Species · Sea · Scophthalmus maximus
Turbot
The king of the flatfish. Turbot are powerful, hard-fighting fish that can exceed 20lb. They feed on crab, mackerel and live prey over sandy and muddy bottoms, and a turbot from the shore is a real achievement.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy banks, estuaries, deep water near shore |
| Best time | Evening/Night |
| Category | Specimen |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Beach casting, Running leger, Boat fishing
- Baits and flies: Peeler Crab, Mackerel, Live Crab, Squid
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 2/0-4/0. Strong forged. Strong specimen hooks |
| Mainline | 0.30-0.35mm. 15-20lb. Heavy mono for beach casting |
| Hooklength | 0.35-0.40mm. 18-24". Heavy mono traces - non-negotiable for a powerful fish |
| Shotting | 4-6oz grip leads on open beaches. Running leads in calmer estuaries. |
| Field notes | Minimum landing size is 30cm - added to UK MCR rules in February 2025; Peeler crab is the classic big turbot bait; Spring and early summer are prime - turbot move inshore as the water warms; They run hard when hooked - set your drag and hold on; Fish sandy banks on spring tides; Heavy tackle is essential - turbot are powerful fighters |
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