...... 102 Greater Weever – Trachinus draco ...... 104 Whiting - Merlangius merlangus ...... 106 Ballan Wrasse – Labrus bergylta ...... 107 Corkwing Wrasse - Symphodus melops ...... 109 Cuckoo Wrasse - Labrus mixtus ...... 111 Goldsinny – Ctentolabrus rupestris ...... 113 Rock Cook – Centrolabrus exoletus ...... 114 Brill - Scophthalmus rhombus ...... 116 Dab – Limanda limanda ...... 118 Flounder - Pleuronectes flesus ...... 120 Halibut – Hippoglossus hippoglossus ...... 122 Lemon Sole – Microstomus kitt ...... 124 Long Rough Dab – Hippoglossoides platessoides ...... 126 Megrim - Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis ...... 128 Plaice - Pleuronectes platessa ...... 129 Sole - Solea solea ...... 131 Turbot - Scophthalmus maximus ...... 133

Cartiligeous Species Sharks

Skates and Rays

Boney Species Round Fish

Flatfish

Bull Huss - Scyliorhinus stellaris

Distinguishing features: A small bull huss can look at first glance like a lesser spotted dogfish and is also known as the greater spotted dogfish. However the nasal flaps in the Huss are clearly separated and the rear of the anal fin is in line with the front of the first dorsal. The back and sides are a sandy brown with large brown patches and the underside is a creamy white. Occasionally the back and sides may take on a grey hue.

Size: The bull huss can reach lengths of 155 cm and a weight in excess of 10 kg. It’s one of the few larger species where the shore angler can expect to catch fish as big as the boat angler. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/bullhuss.htm

Distribution: The huss is much less common than the LSD and is most prolific at the southern end of the east North Atlantic around the English Channel and the south west of Ireland. Lives on the sea bed at any depth from the shoreline out to 60 metres and inhabits rough or rocky ground.

Food: A wide selection of crustaceans, molluscs and small fish form the bulk of the diet of a Bull Huss. Baits: Mackerel head and guts are a favourite bait but strips and flappers will also take fish. Squid and cuttlefish can also be effective.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bull Huss Scyliorhinus Storflekket Storfläckig Storplettet Grossgefleckter Not stellaris rødhai rödhaj rødhaj Katzenhai available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Zvjózdtsjataja koshátsj’ja Not available Flekkjaháfur akúla Bull Huss Nasal Flaps

Lesser Spotted Dogfish Nasal Flaps

Blackmouthed Dogfish - Galeus melastomus

Distinguishing features: The black-mouthed dogfish is a small member of the shark family and has the typical shark shape. It has two small, equally sized dorsal fins and a large upper lobe to the tail fin.

The light brown colour on the belly merges into a darker brown on the sides and back interspersed with rounded, brown patches. Not surprisingly the inside of its mouth is black.

Size: This dogfish can reach lengths of 90cm and weights of around 2 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/dogfish.htm

Distribution: This dogfish will rarely stray into depths of 50 metres and is most common in depths of over 200 metres. It tends to prefer areas of soft bottom.

Food: Feeds mainly on bottom living invertebrates, including shrimps and cephalopods, but also hunts small pelagic fishes as part of its diet.

Baits: Although this fish rarely targeted a strip of fish is the most effective bait.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Blackmouthed Galeus melastomus Hågjel Hågäl Ringhaj Fleckhai Bardoulin Dogfish

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Hondshaai Bardoulina Bardulin Not available Not available Pata Roxa

Regional Names - Black-mouthed catshark

Lesser Spotted Dogfish - Scyliorhinus canicula

Distinguishing features: This small member of the shark family has a long, low tail fin the lower lobe of which is under developed. The two dorsal fins are situated towards the tail and the first of these starts behind the base of the pelvic fin. It can be confused with the Bull Huss however the nasal flap in the Lesser Spotted Dogfish (LSD) have little or no separation whereas in bull huss the flaps have a broad interspace. The LSD is generally a sandy brown colour with small dark brown spots but the predominant colour can vary to a dark brown depending upon its habitat. The underside is a creamy white.

Size: The LSD is one of the smallest sharks and it’s unlikely that the maximum size will exceed 1.9kg and normally the fish will be around the 1kg mark. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/dogfishlesserspotted.htm

Distribution: The Lesser Spotted Dogfish will be found over soft bottoms comprising of sand, fine gravel or mud. It will inhabit waters from 3 to 400 metres with the majority being found at the shallower end of the range. The LSD is an egg layer and these will be laid in shallow water between November and July. It’s an extremely common fish in the North Sea and southern end of the north

Atlantic and can be found as far south as the Mediterranean.

Food: While the LSD will eat bottom living fish its main diet comprises crustaceans including crabs and shrimp, molluscs and polychaete worms. It will scavenge any fish carcases on the sea bed.

Baits: Oily fish baits such as mackerel, blueys or herring will attract the passing LSD as will peeler crab.

They can be a pest when fishing with large baits for other species. The shore angler can target them with sandeel and a cocktail of ragworm and fish bait can be very effective.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Dogfish, Scyliorhinus Småflekket Småfläckig Småplettet Kleingefelckter Not Lesser canicula rødhai rödhaj rødhaj Katzenhai available Spotted

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Regional Names - Blindog, Doggie, Lesser Spotted Catshark

Bull huss nasal flaps

Further Reading..

Might as well face it, I’m addicted to dogs

Shark, Blue - Prionace glauca

Photo taken aboard Luke Aston’s boat Clare Dragoon with thanks to John SAI

Distinguishing features: The blue shark is a long, slender member of the shark family with long, curving pectoral fins. The upper lobe of the tail fin is also long. It has no spiracle and five gill slits. The back and upper sides are dark blue, fading into a lighter blue on the lower sides and white on the belly.

Size: This shark can grow to lengths of around 3.8 metres in Northern European waters and can weigh up to 160 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/sharkblue.htm

Habitat: The blue shark is ocean going and is found in warm and temperate waters throughout the world. It is a seasonal migratory fish in northern waters and rarely comes close to shore. It tends to live in the surface areas. The majority of these northern sharks are female.

Food: Feeds mainly on shoals of pelagic fish such as mackerel, herring and sandeels although they also predate on squid. Baits: Mackerel are the most effective bait for the blue shark, either live or as a flapper. They respond well to the scent trail from rubby dubby.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Shark, Blue Prionace glauca Blåhai Blåhaj Blåhaj Blauhai Not available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Shark, Porbeagle - Lamna nasus

Photo courtesy of Kevin Crowley SAI

Distinguishing features: The porbeagle shark is a round bodied, chunky member of the shark family. It has five gills and comparatively large front dorsal fin. The small second dorsal fin is situated immediately above the similar anal fin. The back and upper sides are grayish blue which fades into cream on the underside. The dorsal fins have a lighter rear edge.

Size: The porbeagle can reach lengths of around 3 metres and a weight in excess of 230 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/sharkporbeagle.htm

Habitat: The porbeagle can be found throughout the north Atlantic. It is a pelagic species and will travel extensively hunting. Although it is an oceanic shark it can be found close to shore. The larger fish tend to frequent the northern end of its range.

Food: Squid form a major part of this shark’s diet as do fish especially mackerel, cod and coalfish.

Baits: Whole fish baits are preferred for the porbeagle either live or dead.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Shark, Lamna nasus Håbrann Håbrand, Sildehaj Heringshai Not Porbeagle sillhaj available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Length / Weight Chart - http://www.planetseafishing.com/downloads/porbeagle.pdf

Smoothhound, Starry - Mustelus asterias

Distinguishing features: The starry smooth hound is a closely related of the smooth hound and resembles it closely. The lower lobe on the tail is larger than its relative and the denticles are broad with grooves along their length. The nasal flaps are narrow. The coloration is the same as the smooth hound but it has small white spots on the upper sides which gives the fish its distinguishing name.

Size: The starry smooth hound grows to a length of around 1.8 metres and can weigh 13 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/smoothhound.htm

Habitat: Found mainly in water to 70 metres deep in waters from the southern reaches of the UK down to the Mediterranean and up into the southern North Sea up to Danish waters. It prefers a seabed of sand and gravel.

Food: The crushing teeth are capable of smashing the shells or hermit crabs and these together with other crustaceans form the major part of their diet.

Baits: As for smooth hounds, crabs, peeler and hardbacks, and hermit crabs are effective baits. Squid will also take this species as will ragworm and cocktail baits.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Smothhound, Mustelus asterias Hvitflekket Glatthaj Stjernehaj Glatthai Not Starry glatthai available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Cação liso

Regional Names - Smuts

Further Reading..

