Species · Sea · Merlangius merlangus
Whiting
The bread and butter of winter beach fishing. Whiting arrive in huge numbers from October and provide non-stop action on calm winter nights. Perfect for beginners and match anglers alike.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy and muddy beaches, piers, open coastline |
| Best time | Night |
| Category | Coarse |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Beach leger, Paternoster, Pier fishing
- Baits and flies: Lugworm, Ragworm, Fish strip, Squid
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 2-1. Fine wire Aberdeen. Long shank Aberdeen - easy unhooking for fast fishing |
| Mainline | 0.30-0.35mm. 12-15lb. Standard beach casting mono |
| Hooklength | 0.20-0.25mm. 12-18". Fine mono snoods for more bites |
| Shotting | 3-5oz leads depending on tide. Two or three hook paternoster rig. |
| Field notes | Fine wire Aberdeen hooks allow fast unhooking - essential for match fishing; Two-hook paternoster rigs double your chances in a feeding shoal; Small baits work best - half a lugworm is better than a whole one; Night fishing from October to February is prime time; Whiting feed in packs - once you find them, bites come thick and fast; Use luminous beads above the hook to attract fish in the dark |
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