Labrus bergylta
Season calendar
- Season
- April–November
- Water temperature
- 10–18 °C
- Spawning
- April–June
- Behaviour
- Ambushes from structure
Techniques
- Rock fishing
- light lures
Where and When
- May to October; 2-15 m along steep rock and kelp edges.
- Midday and clear water are good; they do not feed at night.
Method
- Small crab, mussel meat or ragworm under a float or on a light bottom rig.
- On the lure side, an 8-12 cm crab imitation soft plastic on a Texas rig.
- Lift immediately on the bite, because a wrasse that reaches the rock will cut you off.
- Use 0.30 mm or heavier leader and a strong hook.
Most anglers release them; the flesh is dry and bony and the fish is slow growing.
Frequently asked
- When is the best time to catch ballan wrasse?
- The productive window for ballan wrasse runs April–November. April–June is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
- What water temperature does ballan wrasse feed in?
- Ballan wrasse is most active between 10 and 18 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
- How do you fish for ballan wrasse?
- Common methods: Rock fishing, light lures.