Hounds all round

Smooth hound - Mustelus mustelus

Photo courtesy of Henry

Distinguishing features: The smooth hound has a typical, slender shark body with two dorsal fins and five gill slits. The lower lobe of the tail fin is comparatively small. The dermal denticles are narrow with grooves at the thick end only. The back and sides are grey with occasional dark spots on the back and the belly is an off white. The mouth has small, flattened crushing teeth. There is a spiracle behind each eye. The nasal flaps are broad.

Size: The smooth hound grows to a length of around 1.5 metres and a weight of 24kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/smooth.htm

Habitat: Found mainly in water from 5 - 50 metres in waters from the southern reaches of the UK down to the Mediterranean. It prefers a seabed of mixed ground with sand, gravel and boulders.

Food: Feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans including crabs, hermit crabs, shrimps and squat lobster. Bait: Crabs, peeler and hardbacks are excellent baits for smooth hounds as are hermit crabs when removed from their shells. Squid will also take this species as will ragworm and cocktail baits.

Regional Names - Smuts

Further Reading..

Hounds all round

Spurdog - Squalus acanthias

Distinguishing features: The spurdog is the only common small shark found in the North Sea and eastern North Atlantic which has a spine in front of the two dorsal fins and lacks an anal fin. The spines are sharp and the one on the second dorsal stands proud of the fin. The back of the spurdog is dark grey with white spots scattered on the back and sides. The female gives birth to live young.

Size: Spurs can attain a length of about 130 cm and a weight of around 11 kg. The female spurdogs are heavier than the male size for size. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/spurdog.htm

Distribution: The spurdog is found in waters from 10 metres to in excess of 200 metres in depth with over a soft or muddy bottom. Although they are generally a bottom feeding fish they will feed up in mid water or higher when chasing food. It’s not unusual for a pack of spurs to follow a hooked fish to the surface. Food: Shoaling fish such as whiting, herring, sprats and sandeels for the bulk of the spurdog diet. It will also feed on demersal species such as cod and flatfish together with squid and crabs.

Baits: Fish baits are without doubt the most effective bait for spurdogs and any of the oily species such as herring, mackerel or blueys should be the first choice. At some venues they can also be targeted using squid either whole or in strip form. Spurdog will happily attack whole fish being used to target larger species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Spurdog Squalus acanthias Pigghå Pigghaj Pighaj Dornhai Aguillat/Chien

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Galhudo malhado, Doornhaai Mielga Spinarola Katran Háfur Melga

Regional Names - Spiney Dogs, Spurries

Length / Weight Chart - http://www.planetseafishing.com/downloads/spurdog.pdf

Further Reading..

Spurdogs in crisis Tope - Galeorhinus galeus

Distinguishing features: The tope is a member of the shark family and has the typical slender shark shape with five gill slits. The upper lobe of the tail fin is large and ends in a triangular shape. The second dorsal fin is similar in shape and size to the directly opposite anal fin. The back and sides vary in colour from grey to grayish brown and the belly is white.

Size: The tope can attain lengths of 2.5 metres and weights of 38 kg in European waters. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/tope.htm

Habitat: The tope can be found along the coast adjoining the east North Atlantic, North Sea and the

Mediterranean and is migratory in the north. It inhabits water from 10 to 200 metres in depth and although it mainly lives in packs on the bottom but will come up into mid-water to feed. It can be found over all types of seabed but is commonly found over mixed hard and soft ground.

Food: The tope feeds extensively on fish including pout, codling and whiting. Crustaceans also form part of its diet. Bait: Mackerel, live or dead is the favourite bait for tope although in some estuarine waters sections of silver eel can be effective as can large sandeel where the tope come within range of the shore angler.

Other small fish such as dabs and whiting can also be effective over sandy ground.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Tope Galeorhinus galeus Gråhai Gråhaj Gråhaj Hundshai Not available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Regional Names - Sweet William

Common Skate - Raja batis

Distinguishing features: This is the largest of the skates found in European waters. It has a fairly long snout which leads to the front edge of the wing or disc being concave in shape. Both sexes have prickles on the back but the male tends to have more coverage over the whole of the disc. This skate has a row of spines down its tail and has up to three spines situated between the two dorsal fins at the rear of the tail. The colouration on the upper surface varies from olive brown to grey with brown blotches and dark spots. Lines of dark pores are visible on the blueish-grey underside.

Size: Females of this skate can reach widths in excess of two metres and weights over 115 kg have been recorded. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/skatecommon.htm

Distribution: The common skate can be found in depths of 10 to 600 metres but the adults tend to inhabit the deeper water. In exceptional cases around the Western Isles large adults will venture into shallow water. It can be found from the waters around Iceland and north Norway down to the

Mediterranean Sea. It is commonly found over soft seabed in particular where scallops are found. Food: This skate is a predacious fish which will hunt in mid-water as well as on the bottom and feeds extensively on spurdogs, rays and demersal fish. It will also feed on crustaceans.

Baits: Whole or flappered fish are the most effective bait for skate including mackerel, coalfish and dogfish.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Common Skate Raja batis Glattskate Skata Skade Glattrochen Flotte

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schate Noriega Razza Comune Gladkiy Skat Skata Raia

Regional Names - Barndoor

Further Reading..

Rays un-loched

Rays on the radar

Ray, Undulate - Raja undulata

Photo courtesy of Milo

Distinguishing features: The undulate ray has the typical kite shape with rounded tips to the wings and a shortish snout. The back and snout are covered with short spines. The upper surface is a brown to sandy brown colour with multiple distinguishing darker wavy lines and yellowish white blotches.

Size: The undulate can reach a length of 1.3 metres and weigh over 9 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/rayundulate.htm

Habitat: It is most commonly found in water 45 to 100 metres deep. Although mostly found over sandy bottoms it will inhabit areas where the seabed comprises mud, mussels bed or boulders. It is found off the south coast of England and Ireland down the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and

Portugal into the Mediterranean. The larger fish are found at the southern end of this area.

Food: This ray feeds mainly on small fish particularly flatfish as well as squid and crustaceans. Baits: Oily fish baits such as herring, mackerel, sandeels and blueys are effective for undulate rays and squid will also produce fish either on its own or as a cocktail with fish strip.

Photo courtesy of Milo

Stingray - Dasyatis pastinaca

Photo courtesy of Steve

Distinguishing features: The stingray has the typical rhomboid body shape of a ray but lacks any dorsal fins. Instead it has one or more serrated spines at the base of the thick section of the tail which them tapers quickly into a long, whip like shape. The colour on the upper side is usually a plain brown, grey or olive but some lighter blotches may be present. The underside is cream fading to grey at the outer edges of the wings.

Size: The sting ray can reach weights in excess of 120 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/raysting.htm

Distribution: This ray is found in depths ranging from the shoreline to approximately 75 metres where the seabed comprises mud or sand. It does venture into estuarine waters on occasion. It can be found from the waters of the North Sea, through the Mediterranean Sea to the southern tip of Africa. The largest specimens are found toward the south of this range. Food: Feeds almost exclusively on crustaceans and molluscs.

Baits: Stingray will take fish baits but crab and king ragworm can be more effective when targeting this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Stingray Dasyatis Pilrokke Stingrocka Pilrokke Peitschenrochen Raie pastinaca Pastenague

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Pijlstaartrog Rayavaca Baracola Morskoj Kot Not available Manteiga

Further Reading..

The forgotten venue

Rattle Therapy

Couch’s Bream - Sparus pagrus

Distinguishing features: The Couch’s bream is a deep bodied fish with a high, rounded profile to its head and a spiny single dorsal fin. The anal fin has 3 spiny rays connected to 8 or 9 softer rays to the posterior. This bream has an overall rose-pink hue which darkens towards the back and merges into silver on the lower sides and belly. The fins are also rose-pink. The mouth contains 4 to 6 very strong teeth at the front and smaller sharp teeth behind and to the sides of these. There are also a rows of crushing teeth to the rear of the jaws.

Size: Couch’s bream will grow to a length of 75 cm and can reach weights in excess of 7kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/breamcouches.htm

Distribution: This bream can be from the southern end of the UK, particularly the Channel Islands, down to the Mediterranean and north-west African coast. It likes muddy or sandy ground around rocks particularly where sea grass is found. It will generally be targeted in depths shallower than 50 metres.

Food: Feeds mainly on molluscs and small crustaceans.

Baits: Squid is an effective bait for Couch’s Bream particularly from the boat but fish strip, cuttlefish and worms will also take this bream.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bream, Sparus pagrus Not available Rodbraxen Almindelig Gewöhnliche Pagre Couch’s Blankesten Rotbrasse Commun

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Pargo-Colorado Albaro Pagro narp обыкновенный Not available Pargo-Amarelo

Regional Names - Pagrus

Further Reading..

