Species · Fly · Dicentrarchus labrax
Sea Bass
A powerful inshore predator. Bass spawn offshore between February and May; estuaries and river mouths are their nursery grounds, not their spawning grounds. Prime from April to October, with a catch-and-release period in England and Wales in February and March and no bass angling in Ireland from 15 May to 15 June.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Surf beaches, estuaries, river mouths, rocky coastline |
| Best time | Dawn/Dusk |
| Category | Wild |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Lure, Wet fly, Streamer
- Baits and flies: Lures, Wet Flies, Streamers, Nymphs
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 4-8. Strong wet fly and lure hooks. Strong wire hooks - they must not straighten on a take |
| Mainline | WF7-8. Weight Forward floating or intermediate. Floating for surface work, intermediate for deeper fishing |
| Hooklength | 10-15lb tippet. 6-9ft. Strong mono leader - sea bass fight hard and jump |
| Shotting | No added weight. Fly weight and line density provide the sink rate. |
| Field notes | Sea bass are nocturnal - night fishing is prime; Dark, silhouette flies work best at night: black and silver patterns; They take lures explosively - a small spoon or lure is deadly; Prime from April to October. Bass spawn offshore in February to May, and note the closed seasons: catch and release in England and Wales in February and March, no bass angling in Ireland from 15 May to 15 June; They are strong fighters - set your drag; Estuary fishing on spring tides is the best |
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