Starry smooth-hound Fishing

Starry smooth-hound are crab hunters, taken from the shore between April and September in the Thames Estuary, Bristol Channel and Milford Haven. Peeler crab is the only bait that really works — peel it and whip it firmly to a 3/0-4/0 hook with elastic thread. They are most active on warm, calm nights and over the middle of the flood. Runs are fast and long, so set the drag soft and use at least a 0.40 mm shock leader. Their teeth are small but the skin is like sandpaper; handle with wet hands and release promptly.

Mustelus asterias

Starry smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias)
Photo: Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–September
Water temperature
12–19 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

  • Bottom fishing
  • crab-baited shore fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch starry smooth-hound?
The productive window for starry smooth-hound runs April–September. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does starry smooth-hound feed in?
Starry smooth-hound is most active between 12 and 19 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for starry smooth-hound?
Common methods: Bottom fishing, crab-baited shore fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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