In Search of the Abominable Sea Wolf

Coalfish - Pollachius virens

Distinguishing features: The Coalfish is similar to the pollack in body shape although the larger specimens tend to have a rounder cross section. The first anal fin starts below the gap between the first and second dorsal fin. The back is a very dark greeny blue which merges sharply into silvery white on the sides and belly. The lateral line is light coloured. Small specimens over kelp may have a golden sheen to the sides.

Size: Coalfish can grow to a length in excess of 130 cm and weigh over 15 kg particularly in northern waters. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/coalfish.htm

Distribution: Immature Coalies can be found in great numbers in the shallow water around the north of the UK and Ireland. They will inhabit water up to 250 metres deep and over all sorts of sea bed. The

Coalfish will work through the sea layers from the bottom to the surface in search of food. Food: Large Coalfish feed almost exclusively on fish particularly on members of the herring family.

Smaller fish feed on sandeels, capelin and crustaceans.

Baits: The smaller Coalfish will take most baits but favourites with the shore angler include peeler crab, mussels and worms.

Lures: The boat angler will target the Coalfish almost exclusively with lures. Strings of feather or small eels can be very effective for the smaller fish. Larger specimens are best fished for using a plastic eel such as a Redgill, plastic worm or large shad retrieved on a long trace. Feathers and spinners will also take fish from the shore. Casting small pirks can also be effective in deeper water.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Coalfish Pollachius virens Sei Gråsej Sej, gråsej Köhler Lieu Noir

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Koolvis Palero Merluzzo Nero Sájda Ufsi Escamudo

Regional Names - Saith, Poddlie, Queeth, Geek, Poddler, Black Pollock, Black Jack, Sillock, Sey,

Glashan, Cuddie

Pollack (left) and Coalfish (right) - photo courtesy of Mike Concannon Cod – Gadus morhua

Distinguishing features: Probably the most recognisable of the cold water sea fish that the angler fishing in northern European waters is liable to come across, mostly due to its popularity with rod and line anglers. The cod varies in background colour from greenish on fish which inhabit the deeper waters to reddish brown on fish which have taken up residence in kelp. The back and sides have dark and light mottling in all cases. The lateral line is conspicuously light, continuous and has a smooth curve over the pectoral fin.

The cod is generally a thick bodied fish with a long chin barbell. It has three dorsal fins close together which are rounded in profile and two anal fins. The tail fin is slightly convex and the upper jaw overhangs the lower.

Size: There are records of fish of 90kg (200lb) but the maximum today will be unlikely to reach much more than a quarter of that size in Scandinavian or Icelandic waters. The UK shore angler can expect fish averaging around 1.5kg and the capture of a 5 kilo fish is exceptional. Even from the boat fish of over 10kg are no longer common unless the angler is fishing the waters near the Arctic Circle. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/cod.htm Distribution: The cod can be found in a variety of habitats from the shoreline to well down the continental shelf, in depths of 600m. At the southern end of its range the cod tends to only inhabit the shallower water in winter, where, as elsewhere it’s the smaller, younger fish which live close inshore.

It will forage for food both on the sea-bed and in mid-water. The cod generally spawns between

February and April in water about 200m deep. Inshore waters of this depth are only found in the northern fjords. The cod has been exploited for years as a food fish and nowadays stocks are dangerously close to extinction in some areas.

Food: There is not much that a cod won’t eat but a wide range of crustaceans, worms, brittlestars and fish are among its main food sources. The fish species it targets include herring, capelin, and sandeels and increasingly in UK waters the pipefish.

Baits: Although it depends on the venue and the time of year peeler crab is probably the top bait in the

UK particularly for the shore angler. Closely following crab would be the various worms with lug, both fresh and frozen black lug being the most effective and rag also producing fish. The matchman’s favourite white rag will often take fish on days when more accessible baits fail.

The various shellfish, mussels, razorfish and clams will all take fish on their day and are particularly popular with boat anglers around Scotland and the North Sea. Large squid baits will take the bigger cod and this bait is extensively used from the boat in the waters around the south coast of England.

In the more northern cod holding areas fish baits are extensively used both from the boat and shore with mackerel, herring and blueys all taking their share of fish. Combining two or more baits into a cocktail on the hook can often be very effective with lugworm and mussel being a favourite in the north.

Lures: Where the water clarity is good lures can be very effective for cod in particular from the boat.

Pirks are probably the first lure that the angler thinks of when targeting cod and with the growing popularity of pirk casting much light lures can be used. The chrome pirk is still popular although various painted lures are now available and will take their fair share of fish.

Plastic or rubber worms, eels such as the redgill, or shads can be very effective fished either on a flier above a pirk or on a flowing trace either slowly retrieved or hopped along the bottom. Large shads fished in conjunction with a leadhead are a highly successful method of fishing for large cod in the clear northern waters. Muppets are also used extensively for cod but these are generally fished with bait and are more an attractor than a lure.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Cod Gadus morhua Torsk Torsk Torsk Dorsch Cabillaud

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Kabeljauw Bacalao Merluzzo Bianco Treska Þorskur Bacalhau

Regional Names - Spraggs, Ken Dodd

Length / Weight Chart - http://www.planetseafishing.com/downloads/cod.pdf

Further Reading..

Jurassic Mark

Shad Mad Cod

Conger - Conger conger

Distinguishing features: The Conger has a round, elongated body and a continuous dorsal fin which merges with the ventral fin. Unlike the Common Eel the dorsal fin starts near to the pectoral fin.

Colouration on the back and sides varies from a dull brown to dark grey depending upon the location.

Size: The Conger can be a massive fish with a maximum weight in excess of 65 kg and lengths approaching three metres. The shore angler choosing a suitable mark could locate fish of up to 25 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/conger.htm

Distribution: Conger will be found mainly over rocks, wrecks and other structures including around piers. They inhabit depths from the shoreline to 200 metres and it’s not unusual to see them swimming around weed and kelp beds close to the surface in harbours and sea lochs. It breeds in the deep water trenches in the tropical Atlantic.

Food: The diet of the Conger consists mainly of fish, large crabs and octopuses.

Baits: Mackerel flappers are the most consisted Conger bait but pouting can also be an effective fish bait. The Conger will also take squid and cuttlefish baits and smaller ones from the shore are partial to peeler crab.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Conger Conger conger Havål Havsål Havål Meeraal, Conger Congre

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeepaling Côngrios Grongo Morskój úgor’ Not available Congro, safio

Regional Names - Havel, Slippery Bob

Common Eel - Anguilla anguilla

Photo courtesy of Davey

Distinguishing features: The Common Eel has a round, elongated body and a continuous dorsal fin which joins with the ventral fin at the tail. The dorsal fin starts well down its back, near to the vent than the gills and the pectoral fin is rounded. The lower jaw protrudes further than the upper one.

Colouration on the back and sides varies from a dull brown and yellow in freshwater to dark grey almost black with a silver belly when it is mature in the marine environment.

Size: In the sea the Common Eel will grow to around 2 kg. Small eels can be commonly found under rocks in estuaries. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/eelcommon.htm

Distribution: The Eel is rarely caught in water deeper than 20 metres and it’s found mostly in estuaries and harbour areas where the bottom is a mixture of mud, weed and rocks.

Food: The diet of the Common Eel consists mainly of crustaceans and worms.

Baits: Peeler crab is the most effective bait for Eels although they will take worms and occasionally fishbaits.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Eel Anguilla anguilla Ål Ål (Eur.) ål Aal Anguilla

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Anguila Not available Ugor Not available Eirós

Regional Names - Snotties

Garfish - Belone belone

Distinguishing features: The garfish has a distinctive elongated body with a long beak like set of hard jaws. It has a long single dorsal and anal fin. The colouration is a bright blueish green on the back and upper sides fading into bright silver on the lower sides and belly. A yellow sheen is sometimes present on the lower half.

Size: The garfish can reach a length of a round one metre and a weight of 1.75 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/garfish.htm

Distribution: Garfish are found mainly in the surface layers of the sea. It migrates from deep water inshore during the summer months. It is mostly found in southern section of the east North Atlantic, the southern North Sea, the Mediterranean and round into the Baltic Sea.

Food: They feed mainly on small fish especially herring and sandeels but will also eat squid and crustaceans.

