Scad

• A full line of hard, sharp scutes along the lateral line
• Dark spot on the gill cover
• Two dorsals
• No tiger stripes

Usually 20–35 cm from the shore.

Colour

Green-grey, silver, dark opercular spot, bony scutes.

Fins

Two dorsals, forked tail.

Mouth

Protractile, no beak.

Ranked for this species, not as a universal law. Local crab runs and what is actually fresh matter more.

• Feathers / sabikiWork them through the layers. Do not leave them on the bottom.Strong target
• MackerelA thin strip on a small hook; a side on a Pennel; a whole fish on a running tope rig.Strong target
• SandeelHead-hooked so it swims, or a Pennel through the head and the middle. Bind if you are casting far.Good target
• RagwormHook once through the head so it wriggles. A whole king rag for bass; a small harbour rag for dabs.Possible target

• Sabiki / mackerel feathersA string of small lures under a light lead, worked through a shoal. When mackerel are in, this is the rig.Beginner
• 2-hook flapperThe default UK beach rig. Two snoods above a lead, baits off the bottom, easy to tie, easy to fish.Beginner
• Lure setupA lure on a braid line, a fluoro leader, and a retrieve. No lead on the sand unless the jig head is the lead.Intermediate
• 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: 6–2