Tub gurnard Fishing

Tub gurnard come inshore over clean sand and gravel mostly in the warm months, May to October. They hunt by sight, so bright beads, a small spinner blade or coloured sequins make a real difference. Lugworm, shrimp and squid strip all work, and slowly trailing the rig to leave a trail in the sand brings fish onto the bait. The dorsal and gill spines are very sharp, so do not grip the fish tightly. Mid-Chesil and the sand flats of Mount's Bay are among the most consistent UK ground.

Chelidonichthys lucerna

Tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna)
Photo: Luc Viatour · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Nov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
May–October
Water temperature
10–18 °C
Spawning
May–July
Behaviour
Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

  • Light bottom rig
  • trailed rigs
  • boat fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch tub gurnard?
The productive window for tub gurnard runs May–October. May–July is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does tub gurnard feed in?
Tub gurnard is most active between 10 and 18 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for tub gurnard?
Common methods: Light bottom rig, trailed rigs, boat fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

Browse the full fishing guide