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

Couchs Bream - Sparus pagrus ............................................................................................................. 46

Bream, Gilthead - Sparus aurata ........................................................................................................... 48

Bream, Red - Pagellus bogaraveo ......................................................................................................... 50

Rays 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. Its 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

stellaris Storflekket rdhai

Storflckig rdhaj

Storplettet rdhaj

Grossgefleckter Katzenhai

Not available

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

akla Flekkjahfur Not available

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 Dogfish

Galeus melastomus Hgjel Hgl Ringhaj Fleckhai Bardoulin

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 its 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. Its 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, Lesser Spotted

Scyliorhinus canicula

Smflekket rdhai

Smflckig rdhaj

Smplettet rdhaj

Kleingefelckter Katzenhai

Not available

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, Im addicted to dogs

Shark, Blue - Prionace glauca

Photo taken aboard Luke Astons 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 Blhai Blhaj Blhaj 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 sharks 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, Porbeagle

Lamna nasus Hbrann Hbrand, sillhaj

Sildehaj Heringshai 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, Starry

Mustelus asterias Hvitflekket glatthai

Glatthaj Stjernehaj Glatthai Not available

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Not available Not available Not available Not available Cao 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. Its 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 Piggh Pigghaj Pighaj Dornhai Aguillat/Chien Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese

Doornhaai Mielga Spinarola Katran Hfur Galhudo malhado, 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 Grhai Grhaj Grhaj Hundshai Not


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

Skate on a plate

Island Master-skater

Ray, Blonde - Raja brachvara

photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Distinguishing features: The blonde ray has the common Rajidae kite shape with a relatively thick body

and a short snout. The tips of the pectoral fins are angular and there are a line of spins down the mid-

line of the tail. The light brown back is covered with dark spots which continue out to the very edge of

the wings. There may also be lighter blotches on the upper surface and the fish is white on the ventral

side. As with all rays the males have large claspers adjacent to the pectoral fins.

Size: One of the largest rays the blonde ray can reach a weight of 18 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/rayblonde.htm

Habitat: It inhabits from UK coastal waters down to the Mediterranean and is mainly found in water

from 30 to 100 metres deep over sandy bottoms.

Food: This ray feeds mainly on herring, sprats, pouting, sandeels and other small fish together with

crustaceans and worms.

Baits: Large fillets of mackerel are an effective bait for blonde rays particularly when combined with a

whole calamari squid. Peeler crab can work well from the shore.

Ray, Cuckoo - Raja naevus

Distinguishing features: The cuckoo ray is one of the rarer of the European rays and has the typical ray

shape with comparatively large rounded pectoral fins. There is a double line of spines down the tail

and rear of the back. Small spines cover most of the upper surface and underside of the snout. The

back is a patchy grayish brown with distinct black and yellow marks on each wing.

Size: This ray can grow to a length of around 70 cm.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/raycukoo.htm

Habitat: Lives over clean seabed in depths from 20 to 150 metres. It is found from the north of the UK

and southern Norway down the Atlantic coast and North Sea into the west end of the Mediterranean.

Food: The diet consists of shrimps and worms when young with fish forming the main food for adults.

Baits: Mackerel strip is generally the most effective bait for this species.

Regional Names - Jenny

Ray, Small-eyed - Raja microocellata

photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Distinguishing features: The small eyed ray has rounded wing tips and a shortish snout. As its name

suggests it has comparatively small eyes. The upper surface of the wings and body are grayish to

brown colour with light patches and streaks which run parallel to the edges of the wings.

Size: The small eye grows to lengths of around 90 cm and attains a weight of over 7 kg. As with most

rays the female of the species is larger.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/raysmalleyed.htm

Habitat: This ray lives in the coastal waters around the English Channel, south of Ireland and the

Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and Portugal in depths of up to 100 metres. It likes sandy seabeds and

will frequent estuaries.

Food: The small eyed ray feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans.

Baits: Sandeel make an effective bait for small eyed ray, particularly from the shore. Squid, either on its

own or as a cocktail with fish strip will also take fish as will small fish from the location being fished

such as poor cod or pout.

Ray, Spotted - Raia montagui

Photo courtesy of Adam

Distinguishing features: The spotted ray has a concave, curved snout and the typical ray wings. The

young spotted ray has small spines on the upper surface near the front edge and in the adults these

extend further back. There is a row of larger spines which run down the back and tail and expand to

the sides of the tail. The back is a sandy brown with dark spots which dont extend out to the edge of

the wings. They are white on the underside.

