Species

Knowing which fish you’re targeting — and how to identify them — is essential in sea fishing. Each species behaves differently, prefers specific habitats, and responds to different baits and rigs. Some are seasonal, some localised, and others roam widely. Understanding sea fish species helps you plan your sessions and fish more effectively and ethically.

Bass

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a prized catch for many anglers due to its power, aggression, and eating quality.

  • Season: Late spring to early autumn; most active in summer.

  • Location: Surf beaches, rocky marks, estuaries, piers.

  • Size: Commonly 1–5 lb; specimens over 10 lb possible.

  • Bait: Peeler crab, lugworm, ragworm, mackerel strip.

  • Method: Bottom fishing, surface lures, or soft plastics near structure.

Minimum landing size (MLS) and bag limits apply. Check local rules before retaining.

Cod

Cod (Gadus morhua) are a favourite winter target for shore and boat anglers.

  • Season: Autumn to early spring; peak November–February.

  • Location: Deep water, rough ground, piers, wrecks, and estuaries.

  • Size: Shore-caught fish range 2–10 lb; much larger from boats.

  • Bait: Lugworm, squid, black wraps (lug + squid combo).

  • Method: Pulley rigs, pennel setups, large baits on 3/0–6/0 hooks.

Cod are best targeted during storms or heavy swell with coloured water.

Mackerel

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) are fast, shoaling fish and an ideal summer target.

  • Season: May to September.

  • Location: Piers, harbours, cliffs, and open beaches.

  • Size: 8–16 inches; rarely over 1 lb.

  • Bait: Feathers, sabikis, small spinners.

  • Method: Casting lures into shoals; float fishing with strips of fish.

Often caught in numbers — keep only what you’ll use.

Plaice

Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) are a flatfish species known for their orange spots and mild flavour.

  • Season: March to September.

  • Location: Sandy beaches, estuaries, inshore sandbanks.

  • Size: Commonly 1–3 lb.

  • Bait: Ragworm, lugworm, razorfish.

  • Method: Long snood rigs, two-hook flappers, light gear.

Best targeted on spring tides and calm, bright days.

Whiting

Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) are small but prolific in winter, often a first fish for beginners.

  • Season: Late autumn to early spring.

  • Location: Clean ground, surf beaches, piers.

  • Size: 8–16 inches; larger in deep water.

  • Bait: Mackerel strips, lugworm, squid.

  • Method: Simple bottom rigs, size 2–1 hooks.

Whiting offer non-stop action on light tackle, especially on flood tides.

Pollock

Pollock (Pollachius pollachius) are powerful fighters, especially on lures and light gear.

  • Season: Year-round; best in summer and autumn.

  • Location: Rock marks, cliffs, kelp beds, wrecks.

  • Size: Shore fish 2–6 lb; boat fish over 10 lb.

  • Bait: Soft plastic lures, jellyworms, mackerel strip.

  • Method: Spinning, jigging, float fishing near structure.

Keep pressure on when retrieving — pollock dive hard into cover when hooked.

Dogfish

Lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) are common, hardy bottom feeders.

  • Season: Year-round.

  • Location: Clean or mixed ground, piers, and surf beaches.

  • Size: 1–3 lb on average.

  • Bait: Mackerel, squid, bluey.

  • Method: Bottom rigs with size 1/0–3/0 hooks.

Often considered a nuisance, but useful for bait testing or beginners.

Smoothhound

Smoothhound (Mustelus spp.) are shark-like fish known for their powerful runs and fight.

  • Season: Late spring to early autumn.

  • Location: Shallow beaches, estuaries, and sandbanks.

  • Size: Typically 3–10 lb; can reach 20 lb.

  • Bait: Peeler crab (almost exclusively).

  • Method: Strong pulley rigs with 3/0–5/0 hooks, 30–50 lb mono.

They fight like a big fish, making them a favourite summer target.

Wrasse

Ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) are colourful, tough-fighting rock dwellers.

  • Season: Late spring to early autumn.

  • Location: Rock marks, harbour walls, kelp.

  • Size: 1–5 lb, occasionally more.

  • Bait: Hardback crab, ragworm, limpets.

  • Method: Float fishing near rocks, simple ledgering with strong tackle.

Avoid using braid too close to rocks — abrasion can cost you fish.

Rays

Common species include thornback ray, small-eyed ray, and blonde ray.

  • Season: Spring through autumn, depending on species.

  • Location: Sandbanks, estuaries, offshore marks.

  • Size: 5–20 lb typically; larger offshore.

  • Bait: Bluey, sandeel, squid.

  • Method: Large baits on pulley or up-and-over rigs with 3/0–5/0 hooks.

Handle gently and return with care — many ray species are slow-growing.

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