All species
UK shore species
Ling
Molva molva
Nightledger
Habitat
Deep, rough, kelpy rock and the bases of big walls.
Season
Peak: Oct · Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb
Also possible: Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
A long, eel-like gadiform of deep rough ground. From the shore they are uncommon and belong to serious rock marks rather than a family beach.
- Elongated body, almost eel-like but with a distinct tail
- One barbel on the chin, plus a short one on the snout tip
- Mottled brown-bronze
- A long second dorsal and anal fin
Shore fish, when they happen, are often 60 cm-plus. They grow much larger offshore.
- Colour
- Mottled bronze-brown, pale belly.
- Fins
- Long second dorsal; separate tail.
- Mouth
- Large, with barbels.
Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.
- MackerelA thin strip on a small hook; a side on a Pennel; a whole fish on a running tope rig.Strong target
- SquidA strip on a flapper; a whole small squid or a wrap over fish on a Pennel.Strong target
- CuttlefishThick strips or a whole small cuttle on a strong Pennel.Good target
- SandeelHead-hooked so it swims, or a Pennel through the head and the middle. Bind if you are casting far.Possible target
- Pulley rigThe lead hangs on a pulley so a fish pulling up helps break the lead out. A rough-ground friend.Intermediate
- Running ledgerThe lead slides on the line so a shy fish does not feel the weight. Simple and sensitive close in.Beginner
- Pennel rigTwo hooks on one bait — one in the head, one in the body. The way to fish a crab, a squid wrap or a big worm.Intermediate
Hooks: 4/0–8/0