Size: The spotted ray can reach a length of 75 cm and a weight of around 4 kg. The females grow

larger than the males.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/rayspotted.htm

Habitat: Whilst it will be found on rocky ground the spotted ray prefers a sandy seabed. Its normally

found in depths between 25 and 120 metres. It is found from the coastal waters of the UK down to the

Mediterranean.

Food: The spotted ray feeds mainly on crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans although fish do form a

minor part of its diet.

Baits: Mackerel, squid, peeler crab and sand eel can all be effective baits from the boat or shore.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Spotted Ray Raja montagui Flekkskate Not available Storplettet

rokke Flckrochen Not


Thornback Ray - Raja clavata

Distinguishing features: The body of the thornback ray has the kite shape that is typical of the skates

and rays. As its name suggests it has thorns on its upper surface particularly from the root of the tail

down to the dorsal fins at its tip. In the larger specimens the thorns have a small disc at their base.

Colouration varies widely but its generally a brown to grey on the back with numerous lighter spots

and patches. The underside is cream merging to grey at the edges of the wings.

Size: Thornbacks can grow to a weight of around 15 kg and fish approaching this size will always be

female.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/raythornback.htm

Distribution: The thornback ray can be commonly found in depths of 10 to 60 metres but the depth

ranges to 300 metres. It tends to prefer areas where the sea bed comprises sand, mud or gravel. The

female lays her eggs in inshore waters from March to August.

Food: Thornbacks feed mainly on crabs but it will also eat fish such as sandeels and flatfish.

Baits: Fish baits such as mackerel and herring are popular baits particularly around Scotland and

Ireland. Prawns and peeler crab can also be very effective and in some areas squid will produce this

ray.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Thornback Ray Raja clavata Piggskate Knaggrocka Smrokke Dornrochen Not


Regional Names - Roker

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

pastinaca Pilrokke Stingrocka Pilrokke Peitschenrochen Raie

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

Further reading

Sun, sea and stingrays

Angler Fish - Loahius Piscatorius

Distinguishing features: The anglerfish is basically a broad flat head with a mouth and a tail. The rays

of the first dorsal fin are spines and the second one has 11-12 rays. Towards the mouth there is small

rod used to lure prey. The colour of the upper body varies from reddish brown to grey/green. The

underside is white and the pelvic fins have a black border.

Size: The anglerfish can reach weight approaching 45 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/angler-fish.htm

Habitat: Tends to prefer deep water up to 550 metres where the seabed is composed of sand, gravel

or crushed shells. It can be found from the Arctic Circle down to North West Africa.

Food: Anglerfish feed almost exclusively on live fish.

Baits: They are an accidental angling catch and fish baits are the mostly likely to attract this species.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Angler Lophius piscatorius Breiflabb Marulk Havtaske Seeteufel Baudroie Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeeduivel Rape Rana / Rospo /

Martino Not available Sktuselur Tamboril

Regional Names - Monk, Monkfish, Oomph, Fishing Frog

Bass Dicentrachus labrax

Distinguishing features: The colours of a bass vary from greeny-grey on the back merging into

brilliant silver on the sides and a silvery-white belly. It has prominent scales on its streamlined body.

The bass has two large dorsal fins the first of which has 8-9 spines. It also has sharp spines on the

lower edge of the gill cover and should be handled with care.

Size: Whilst the bass can reach a size of over one metre and a maximum weight around 12 kilo the

angler can more reasonably expect to find fish up to 60 cm.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/bass.htm

Distribution: The Bass is relatively common in the waters around the UK and in habits the waters from

Norway in the north down as far as the Mediterranean and West Africa. It is an active shoaling fish in

inshore waters and will regularly be found in estuaries, particularly when in its juvenile stages. The

bass tends to breed in May off the UK. It is to some extent a migratory fish although many areas hold

year round populations of fish up to 1.5kg.

Food: Fish is the main diet of bass in particular sandeels, sprats and other small members of the

herring family. They also eat large quantities of squid and crustaceans.

Baits: The most popular all round shore bait for bass off beaches is the fresh lugworm with peeler crab

producing most fish over rocky marks. Live fish baits such as sandeel and mackerel can produce some

excellent specimens both from the boat and shore. Float fishing with live baits is becoming

increasing popular with anglers targeting reef bass from the boat. After an onshore blow razorfish

and slipper limpets can be very effective from the beaches.

