Shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout) Fishing

The easiest fish to catch from the Icelandic shore: it lies in ambush among stones and pier legs and inhales anything that passes. A 3-7 g jighead with a scented soft worm, or a small-hook bottom rig, is all you need — ideal for beginners and children. The head and gill-cover spines will jab you, so grip it by the lower jaw or with a wet cloth rather than over the back. It has no commercial value and is normally released; unhook it with pliers.

Myoxocephalus scorpius

Shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout) (Myoxocephalus scorpius)
Photo: Cephas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
0–12 °C
Spawning
January–February, December
Behaviour
Ambushes from structure

Techniques

  • LRF
  • bottom rig

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout)?
The productive window for shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout) runs April–November. January–February, December is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout) feed in?
Shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout) is most active between 0 and 12 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for shorthorn sculpin (bull-rout)?
Common methods: LRF, bottom rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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