Common sole Fishing

The soft silty bottom of the Nile delta is Egypt's best sole ground; off Ras El Bar and the Burullus outlet they come right inshore in winter. They feed at night: cast a two-hook bottom rig with lugworm or shrimp pieces and leave the lead completely still. The bite is very light, so watch for the small tremble at the rod tip, count five to ten seconds, then strike. A 0.20-0.25 mm fine snood and a long-shank size 4-6 hook suit them.

Solea solea

Common sole (Solea solea)
Photo: Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–October
Water temperature
9–21 °C
Spawning
March–May
Behaviour
Nocturnal predator

Techniques

  • Night bottom fishing
  • beach and harbour mouth

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch common sole?
The productive window for common sole runs April–October. March–May is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does common sole feed in?
Common sole is most active between 9 and 21 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for common sole?
Common methods: Night bottom fishing, beach and harbour mouth.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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