Lures: A large variety of lures will take bass both from the boat and shore. From the shore spinning

with silver lures such as the ABU Krill or the Dexter wedge in its various guises will produce fish. Plugs

are very effective over shallow rocky marks due to the fact that they are less likely to snag and their

size tends to produce bigger specimens.

Redgills, Storm Sandeels and other eel shaped lures will also produce fish and the risk of snagging

when fishing over shallow rocks can be reduced by fishing them below a bubble float or Sbirolino

floats which can be obtained either for surface fishing or slow sinking.

Shads are very effective both from the shore when spinning and fished on flowing traces from the

boat. In certain areas pirks such as the Yann can take some large specimens of bass.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bass Dicentrarchus labrax Havabbor Havsabborre Havaborre Seebarsch Bar Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeebaars Lubina Spigola Morskj volk Vartari Robalo

Regional Names - Spikey Salmon Bass, White Salmon , White Mullet or Sea Dace

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

Black Bream - Spondyliosom cantharus

Distinguishing features: The black bream is a deep bodied, fully scaled species with a relatively small

head and spiny single dorsal fin. The back of bream is darkish blue-grey merging into silvery-grey on

the sides. There are six to seven faint vertical bars on the sides when the fish is fresh. Young fish may

have golden horizontal bars on the sides. Occasionally the larger fish will have a blue tinge around

the eyes.

Size: Black bream will grow to a length of 50 cm and may attain a weight of 3 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/breamblack.htm

Distribution: This bream can be commonly found from the southern end of the UK down to the

Mediterranean and will range further north to the Scottish border in the summer months. It likes

mixed rough and clean ground, will frequent mussel beds and may be found on wrecks. It will

generally be found in depths shallower than 50 metres.

Food: Feeds mainly on squid and small crustaceans but small fish and seaweed also feature in their

diet.

Baits: Squid is an effective bait for Black Bream either as whole small "party" squid, squid heads or

simply in strip form. Ragworm, scallop frills and small fish strips will also attract this species of bream

and bread is successfully used from the shore in the Channel Islands. Ground baiting can be used to

attract the shoals.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bream, Black Spondyliosoma

cantharus Havkaruss Havsruda Havrude Seekarpfe Not


Regional Names - Old Wife

Further Reading..

The forgotten venue

Rattle Therapy

Couchs Bream - Sparus pagrus

Distinguishing features: The Couchs 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: Couchs 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 Couchs Bream particularly from the boat but fish strip, cuttlefish

and worms will also take this bream.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bream, Couchs

Sparus pagrus Not available Rodbraxen Almindelig Blankesten

Gewhnliche Rotbrasse

Pagre Commun

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

Regional Names - Pagrus

Further reading - Hard and Mean

Bream, Gilthead - Sparus aurata

Distinguishing features: The gilthead bream has the typical deep, flat profile bream shape. It has a

distinct bump on the head above the gills. The front teeth are sharp and pointed whereas the others

are flat for crushing. When alive or fresh it has red or orange markings at the gill covers and a bright

irregular gold stripe across the head and onto the gill covers which gives the fish its name. The back is

a bluey grey merging into silver on the lower sides and belly.

Size: The gilthead can reach weights of 7.5 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/breamgilthead.htm

Habitat: Lives in shallow water, up to 30 metres, in small groups over soft ground. It prefers the

warmer waters around the Mediterranean and the west coast of Africa. In summer it migrates north

and can be found on the south coast of Ireland and the western reaches of the English Channel.

Food: It feeds mainly on molluscs and crustaceans.

Bait: Peeler crab and shellfish are the main baits for giltheads but they will take worms as well.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bream, Gilt-Head

Sparus aurata Not available Not available Not available Not available Dorade

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Goudbrasem Dorada Orata Not available Not available Not available

Bream, Red - Pagellus bogaraveo

Distinguishing features: While the red bream has the basic bream family shape it is not as deep bodied

as some and has a rounded head. It has large eyes and long pectoral fins. The back is a reddish grey

colour as are the fins and the sides are silver with as pinkish hue. There is a darkish spot above the

pectoral fin on the dark lateral line. The fins are reddish grey in colour, the pectoral and tail fins are

particularly red.