Baits: Small strips of fish are the most effective bait for garfish including mackerel belly strip and pieces of garfish itself. Lures: Garfish will take slender silver spoons and spinners together with feathers. They can also be taken on small plastic eels and Storm sandeel style lures.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Garfish Belone belone Horngjel Näbbgädda, Hornfisk Hornhechte Orphie horngädda

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Geep Aguja Aguglia Not available Not available Sarda

Regional Names - Green Bones, Sea Pike, Longnose, Snipe Eel, Mackeral Guide, Sea Needle

Gurnard, Grey - Eutrigla gurnardus

Distinguishing features: The grey gurnard has a slim, tapered body with the typical gurnard hard head and feeler like pectoral fin rays. The lateral line has a series of bony knobs along its length. The pectoral fin is comparatively short and doesn’t reach the vent. There is a darkish blotch on the first dorsal. While it is generally a grey or brownish grey colour it’s not unusual for the back and sides to have pinkish hue. The ventral side is a dullish white.

Size: The grey gurnard can grow to a length of 45 cm and a weight of around 1.2 kg.

Habitat: Found on similar ground to the red gurnard but prefers depths of 20 to 50 metres. It also ranges further north than the red gurnard. Although a bottom feeder it will range through the lower water column and occasionally into mid-water.

Food: Feeds mainly on small shrimps, crustacean bottom living fishes and sandeels.

Baits: Small fish baits are the most effective for targeting this species.

Lures: The grey gurnard will take small plastic eels and sabiki style lures.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Gurnard, Grey Chelidonichthys Knurr, vanlig Knot Knurhane Knurrhahn Not [Eutrigla] gurnardus available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Gr Poon Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Regional Names - Gowdies, Latchets

Gurnard, Red - Aspitriela caculus

Photo courtesy of Dale

Distinguishing features: The red gurnard, like others in this family has a sloping, hard bony head with spines on it and the gill plates. It has a stocky, tapered body with large scales along the lateral line.

The pectoral fins are adapted to provide additional sense organs and the first three rays are thick and separate. The head is slightly concave and the pectoral fins only just reach the vent. The back and sides are deep red merging into pinkish silver on the underside.

Size: Can attain a length of 40 cm and a weight of around 1.3 kilo.

Habitat: Found in the southern east Atlantic and English Channel as well as the Mediterranean in depths of between 20 and 250 metres. The red gurnard prefers seabeds of sand or sand and gravel although it will spend time on mud and rocky ground.

Food: This gurnard feeds on shrimps and small crabs together with small fish and worms.

Baits: Fish strips are the most common bait for the red gurnard but they will take peeler crab and ragworm on occasion.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Gurnard, Chelidonichthys Knurr,tverrstripet Rödknot Tværstibet Kuckucksknurrhahn Not Red [Aspitrigla] cuculus knurhane available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Rode Poon Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Gurnard, Tub - Eutrigla gurnardus

Distinguishing features: The tub gurnard is the largest of the European gurnards. It has the classic sloping, bony head with sharp edges to the gill covers and feeler like pectoral extensions. The rayed part of the pectoral fins extend well beyond the vent The colouration varies from re to pink on the upper surfaces to predominately white or whiteish-orange on the underside. The large pectoral fins have bright blue markings with a red trim and may have green spots.

Size: This gurnard can reach lengths of 75 cm and can weigh over 5 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/gurnardtub.htm

Distribution: This bottom dwelling species can be found around the coast of northern Europe down to the Mediterranean and north west Africa. It is most numerous towards the south of it range. The adults can be found in depths from 20 to 200 metres and juveniles will venture close inshore.

Food: The tub gurnard feeds on a wide range of crustaceans and small fish including sandeels, gobies and dragonettes.

Baits: A strip of fish is the most effective bait for tub gurnards particularly mackerel.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Tub Gurnard Trigla lucerna Knurr Fenknot Knurhane Knurrhahn Grondin

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Poon Alfondiga Angiliedda Szeltyi Morskoi Petukh Not available Cabra-Cabaço

Regional Names - Tub, Sea robin

Haddock - Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Distinguishing features: The haddock is a member of the cod family with three dorsal fins, the first of which is triangular and two anal fins. The lower jaw is shorter than the upper and the barbel is short.

The back is a greeny brown colour with greyish silver sides and at times has a purple hue. The lateral line is black and there is a black spot above the pectoral fin.

Size: The haddock can grow to around 80 cm and attain a weight of 8 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/haddock.htm

Habitat: A migratory fish, at the northern end of its range it travels into shallow water in the summer and the reverse is true further south. It will be found over most types of sea bed but favours softer bottom. It can be found in depths from 10 metres out to 300 metres.

Food: The haddock feeds mainly on bottom living organisms such as worms, brittlestars and molluscs. They will also eat sandeels and capelin. Baits: Mussels are a favourite bait and they will also regularly take lugworm, fish strips and other shellfish.

Lures: Haddock will take pirks, feathers and plastic worms or eels.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Haddock Melanogrammus Hyse (kolje) Kolja Kuller Schellfish Eglefin aeglefinus

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schelvis Eglefino Asinello Píksha Ýsa Arinca

Regional Names - Haddies, Chipper ,Chat, Jumbo

Hake - Merluccius merluccius

Distinguishing features: The hake has a long body shape, not unlike the pollack, with a large head and a mouth filled with long sharp teeth. The second dorsal fin and the anal fin are long and take up approximately half of the body length. The scales on the hake are fairly large and the lateral line is straight and located on the upper half of the body. The back is a blueish grey in colour fading to silver on the sides and silver-white on the belly. The insides of the gills and mouth are a blackish colour.

Size: The hake can attain a length of 1.8 metres and can reach weights in excess of 12 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/hake.htm

Distribution: While the hake spends a lot of its life near the bottom it will venture into the upper mid- water reaches to feed particularly at night. It is commonly found in depths of 100 to 550 metres over various types of seabed.

Food: The hake feeds mainly on fish and squid but the younger fish will include crustaceans in their diet.

Baits: Oily fish baits such as mackerel and herring are effective when targeting hake and squid will also take this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Hake Merluccius Not available Kapkummel Sydafrikansk Kaphecht Merluche merluccius Kulmule

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Stokvis Merluza Del Nasello Del Capo мерлуза капская Not available Marmota Cabo

Herring - Clupeid harangues

Distinguishing features: The herring is a narrow bodied fish with large, easily detached scales on the body. It has a prominent lower jaw and the dorsal fin starts in front of the pelvic fins. The dark blue back becomes lighter on the sides and merges into a silvery white on the underside.

Size: The herring can grow to a length of over 40 cm and a weight of around 700 gm.

Habitat: The herring is found throughout the north Atlantic, the North and Baltic Seas and up into the

Arctic Circle. It can be found in all depths of water and will range through the water column.

Food: The main diet of the herring is plankton.

Baits: It is very rare for herring to take natural bait.

Lures: Herring will take very small feather or sabiki lures and can also be caught on plain silver hooks.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Herring Clupea harengus Sild Sill, strömming Sild Hering Herang

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Haring Arenque Aringa Syeldz Síld Arenque

John Dory – Zeus faber

Distinguishing features: The john dory has a narrow rounded body with a large protrusible mouth. The first dorsal fin is large with 9 to 10 spines and there is another spiny fin on the lower edge. The sides have a light background interspersed with greenish brown patches and the ventral side is a greyish silver. There is a black “thumb-mark” on either side which is surrounded by a yellow ring. The membranes on the anal and pelvic fins are black.

Size: The john dory can reach lengths in excess of 60 cm and weights of 5 kilo or more. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/john-dory.htm

Distribution: This species ranges from the south western waters of Scandinavia down through the

Mediterranean to the north west coast of Africa. It normally lives of around 10 to 50 metres and will often hunt in mid-water.

Food: The John Dory feeds mainly on small fish.

Baits: This fish is normally an accidental capture and has been taken on fish baited feathers.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French John Dory Zeus faber St. Petersfisk Sanktpersfisk Sanktpetersfisk Europäischer Jean Heringskönig Doré,

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese sint-Pietervis Gall De La Mar Pesce San Pietro Solnechnik Not available Alfaquete

Regional Names - Dory, St Peter’s Fish

Ling - Molva molva

Distinguishing features: The ling is a long bodied fish with one short anterior dorsal fin, 14 to 15 rays and one long fin towards the tail. It has a single chin barbel and the lower jaw does not project. The back and sides are a brownish green colour and the rear dorsal and anal fins have a lighter edge.

There is a darkish spot on the first dorsal and to a lesser extent on the second dorsal and anal fins.

Size: Can grow to a length of two metres and weigh around 40 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/ling.htm

Habitat: The ling lives in the colder waters from the English Channel north to Norway and Iceland. It can be found in depths from 20 metres down to 300 metres. It prefers rocky ground and is frequently found on and around wrecks.

Food: Diet consists mainly of demersal fish but will also eat crustaceans.

Baits: Fish baits, mackerel in particular are most effective for ling.

Lures: Ling will take pirks particularly when baited and are attracted to baited spoons.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Ling Molva molva Lange Långa Lange Leng Lingue

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Leng Maruca Molva Mól’va Langa Maruca

Regional Names - Ollock

Further Reading..

