All species
UK shore species
Corkwing wrasse
Symphodus melops
Also Corkwing
Beginnerfloatledger
Habitat
The same kelp and harbour walls as ballan, often shallower.
Season
Peak: Jun · Jul · Aug
Also possible: May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
A smaller wrasse of the same kelp as ballan. Males in summer are gaudy. A dark spot on the tail wrist is the tell.
- A dark spot on the tail wrist (caudal peduncle)
- Smaller and more pointed than a ballan
- Males in season: blues and oranges
- A shorter, neater body
Usually 15–25 cm. Not a big fish.
- Colour
- Variable; males colourful; dark spot on the tail wrist.
- Fins
- Wrasse dorsal.
- Mouth
- Smaller than a ballan.
Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.
- RagwormHook once through the head so it wriggles. A whole king rag for bass; a small harbour rag for dabs.Strong target
- Peeler crabPeel it, leave the catch-legs if you like, bind it on a Pennel so it survives the cast. Half a crab for wrasse, a whole for a hound.Good target
- PrawnHook through the tail so it swims, or a bunch of frozen prawns bound on.Good target
- LimpetThe meat on a strong hook, bound if it is soft. Drop it into the hole; do not punch it 80 yards.Good target
- Float rigA bait suspended under a float for wrasse, mullet, garfish and the odd bass. You watch the float, not a rod tip.Intermediate
- Basic wrasse rigA short, tough hook length and a small lead, fished into a hole in the kelp. Winch, do not give line.Beginner
- LRF / light lureA very light lure rod, a tiny jig head or creature, and a close hunt for wrasse, pollock, school bass and whatever lives in the first drop.Intermediate
Hooks: 8–4