Wrasse
A core fish-family amongst genuine UK ‘rockfish’ are the wrasse. In the UK we have 5 species of wrasse to target with light rock fishing (LRF) tactics; Ballan Wrasse, Cuckoo Wrasse, Corkwing Wrasse, Goldsinny Wrasse and the Rock Cook. The Ballan being the largest species. Each wrasse species has its preferences – both habitat and prey items. The following articles will hopefully help in terms of fish identification, suitable techniques and the best lures for each species.
Goldsinny on Plastic
A Goldsinny Wrasse caught on a scaled-down soft plastic lure. The lure here is a cut down HTO Knight Worm, fished on a short drop shot rig. The hook is a red, Decoy SG-3 in size S.
Wrasse Fishing Start Point
Spent the long weekend in Start Bay, Devon and I must say it was beautiful. Although I didn’t get much fishing in, I did have a quick go for the wrasse south of Start Point. What an amazing looking spot. The areas of coarse sand between the many rocky outcrops made me excited at the prospects of what other species may be present. As did the visible shoals of sandeel. I look forward to returning at a later date with more time to fish the area.
April Wrasse Fishing
Enjoyable day on the Dorset coast with Dan and Chris. While the wrasse fishing is still only a fraction of what it will be in the next couple of months, it still felt rewarding. Each of us caught. Creature baits were the key. Crystal clear water conditions. You can’t beat the ‘tonk’ of a bite from a Ballan Wrasse. I’m an addict!
Light Rock Fishing in Skiathos
Back from our summer holiday in the Greek Isles and the fishing was as fruitful as always. It was my first time to Skiathos but finding fish was easy. They were everywhere!
20 Wrasse Before Breakfast
Has to be one my favourite venues. 20 Ballan Wrasse to LRF tactics before a fried breakfast in the sun. Simple Texas rig. Fished my favourite, Bug Ants, the super effective Lunker City Ribster and the world’s most expensive wrasse snacks – 2″ One Up Shads!
Dawlish LRF
With an extended bank holiday weekend and a decent forecast we jumped in the van and headed down the A303 to Devon, for a spot of camping. Dawlish Warren was our chosen destination and although this wasn’t a fishing trip, of course the lure rods came along too.
Still Catching Corkwing
My fishing has been slow the last few weeks, but still lots of Corkwing Wrasse on the south coast.