Where there’s muck there’s mullet

Horn of plenty

Mullet, Thin-lipped Grey - Liza ramada

Distinguishing features: The thin-lipped mullet has the typical mullet body shape and scales. The pectoral fin does not reach the eye when folded backwards. The upper lip is less than half of the diameter of the eye in depth. There is dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin and greyish blue colour on the back merges into silver on the sides with faint grey stripes.

Size: This mullet can reach a length of 65 cm and a weight of around 3.5 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/mulletgreythinlipped.htm

Habitat: Is most common off the coast of France and the Mediterranean but ranges north to the coast of Ireland, England, the North Sea and into the Baltic Sea. It is happy in estuaries and can be found well up rivers.

Food: It feeds on the same organisms as the thick-lipped mullet.

Baits: As for thick-lipped grey mullet.

Lures: Although not strictly lure fishing a small mepps type spoon fitted with a single hook and baited with harbour ragworm will take thin-lipped grey mullet.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Mullet, Liza ramado Multe,tynnleppet Tunnläppad Tyndlæbet Dünnlippige Not Thinlip Grey multe multe meeräsche available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Pollack - Pollachius pollachius

Distinguishing features: The pollack has the typical cod family shape with 3 dorsal fins and two anal fins. The lower jaw protrudes further than the upper one and has no barbel. The colouration varies according to the waters in which the pollack inhabits, from brownish-green on the back and yellowish-green on the sides to reddish, gold colours in fish which live in kelp covered ground. In smaller fish the colours are patchy and tend towards golden. The dark lateral line curves sharply down to the middle of the body over the pectoral fin.

Size: The pollack can reach sizes of 140cm and weights in excess of 14 kg however the shore angler can expect to target fish averaging around 2 kg and the a good specimen from the boat would scale 5 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/pollack.htm

Distribution: The habitat of the pollack tends to close to rocks, piers or rough ground with the biggest specimens normally found over wrecks or deep water reefs. Adult specimens can be found at depths ranging from the surface to over 100 metres deep. The smaller fish will inhabit the inshore waters including sandy areas. The pollack will spawn in deep water from January to April. They can be found from the Mediterranean to as far north as the Arctic Circle.

Food: Fish form the main source of food for pollack, particularly sandeels and members of the cod and herring families. Recently on the north and east coasts of the UK large numbers of pipefish form a major part of the diet. They will also forage on the sea bed for crustaceans.

Baits: Sandeels, fresh or frozen, make an excellent bait for pollack both from the boat and shore. In shallow water a single ragworm will often produce good bags of fish from the rocks or over offshore reefs. Similarly a belly strip of mackerel slow retrieved can be deadly. Large specimens are taken occasionally on fish baits being used for other species.

Lures: Plastic or rubber worms, eels such as the redgill, or shads can be very effective on a flowing trace either slowly retrieved back to the boat or spun deeply from the shore.

The shore angler can also find success using a metal spoon spun over kelp covered rocks, elongated silver or copper ones normally produce best bags.

A favourite among the Scottish competition anglers for inshore pollack is to fish with two or three redgills or plastic worms fished paternoster style above a fluttering, hookless pirk.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Pollack Pollachius pollachius Lyr Lyrtorsk, bleka Lubbe, lyssej, Polack Lieu jaune blåsej

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Vlaswijting Abadejo Merluzzogiallo Sayda Lýr Juliana

Regional Names - Lythie, Lythe, Coalsey, Podler , Piltock, Stedlock, Cuden, Cooth, Harbin, Whiting

Pollock

Poor-cod - Trisopterus minutus

Distinguishing features: The poor cod is a mini-species from the cod family with three dorsal fins and two anal fins. The base of the first anal fin starts beneath the space between the first and second dorsal fins and the upper jaw overlaps the lower. The back is a yellowish-brown with the sides tending towards a copper colour and the belly is silvery grey. Its scales tend to come off on the hand when touched but the fin position should be used as the main guide when distinguishing between this species and the pouting.

Size: Poor cod reach a maximum length of around 26 cm but between 15 and 20 cm is more common.

Distribution: Poor cod are very common in the waters of the eastern North Atlantic in depths of between 25 to 200 metres. It is less common close to the shore than the pouting.

Food: Its food consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans.

Baits: Poor cod will take almost any small baits including crab, worms, fish and squid.

Lures: Like the pouting, poor cod will happily take small sabiki lures fished hard on the bottom.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Poor Cod Trisopterus minutus Sypike Glyskolja Glyse Zwergdorsch Not available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Fanecão

Pouting - Trisopterus luscus

Distinguishing features: The pouting is a deep bodied member of the cod family with three dorsal fins and two anal fins which all overlap at the base. The start of the front anal fin is well forward, below the middle of the first dorsal. The pelvic fin is long and reaches past the anal vent. These latter two characteristics are the easiest way to differentiate between a small pouting and its close relative the poor cod. Coloration in the adult is generally a coppery-brown with four or five darker bands across the upper body and a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Younger pout tend to be more silver grey in colour and the bands may be absent.

Size: Pouting can reach a maximum weight of around 3 kg but the average size from the boat is about

1 kg and less than half of that from the shore. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/pouting.htm

Distribution: Pout are very common in the waters around the English Channel and southern North Sea with the small fish being found in shallow water with a sandy bottom. Larger fish tend to shoal near or over rocks and wrecks. They can be found anywhere from the shoreline to depths of 300 metres and spawns in March to April.

Food: Its food consists mainly of small squid, fish and crustaceans with shrimps a particular favourite.

Baits: Pouting can be veracious feeders and will take most baits but fish strips and squid will take the larger specimens. Using worm baits, lugworm or rag can be very effective for shore fishing or smaller fish from the boat. It’s not unusual for large pout to take a whole mackerel flapper when fishing for conger.

Lures: Although not normally a target for the lures fisherman, pouting will happily take small sabiki lures or mini-eels fished hard on the bottom.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Pouting Trisopterus luscus Skjeggtorsk Skäggtorsk Skægtorsk Bartdorsch Tacaud

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Steenbolk Faneca Merluzzo francese Tresótsjka Skeggur Faneca

Regional Names - Scotchies, Scotch Haddock, Bleg, White Eyes, Gilligant, Brown Bream

Red Mullet - Mullus surmuletus

Distinguishing features: The red mullet is a slim, narrow bodied fish with an angled front to the head.

The large scales are easily dislodged and there are two long barbels below its chin. The colour is a reddish brown to deep red with yellowish stripes along its body together with a single darker red stripe. The colours may merge into blotchy patches.

Size: Red mullet can attain weights of around a kilogram.

Distribution: Although found around the UK and North Sea coasts it is most plentiful south of the

English Channel down through the Mediterranean to the north west coast of Africa. It inhabits muddy or sandy seabeds in depths from below the low water mark to around 100 metres.

Food: This species feeds mainly on invertebrates and crustaceans which it roots from the seabed.

Baits: Soft baits such as worms or peeler crabs will on occasion take this species.

Greater Sandeel - Hyperoplus launceolatus

Distinguishing features: As its name suggests the greater sandeel has an elongated eel shaped body and is the largest of the European sandeels. Unlike other sandeels the upper jaw is not protrusible and it has a couple of teeth on the roof of the mouth. The dorsal fin extends from behind the pectoral fin to almost reach the tail and the lateral line, situated towards the belly, is continuous. The back and upper sides wary from blueish-green to green and the belly is a silvery white. There is a dark spot on the side of the head.

Size: The greater sandeel can reach lengths of 30cm or more.

Distribution: This sandeel ranges widely from the north coast of Spain to the waters around Iceland and the north of Norway. It is generally found over sandy bottoms in depths from just a few metres to

150 metres.

Food: The greater sandeel feeds mainly on planktonic species but larger specimens will include small fish in their diets.

Baits: Very small fish baits can be used to take this sandeel.

Lures: Small sabiki style lures are the most effective method targeting the greater sandeel particularly those which include white and silver in their makeup.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Greater Hyperoplus Storsil Tobiskung Tobiskonge Großer Sandaal Lançon Sandeel launceolatus Commun

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zandspiering Lanzon Cicerello песчанка болшая Sandsíli Sandilho

Regional Names - Launce, sandeel

Scad - Trachurus trachurus

Distinguishing features: Although also know as the horse mackerel the scad is from a totally different family to the Atlantic mackerel. The body shape is similar but two dorsal fins are close together with the front one being spiny and the posterior one being large and stretching down to the tail. It has a large anal fin with two conjoined spins to its anterior. The scad has a large pectoral fin and series of large boney scales along the lateral line. The back is a blue grey with a greenish tinge fading into silvery sides and a white belly.

