All species
UK shore species
Five-bearded rockling
Ciliata mustela
Also Rockling
BeginnerNightledger
Habitat
Close rock, weed, the first few yards of a beach at night.
Season
Peak: Oct · Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
Also possible: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
A small, eel-like fish of rock, weed and the close beach after dark. Five barbels on the snout. They take a worm meant for something else.
- Five barbels on the snout and chin
- Brown, elongated, small
- A tiny first dorsal that looks like a fringe
- Not a baby conger
Usually 15–25 cm.
- Colour
- Chocolate brown, elongated.
- Fins
- Fringed first dorsal.
- Mouth
- Small, five barbels.
Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.
- LugwormThread the worm so the hook is hidden and the tail still moves. A bunch for bigger fish; a single for dabs.Strong target
- RagwormHook once through the head so it wriggles. A whole king rag for bass; a small harbour rag for dabs.Strong target
- MackerelA thin strip on a small hook; a side on a Pennel; a whole fish on a running tope rig.Possible target