Size: The red bream can grow to over 50 cm and weigh up to 4.5 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/breamred.htm

Habitat: This bream is a shoal fish which migrates north during the summer from the warmer waters

around the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts of France and Spain. Young fish will come into

shallow water and adults live in water over 100 metres deep most of the time. It prefers mixed hard

ground and like the black bream, can be found around wrecks.

Food: The red bream feeds mainly on small fish but they will also eat squid and crustaceans.

Baits: Shellfish such as razors, cockles and mussels make good baits for this species and they will also

take fish strips.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Bream, Red Pagellus bogaraveo Flekkpagell Flckpagell Spidstandet

blankesten Meerbrasse Dorade

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeebrasem Esprido Pagro / Pagello

occhialone Not available Not available Not available

Rays Bream - Brama brama

Distinguishing features: Has the typical narrow, deep bodied bream shape with a snub nose and

downward angled mouth. The dorsal and anal fins cover the rear half of the body and are low for

most of the length only rising outwards as they reach their leading edges. It has long tail and pectoral

fins and there are upwards of sixty scales along the lateral line. The back is a browny green with silver

sides and belly. The pectoral fins have a yellowish tinge.

Size: The Rays bream can weigh over 3 kg and reach lengths of over 65 cm.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/breamrays.htm

Distribution: Rays bream is a pelagic species which inhabits the western Atlantic waters, the North Sea

and down to the central mid-Atlantic. Although normally found in deep water areas it is occasionally

found stranded on North Sea shorelines in the cold winters during its southern migration.

Food: This species feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

Baits: Although rarely caught by anglers Worm and fish baits will occasionally take this species.

Thanks to Derryck Greenwood for permission to use the excellent photo.

Wolf fish (Catfish) - Anarhichas lupus

Distinguishing features: The catfish or wolf fish is a long bodied species with no pelvic fins. The dorsal

and anal fins are long with the dorsal starting above the gill plate. At the tail end the dorsal fin is

convex at the junction with the body. The large head contains a mouth with canine like teeth and

crushing teeth inside. The body colour varies from reddish brown to bluey grey with darker vertical

bands which also feature on the dorsal.

Size: The catfish can reach a length of 1.5 metres and weights of 18 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/catfishcommon.htm

Habitat: Found in numbers around Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland in depths from 10 metres to

300 metres. Further south it is rarely found in depths of less than 60 metres. It prefers hard seabed

but will be found on mud or sand.

Food: Catfish feed on crustaceans and molluscs as well as sea urchins.

Baits: Squid makes an effective bait for wolf fish as are mussels and fish such as blueys.

Lures: Catfish will take pirks either with or without bait.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French

Catfish Anarhichas lupus Grsteinbit Havskatt Almindelig/ Stribet havkat

Katfish, seewolf Loup

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Meerval Perro del norte /

lobo Bavosa lupa Zubtka Steinbtur Peixe-lobo

Regional Names - Wolffish

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 Grsej Sej, grsej Khler Lieu Noir Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Koolvis Palero Merluzzo Nero Sjda 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 its 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 wont 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 matchmans

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 orskur 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 its 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 Havl Havsl Havl Meeraal, Conger Congre Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Zeepaling Cngrios Grongo Morskj gor 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 its 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 l l (Eur.) l Aal Anguilla Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Not available Anguila Not available Ugor Not available Eirs

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 Nbbgdda,

horngdda Hornfisk Hornhechte Orphie

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 doesnt reach the vent. There is a darkish blotch on the first

dorsal. While it is generally a grey or brownish grey colour its 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

[Eutrigla] gurnardus Knurr, vanlig Knot Knurhane Knurrhahn Not

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, Red

Chelidonichthys [Aspitrigla] cuculus

Knurr,tverrstripet Rdknot Tvrstibet knurhane

Kuckucksknurrhahn Not 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-Cabao

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

aeglefinus Hyse (kolje) Kolja Kuller Schellfish Eglefin

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Schelvis Eglefino Asinello Pksha sa 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

merluccius Not available Kapkummel Sydafrikansk

Kulmule Kaphecht Merluche

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Stokvis Merluza Del

Cabo Nasello Del Capo Not available Marmota

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, strmming Sild Hering Herang Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Haring Arenque Aringa Syeldz Sld 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 Europischer

Heringsknig Jean Dor,

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

Regional Names - Dory, St Peters 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 Lnga Lange Leng Lingue Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Leng Maruca Molva Mlva Langa Maruca

Regional Names - Ollock

Further Reading

Species spotlight: Ling

Mackerel - Scomber scombrus

Distinguishing features: The Mackerel is one of the most readily recognised sea fish in the North

Atlantic due to it being a popular bait fish as well as a target species for anglers. The body has

cylindrical cross section and tapers from the mid point to the head and tail. The first dorsal fin has 11-

13 rays and five finlets start to the rear of the second dorsal and anal fin. This fish is brightly coloured

when live and the back is a blue-green with irregular dark bands down the back and sides. The lower

sides and belly are a white with iridescent hues.