Size: The maximum size for scad is around 1.5 kg but the majority of captures are less than half that size. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/scad.htm

Distribution: The scad can be found throughout the southern end of the eastern North Atlantic and south as far as the west coast of Africa. It is pelagic and can be found throughout the water column although it’s more common in the upper layers. It is found in water less than 100 metres deep.

Food: Scad feed on small fish, crustaceans and squid.

Baits: Small fish baits will produce scad as will ragworm and squid strips. Lures: As with their namesake, the mackerel, scad will regularly take feathers and other small lures.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Scad Trachurus Taggmakrell Taggmakrill Hestemakrel Bastardmakrele, Chinchard trachurus hestemakrell Stöcker

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Horsmakreel Jureles Suro Not available Not available Chicharro, carapau

Regional Names - Buck mackerel, Horse Mackerel, Mossbanker, Skipper

Sea Scorpion, Short Spined - Myoxocephalus scorpius

Distinguishing features: This member of the sculpin family is one of the largest found in European waters. It has a large head and rounded body which tapers down to the tail fin. The mouth is very large for the size of the fish. It has two short spines on the anterior opercula bone and one larger one on the gill cover. The gill covers are connected on the underside by a fleshy membrane. There are also numerous small spines on either side of the lateral line. The colouration varies from red on the belly of the male to more orange on the female and there are several white spots. The back is generally a greenish brown with darker blotches.

Size: The short spined sea scorpion can reach lengths of around 60 cm in northern waters and can reach weights of over 2 kilos.

Distribution: Found in cooler waters from the English Channel to inside the Arctic Circle. Can be found from the shoreline to depths of 60 metres and it is found over a mixture of different sea beds.

Food: This species of sea scorpion feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Baits: Worms, mussels and fish baits are effective for this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Short Spined Myoxocephalus Vanlig Ulke Ulk Almindelig Ulk Gemeiner Not Sea Scorpion scorpius Seeskorpion available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeedonderpad Not available Not available Evropeiskiy Kerchak Marhnotur Not available

Regional Names - Sea Scorp, Father Lasher, Snotch, Cluggie, Bull-rout

Sea Scorpion, Long Spined - Taurulus bubalis

Distinguishing features: A comparatively small member of the sculpin family the long spined sea scorpion has a hard, bony head with a single long spine on the preoperculum. The membrane under the gill covers is not continuous from side to side and separates at the throat. There are small spines on the lateral line itself. The colour on the upper side varies from red to greenish brown and merges to yellow on the ventral side.

Size: The long spined sea scorpion reaches lengths of around 18 cm.

Distribution: Its habitat covers rocky inshore areas from the north coast of Spain northwards to inside the Arctic Circle. Can be found in tidal pools and under rocks below the high water mark.

Food: This sea scorpion feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Baits: Although not a target species small Worm and fish baits will take this species.

Tusk - Brosme brosme

Distinguishing features: The tusk is a muscular, solid bodied fish with a single long dorsal and anal fin which meet the tail fin. It has a single chin barbel. The lateral line curves downwards above the vent.

The fins have a dark band and white edges. The body is generally a greyish brown or green colour with occasional yellow flashes.

Size: Can attain a length of over one metre and weights of around 16 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/torsk.htm

Habitat: It is a cold water species found mostly north of Scotland and up to the Arctic Circle and

Iceland. It prefers water from 50 to 200 metres deep over rocky mixed ground.

Food: The tusk feeds mainly on crustaceans, small fish and molluscs. Baits: Oily fish baits such as mackerel, herring and blueys make effective baits for tusk.

Lures: Tusk will take pirks and shads fished close to the bottom.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Tusk Brosme brosme Brosme Lubb Brosme Lumb Not available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Brosmio Not available Menjók Keila Bolota

Regional Names - Torsk, Rubber Mannies

Trigger Fish - Balistes capriscus

Distinguishing features: The trigger fish is well named as the second of the three spines on the first dorsal can act as a trigger and locks the strong sharp first spine as a defensive measure. The body is deep and narrow with a small spin in place of the pelvic fins. It has a large second dorsal, tail and anal fins. The body is generally a greeny brown or grey colour and the dorsal and anal fins have a blue line along their base.

Size: Can grow to a length of over 40 cm and reach weights of 2.7 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/triggerfish.htm

Habitat: This trigger fish is found from the west coast of Africa, into the Mediterranean and north into the English Channel and Atlantic west coast of the UK. It is a summer migratory fish in the northern half of its range. It lives mainly on mixed rough ground and is frequently found in the same areas as black bream.

Food: Feeds mainly on crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans.

Baits: Peeler crab work well for triggers and they can also be caught on small squid, worm and mackerel baits.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Triggerfish Balistes carolinensis Not available Not available Not available Not available Baliste / Alutère

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Trekkervis pez Ballesta Pesce Balestra Not available Not available Not available

Greater Weever – Trachinus draco

Photo courtesy of David Groom

Distinguishing features: The greater weever has a fairly slender body and the smaller ones are not dissimilar to a whiting. It has a smallish head with a comparatively large almost vertical mouth. Two poisonous spines (one one each side) are situated at the rear edge of the gills, pointing downward. In addition there are two other poisonous spines on the prominent frontal dorsal fin. The general colouration is a sandy brown and white to cream with darkish mottled stripes and on occasion the sides and fins can be tinged with blue. The anterior dorsal is very dark.

Size: The maximum size for the greater weever is around 40cm. Distribution: The greater weever can to be found around the Atlantic coast of Europe and throughout the Mediterranean waters. It is commonly found over sandy seabeds from around 10 metres to depths of 100 metres. It buries most of its body in the sand during the day and mostly emerges to feed after dark when it may be pelagic.

Food: The weever feeds heavily on small crustaceans and fish including sandeels and gobies.

Baits: Small fish baits will attract the weever wrasse although they are normally taken when targeting other species.

Whiting - Merlangius merlangus

Distinguishing features: The whiting is a slim bodied member of the cod family with three dorsal fins which are joined. It has two anal fins the first of which is long and the first edge starts below the mid point of the first dorsal. The small barbel in the young whiting disappears in the adults. There is a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. The silvery white colour on the belly and sides merge into a light copper brown or greeny blue on the back.

Size: The whiting can reach a weight of about 3 kg and a maximum length of around 70 cm. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/whiting.htm

Habitat: The whiting can form prolific shoals in depths of 30 to 100 metres but can be found both shallower and deeper. It is found from the waters around Iceland and Norway down to the

Mediterranean. It will happily live on the bottom or into mid-water over seabeds of sand or mud.

Food: Feeds mainly on small fish such as sandeels, herring and sprats but will also eat shrimps and other crustaceans.

Baits: Whiting are not particularly fussy when it comes to bait but lugworm, squid and mackerel will normally produce particularly when used as a cocktail.

Lures: Whiting will occasionally be caught on small feathers and pirks.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Whiting Merlangius Hvitting Vitling Hvilling Wittling Merlan merlangus

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Wijting Merlan Merlano Merlang Lýsa Badejo

Ballan Wrasse – Labrus bergylta

Distinguishing features: The ballan wrasse is a deep bodied, fully scaled member of the Labridae family with a pointed but not elongated mouth which contains prominent teeth and thick lips. More crushing teeth are to be found on the pharyngeal bones in the throat. The colour of the ballan varies from venue to venue and may range from greeny-brown through green to red. The underside and the fins are spotted with white. The spiny first dorsal has 19 to 20 rays and the posterior one 9 to 11.

Size: The maximum size for a ballan wrasse is around the 5kg mark but any fish over 3kg would be an excellent specimen. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/wrasseballan.htm

Distribution: The ballan is to be found around European waters including the coast of Denmark,

Sweden and Norway. The best fishing is to be found on the Atlantic coast of the UK and France. It is commonly found near to rocks and reefs from around 2 metres to depths of 25 metres. The adult is normally a solitary fish and is territorial.

Food: The ballan feeds heavily on crustaceans, especially small crabs and molluscs. Baits: Crabs, both peeler and hardback are the most effective bait for the larger ballan wrasse. The hardbacks will generally sort out the larger specimens. Ragworm and lugworm also make an effective bait for this species although it is more susceptible to the smaller fish. Ballans will occasionally take fish baits but they would never be relied upon as bait for this wrasse.

Lures: Ballan wrasse will occasionally take lures especially short, stumpy plugs but it’s unusual for an angler to target them without bait. One theory is that with the wrasse being territorial, it is chasing off a competitor rather than attempting to feed.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Wrasse, Ballan Labrus bergylta Berggylt Berggylta Berggylt Gefleckter Not Lippfisch available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Regional Names - Sea Soo

Corkwing Wrasse - Symphodus melops

Distinguishing features: A deep bodied fully scaled wrasse, the corkwing has 3 spines at the front of its anal fin and 8 to 10 softer ones to the rear. The rear edge of the gill cover is sharp and serrated.

