Wrasse

The biggest and most common of the UK wrasse. Ballan wrasse work the rock faces over rocky inshore ground, kelp beds and harbour walls, scouring for shellfish and crustaceans. A hard-fighting fish that is brilliant on light tackle.

Where and when

	Detail
Habitat	Rocky inshore, kelp beds, harbour walls
Best time	Daytime
Category	Coarse

Baits and tactics

• Tactics: Lure fishing, Small float, Light leger
• Baits and flies: Mussel, Worm, Sandeel, Lures

Tackle that suits

	Detail
Hooks	2-1/0. Fine wire. Aberdeen or feather patterns
Mainline	0.20-0.25mm. 8-12lb. Light mono for shore and pier work
Hooklength	0.18-0.22mm. 6-12". Light mono snoods
Shotting	Light 1-2oz weights below float rigs. No weight for lure fishing.
Field notes	Wrasse take small baits - a small mussel or worm on a fine hook; They feed at the surface - float rigs catch them at the top; Summer is the season - wrasse feed hard in warm water; Light tackle makes wrasse fun - use small hooks and light line; They are hard fighters for their size; Rocky inshore water with kelp is the target

More sea species

European Bass

Surf beaches, estuaries, rocky headlands, harbour walls

Cod

Deep water, wrecks, rough ground, open beaches in winter

Mackerel

Open water, harbours, piers, headlands

Pollack

Reefs, wrecks, kelp beds, harbour walls, rocky coastlines

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