Size: Although the Mackerel can reach a weight of 3 kg its more normal for the angler to catch fish

around 500gms.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/mackerel.htm

Distribution: This prolific migratory fish is found all over the North Atlantic from the edges of the

continental shelf and down to North Africa. It is a pelagic species and can be found throughout the

water column. It migrates north and inshore in the summer and in the reverse direction in winter.

Food: Mackerel feed on small fish such as sprats and mackerel as well as pelagic crustaceans such a

shrimps.

Baits: Mackerel will happily take small strips of fish including its own species.

Lures: Anglers commonly use feather type lures either true feathers or artificial ones such as sabikis.

Silver metal spinners and pirks will also take Mackerel as will small redgill style lures.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Mackerel Scomber scombrus Makrell Makrill Makrel Makrele Maquereau Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Makreel Cabellas Maccarello Makryel Makrll sarda

Regional Names - Shiners, Moggs

Mullet, Golden Grey - Liza aurata

Distinguishing features: The golden grey mullet is the smallest of the three mullets found in Northern

European waters. It has the typical mullet body shape and the pectoral fin, when folded forwards

covers the back half of the eye. The colouration is the same as the thin-lipped mullet but it lacks the

spot at the pectoral fin and has a prominent gold blotch on either side of the head.

Size: Grows to a length of around 45 cm and a weight of 2 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/mulletgolden.htm

Habitat: It is most common around the English Channel and the south west of England and Wales. It

will range as far south as the Mediterranean. While it will be found around harbours and river mouths

it is not frequently found in rivers unlike the other two mullet species. It is regularly found off sandy

beaches.

Food: The golden grey mullet feeds on algae, small worms and vegetation.

Baits: Small bunches of harbour ragworm are effective baits, particularly from beaches. Bread and

other baits as for the thick-lipped grey mullet can also produce fish.

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Mullet, Golden Grey

Liza aurata Gullmulte Guldmulte Guldmulte Goldmeersche Not available


Mullet, Thick-lipped Grey - Chelon labrosus

Distinguishing features: The torpedo shaped body of the thick-lipped mullet is covered with large

scales. The anterior of the two dorsal fins has four spines. The upper lip is broad and more than half

of the diameter of the eye in depth. The pectoral fin covers most of the eye when folded forward. Its

back varies from dark green to bluey grey merging into grey stripes running from the gills to the tail

over a silver background. Other than the anal fin, grey, those on the ventral side are white.

Size: The thick-lipped mullet can grow to about 80 cm and attain a weight of around 6 kg.

http://www.efsa.co.uk/record/mulletgrey.htm

Habitat: It is a summer migrating species which can be found in the coastal waters around the UK,

France, and Spain and down the Mediterranean and North West Africa. It is commonly found in

harbours, estuaries and other inshore water.

Food: Feeds on vegetative matter, plankton, worms, copepods, small crustaceans and molluscs.

Bait: A wide range of baits can be used for this mullet depending upon the locality. Bread in particular

is widely used but small fish baits and ragworm can also be effective. Maggots, sweetcorn and other

freshwater type baits have landed mullet. They respond well to groundbaiting.

Lures: The mullet can be taken by fly fishing particularly when feeding on the maggots of seaweed

flies

English Latin Norwegian Swedish Danish German French Mullet, Thicklip Grey

Chelon labrosus Multe,tykkleppet Tjocklppad multe

Tyklbet multe

Dicklippige meersche

Not available


Further Reading..

Where theres muck theres 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, Thinlip Grey

Liza ramado Multe,tynnleppet Tunnlppad multe

Tyndlbet multe

Dnnlippige meersche

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,

blsej Polack Lieu jaune

Dutch Spanish Italian Russian Icelandic Portuguese Vlaswijting Abadejo Merluzzogiallo Sayda Lr 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

Book of Saltwater Species

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