The colouration varies depending upon the habitat but is usually green, reddish green or greeny- brown and the males tend to have blueish lines on their lower halves. There are dark blotches behind the eye and on the tail either on or below the lateral line.

Size: The corkwing may reach lengths of 25cm and weigh up to 450gms.

Distribution: The corkwing wrasse can to be found around the coasts of northern Europe and down to the western end of the Mediterranean. Its usual habitat features rocks and will be found in depths from the low water mark down to 30 metres. Like a number of other small wrasse species eel grass is also a favoured haunt.

Food: The corkwing feeds heavily on small crustaceans and molluscs.

Baits: Small worm baits are effective for this wrasse although they are normally taken when targeting larger wrasse such as the ballan.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Corkwing Symphodus Grønaade Skorsnultra Småmundet Goldmaid Cronilabre Wrasse melops Gylte Melops

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zwartooglipvis Porredano Tordo Occhionero Not available Not available Bodião-Vulgar

Cuckoo Wrasse - Labrus mixtus

Male Cuckoo Wrasse

Distinguishing features: The Cuckoo Wrasse is one of the most distinctively coloured of the cold water wrasse species with the male in particular taking on tropical hues. The male has bright blue to purple markings on the head and body over a background which can vary from yellow to orange and green.

The females are more subdued and tend to an overall reddish orange with a black line along the dorsal towards the tail broken up by lighter spots; the fins may also have a blue border. Immature males have a similar colouring to the female but without the dorsal markings. The Cuckoo Wrasse is streamlined with a pointed head and protruding mouth which contains canine teeth. There are 16-18 spines in anterior section of the dorsal fin and 11-14 in the posterior section.

Size: Cuckoo Wrasse are generally a small fish but can reach weights of over 1 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/wraseecuckoo.htm

Distribution: The Cuckoo Wrasse can be found in depths from 2 to 200 metres but if most frequent from 20 to 80 metres. It prefers mixed ground and rocky areas.

Food: The Cuckoo Wrasse feeds mostly on small crustaceans and molluscs.

Baits: Although worms and peeler crab will take Cuckoo Wrasse a strip of mackerel is the mostly likely bait to secure one of this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Wrasse, Labrus Blåstål/rødnebb Blågylta/ Blåstak/rødnæb Kuckucks Not Cuckoo bimaculatus rödnäbba Lippfisch available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available

Futher Reading ..

Wrasse-ster Blaster

Female Cuckoo Wrasse

Goldsinny – Ctentolabrus rupestris

Distinguishing features: The goldsinny has a fairly slender body with an angled head with a comparatively large mouth. The anal fin has 3 to 4 rays with spines at the anterior and 7 to 8 softer ones to the posterior. Its colour tends to be reddish or orangey brown with a dark spot towards the front of the dorsal fin and on the upper surface of the root of tail fin.

Size: The maximum size for the goldsinny is around 18cm.

Distribution: The goldsinny wrasse can to be found around the Atlantic coast of Europe and throughout the Mediterranean waters. It is commonly found near to rocks and reefs with algae growths from around 10 metres to depths of 50 metres. It may also be found close inshore in rock pools and in beds of eel grass. It is known to act as a cleaner fish for other species.

Food: Like most wrasse the goldsinny feeds heavily on small crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates.

Baits: Small worm baits are effective for this wrasse although they are normally taken when targeting other species.

Regional Names - Salmon wrasse

Rock Cook – Centrolabrus exoletus

Distinguishing features: The rock cook is a small deep-bodied wrasse with thick lips on a small mouth, it’s also known as the small mouth wrasse. The mouth extends to less than half the distance to the eye. It only has one row of small teeth. The anal fin has 4 to 6 rays with spines at the anterior and

6 to 8 softer ones to the posterior. Its colour varies from green through brown to red on the upper back fading into yellow on the underside. Larger males have extensive blue blotches particularly on the head and on the upper fins. There is a dark semi-circular mark on the tail with a lighter band adjacent to this and on the edge of the fin.

Size: The maximum size for a rock cook is around 15cm.

Distribution: This wrasse can to be found around European waters including the western coasts of the

UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It is commonly found near to rocks and reefs with algae growths and in eel grass beds from around 2 metres to depths of 25 metres. It is known to act as a cleaner fish for other species.

Food: The rock cook feeds heavily on small crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates.

Baits: Small crab and worm baits are effective for this wrasse although they are normally taken when targeting other species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Rock Cook Centrolabrus Bergnebb Not available Småmundet Kleinmäuliger Petite exoletus Gylte Lippfisch Vieille

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Centrolabro Tordo Not available Not available Not available

Regional Names - Small mouth wrasse

Brill - Scophthalmus rhombus

Distinguishing features: The brill is a close relative of the turbot which it resembles however its body is scaled and lacks the boney protuberances. The first rays of the dorsal fin are free from membranes in their upper half. The dorsal fin has 73-83 rays and the anal 56- 62. The underside is a creamy white and the upper side a sandy brown with spots which do not extend on to the tail fin. The fins tend to be lighter than the body. The body of the brill is more oval than the turbot.

Size: The maximum weight is around 7 kg and length is 75 cm. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/brill.htm

Distribution: The turbot can be found in the eastern North Atlantic, North Sea, and Baltic Sea and down to the Mediterranean. It inhabits water from the shoreline to depths of around 70 metres where the seabed is composed mainly of sand and occasionally gravel, mud or a mixture of these. Larger specimens are found on offshore sandbanks.

Food: The brill feeds extensively on fish, particularly sandeels together with crustaceans and squid.

Bait: Long thin fillets of mackerel or launce are a favourite bait as are live or dead large sandeels.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Brill Scophthalmus Slettvar Slätvar Slethvarre Glatbutt, Kleist Barbue rhombus

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Griet Rémol Romboli Gládkij romb Slétthverfa Rodovalho

Further Reading..

Brills and Spills

Dab – Limanda limanda

Distinguishing features: The Dab belongs to the family of flatfish called Pleuronectidae which are all right-eyed flatfish, the eye migrates over the head when young and finishes on the right hand side of the head (when viewed from the front). In comparison to its moderate sized head the Dab has a small mouth. The colouration can vary from a sandy brown with yellow spots to a gray-brown with darker speckles. The underside is white and slightly translucent. The lateral line has a D-shaped curve above the pectoral fin and the skin is rough to touch on the upper side.

Size: In suitable waters the bad can grow to over 40 cm in length and attain a weight of 1.5kg but the more normal size that the angler will encounter is around 25 cm. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/dab.htm

Distribution: The bad is probably the most abundant flatfish in the waters of northern Europe especially in the North Sea and the waters around Iceland. It tends to favour sandy grounds with depths of around 20-40 metres but the smaller specimens will be found shallower than this. Adults tend to move inshore in the early summer after spawning and although not a shoal fish where the angler finds one Dab there are usually more about.

Food: The Dab is voracious feeder and will eat almost any small bottom living invertebrate that it comes across. Small crustaceans, worms, sandeels and molluscs form the bulk of its diet.

Baits: When in a feeding mood Dabs will take most baits but fish baits in general and mackerel strip in particular from the boat. When shore fishing lugworm, particularly stale, sticky worms, will produce most fish. Other worms such as rag and white rag can also be productive and mussel is always worth trying particularly in the north of Scotland. Squid and razor fish will also attract the hungry Dab.

Whichever bait chosen it should be of a size to match the small mouth of this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Dab Limanda limanda Sandflyndre Sandskädda Ising, slette Scharbe, Limande Kliesche

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schar Limanda Limanda Limánda Sandkoli Solhão

Flounder - Pleuronectes flesus

Distinguishing features: The Flounder is a flatfish and normally a dull brown or greenish-brown on its upper side and occasionally faint red spots can be found. The underside is opaque and a dull white although brownish discolouration is not unusual. There are small sharp knobs along the edges of the fins and along the straight lateral line. Although the Flounder is a right-eyed flatfish it can be found with the eyes on the left side. It can hybridise with the plaice.

Size: The Flounder can attain a size of 50 cm and a weight of around 3 kg. The shore angler is more likely to find fish around the half kilo mark and any fish of over 1 kg is a good specimen. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/flounder.htm

Distribution: The Flounder can survive in water which is only slightly saline and will happily frequent estuaries. Although it will inhabit depths of up to 50 metres the majority will be found in depths of less than 15 metres and will often be found at the angler’s feet. It tends to prefer areas where the sea bed is composed of sand or mud. It breeds in deeper water in the spring time.

