All species
UK shore species
Lemon sole
Microstomus kitt
ledger
Habitat
Deeper, cleaner sand. More a boat fish.
Season
Peak: Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Also possible: Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
A deeper, cleaner-ground flatfish. From the shore they are uncommon and usually a bonus on a long chuck over sand rather than a target you plan a session around.
- Right-eyed, oval-ish but not a Dover
- Small mouth
- Warm brown with mottling, no orange plaice spots
- Smooth compared with a dab
Shore fish, when they happen, are often 25–35 cm.
- Colour
- Warm mottled brown, small mouth, no orange spots.
- Fins
- Long dorsal and anal.
- Mouth
- Small, not twisted like a Dover.
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.Good target
- MusselSeveral mussels bound into a bunch. They fly off a hook if you do not bind them.Good target
- 2-hook flapperThe default UK beach rig. Two snoods above a lead, baits off the bottom, easy to tie, easy to fish.Beginner
- Single-hook clipped-downThe bait is held against the leader with a bait clip so it flies as one and releases in the water. The way to punch a bait into a headwind.Advanced
Hooks: 6–2