Ballan wrasse
Labrus bergylta
How to catch it
METHODS
Bottom fishing Float fishing Light rock fishing (LRF)
NATURAL BAITS
Hardback crab Peeler crab Ragworm Lugworm Mussel Mackerel strip
LURES
Soft plastic Jig head Minnow (hard bait)
BEST TIMES
Morning Midday Afternoon
Ballan wrasse are daytime feeders of rock, weed and kelp, often just a few metres down and close to your feet. Crabs, hardback and peeler, are the best baits for big fish, while ragworm tends to catch smaller ones. Over rock use a single-hook rig with a strong short-shank hook around 1/0–2/0 and a rotten-bottom lead; over weed fish soft plastics Texas or weedless style. Strike at a steady pull rather than the rattles and pump the fish away from the rock at once; they are long-lived and late-maturing, so release them as close to the water as you can.
Source: British Sea Fishing · Sea Angler · Planet Sea Fishing · FishBase
Regulations
No verified regulation record has been entered for this species yet. Check the current official rules for your area before fishing.
Regulation information is not legal advice. Rules vary by country, region and season; every record shows its source and last verification date. Always check the current official regulations yourself.