Food: The Flounder will feed on a wide range of bottom living animals including molluscs, worms and crustaceans such as sand hoppers and shrimps.

Baits: Flounders, although avid feeders can be very fussy when it comes to baits. On one venue peeler crab, in season, may be the only bait touched whereas on another beach a bunch of maddies may be the killer. Worms, either lug or rag, are generally a good bet for Flounders and can be particularly effective when cocktailed with fish strip. A strip of herring or mackerel on its own can also produce good numbers of fish at some venues.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Flounder Platichthys flesus Skrubbe Skrubbskädda Skrubbe Flunder, butt Flet

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Bot Platija Passera Pianuzza Not available Not available Solha das pedras

Regional Names - Fluke

Halibut – Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Distinguishing features: The halibut is the largest of the flatfishes and has a thick but comparatively slender body. The eyes are on the right side of the head. The tail fin is slightly concave. The mouth contains large teeth and the lower jaw is prominent. The lateral line has a pronounced D-shaped curve above the pectoral fin. The topside of the halibut is a greenish-brown to dark brown and the underside is pearly white.

Size: The halibut can reach weights of over 300 kilos. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/halibut.htm

Distribution: This halibut is throughout the continental shelf of the north Atlantic from the south west of the UK up into the Arctic Circle. It is found in greatest numbers in depths between 40 to 200 metres but inhabits depths of over 1000 metres. It lives over a range of seabeds including sand, rock and gravel. While, like most flatfish, it spends time on the seabed the halibut is an active predator and will hunt its prey in mid-water.

Food: The halibut feeds extensively on fish but also includes squid, prawns and other crustaceans in its diet.

Baits: Fish baits including whole live and dead baits are effective for halibut.

Lures: Halibut will take lures in particular pirks and baited versions can be particularly effective. Some

Swedish anglers fishing in Norway have had good results when trolling with large plugs (crankbaits).

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Halibut Hippoglossus Kveite Helgeflundra Helleflynder Heilbutt Fletan hippoglossus Atlantique

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Heilbot Hipogloso Halibut Not available Heilagfiski Alabote

Regional Names - Butt

Lemon Sole – Microstomus kitt

Distinguishing features: The lemon sole has an oval shaped body that is sandy brown in colour with darker brown blotches and yellow and green spots on the back, the underside is white. It has a small head and mouth with prominent lips. The lateral line curves slightly above the pectoral fin.

Size: The lemon sole reaches lengths over 60 cm and weights of around one kilo. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/solelemon.htm

Distribution: This flatfish is found throughout European and Scandinavian waters and is most common in the colder northern waters. Although smaller specimens can be found near the shore the larger fish tend to frequent sand, gravel and rocky mixed bottoms in depths between 40 and 200 metres. Food: The lemon sole feeds mainly on worms but also includes small crustaceans and molluscs in its diet.

Baits: Worm and fish baits are the most effective way of attracting this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Lemon Sole Microstomus kitt Bergflyndre Bergtunga Rødtunge Limande Limande- Sole

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Tongschar Mendo Limón Sogliola Limanda камбала малоротая ﬁykkvalúra Solha-Limão

Regional Names – Lemons

Long Rough Dab – Hippoglossoides platessoides

Distinguishing features: The long rough dab is a slender bodied, right sided flatfish. The eyes and mouth are relatively large compared to the smallish head. There is a slight curve to the lateral line at the pectoral fin and the sharp edged scales give the fish its name. The upper surface is brown colour which varies in shade depending upon its habitat.

Size: The long rough dab can reach lengths of 50 cm.

Distribution: This species is found in the North Atlantic from the English Channel northwards. The northern reaches of its range hosts the greatest numbers. The further north they are the more likely that they will be found in shallow waters and they inhabit depths 0f 4 to 400 metres. It lives on seabeds comprising sand or mud.

Food: The long rough dab feeds mainly on small crustaceans, worms and molluscs with the occasional fish adding to the diet. Baits: Small fish and worm baits are effective baits although they are normally taken when targeting other flatfish.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Long Rough Hippoglossoides Gapeflyndre Lerflundra Almindelig Doggerscharbe Balai Dab platessoides Håising

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Lange Schar Platija Americana Passera Canadese Not available Skrápflúra Solha Americana

Regional Names - American Plaice

Megrim - Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis

Distinguishing features: The megrim is a thin bodied, left eyed flatfish with a large extendable mouth and large eyes. The last two rays of the dorsal and anal fins finish on the underside of the fish. The upper side is a sandy brown colour with darker patches and the underside is white.

Size: The megrim can attain a length of around 60 cm.

Habitat: Can be found over muddy and sandy bottoms in depths from 20 to 300 metres. Its range is from the waters around Iceland and Norway down to the Mediterranean.

Food: The diet of the megrim consists mainly of small fish such as sandeels, gobies and small whiting. It will also feed on squid and crustaceans.

Bait: Mackerel strip is the best bait for targeting megrim.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Megrim Lepidorhombus Glassvar Glasvar Glashvarre Flügelbutt Cardine whiffiagonis

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schartong Lliseria Rombo Giallo Megrím Megrim Areeiro

Plaice - Pleuronectes platessa

Distinguishing features: The plaice is a typical round bodied, right eyed flatfish. The upper side is a sandy brown with prominent red or orange spots. The underside is a pearlescent white. There is a line of boney knobs between the upper edge of the gill cover and the eyes.

Size: Plaice can grow to a weight in excess of 7 kg but it’s more likely that the angler will take fish around the kilo mark from the boat and half that from the shore. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/plaice.htm

Distribution: Plaice like sandy sea beds but will also inhabit muddy and gravel areas. While it will be found in depth down to 200 metres it’s most common from 10 to 50 metres. Food: Plaice feed on a wide range of bottom living organisms including crustaceans, worms, sandeel and molluscs. They have a habit if nipping the spouts off shellfish such as razorfish.

Baits: Worms, rag, lug and white rag, are generally the first choice for the angler targeting plaice. A particular favourite is ragworm with a long thin strip of squid on the bend of the hook, a parcel of peeler crab is sometimes used at the head of the cocktail. In certain areas, particularly off the Scottish west coast islands mackerel strip can be effective.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Plaice Pleuronectes platessa Rødspette Rödspätta Rødspætte Scholle Plie, carrelet

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schol Solla Passera Kámbala morskája Rauðspretta Solha

Length / Weight Chart - http://www.planetseafishing.com/downloads/plaice.pdf

Sole - Solea solea

Distinguishing features: The sole is an oval shaped flatfish with a small head and a small offset mouth.

The dorsal and anal fins are joined to the tail by a thin membrane. The upper side of the sole varies in colour from dark brown to sandy brown with blotches and the underside being a creamy white. There is a dark spot on the pectoral fin.

Size: The sole can grow to 60 cm and a weight of around three kilos although the majority of fish encountered will not exceed 30 cm. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/soledover.htm

Distribution: The sole will be found where the seabed is sandy or muddy in depths of 10 to 100 metres. It is found mainly in the southern North Sea and down the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean.

The sole tends to feed best after dark inshore.

Food: Although sole will occasionally feed on molluscs its main diet consists of worms and crustaceans.

Baits: Smallish neat ragworm, black lug or blow lug baits are the most effective bait for sole.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Sole Solea solea Tunge Tunga Søtunge, tunge Seezunge, Zunge Sole Lammzunge

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Tong Lenguado Sogliola Solye ya Not available Linguado

Regional Names - Slips

Turbot - Scophthalmus maximus

Distinguishing features: The turbot is a wide bodied flatfish with the eyes on the left side of its head.

The body is without scales but there are boney tubercles on it although these are sometimes only on the underside. Only the tips of the dorsal fin are outwith the membrane. Colouration varies according to the habitat but it’s generally a sandy brown with darker spots which extend onto the tail fin. The dorsal fin has 57-71 rays and the anal one 43-52.

Size: Turbot are the largest of the flat fish other than Halibut and can reach lengths of one metre and a weight of 25 kg. http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/turbot.htm

Distribution: The turbot can be found in the eastern North Atlantic, North Sea, and Baltic Sea and down to the Mediterranean. It inhabits water from the shoreline to depths of around 55 metres where the seabed is composed of sand, gravel, crushed shells or a mixture of these. Larger specimens are found on offshore banks. They are also found in the scour adjacent to wrecks.

Food: Turbot feed almost exclusively on fish, particularly sandeels, herring, whiting and sprats. Bait: Long thin fillets of mackerel or launce are a favourite bait as are live or dead large sandeels.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Turbot Psetta maxima Piggvar Piggvar Pighvarre Steinbutt Turbot

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Tarbot Rodaballo Rombo chiodat Belokóryj páltus Sandhverfa Pregado