By feeding during both day and night in most sea conditions, dabs (Limanda Limanda) provide an entertaining fishing session as they are a reliable, regular catch. Dabs are predators usually found in clean sandy, mixed sand and muddy ground a few feet from the shallow sandy surf beach, inside harbours and at the mouths of smaller estuaries. They are often caught in man-made structures such as piers and breakwaters with slightly deeper waters. Dabs have small mouths, meaning small baits are more appropriate when trying to catch one; this can range from small shrimps, worms and molluscs. Although they can be caught in daylight, dabs fish prefer calm, cloudy overcast days with slight surface agitation, reducing the light levels from entering the water. It is more common to catch small dabs as the bigger ones migrate for spawning. Usually easy to catch with man-made structures and breakwaters, Basic leger rigs and two hook paternoster rigs are also commonly used. Dabs can be hard to spot during cloudy days and at night. Using a small luminus light will provide clarity for the catch. Dabs will rattle and pull back once they’ve taken the bait; however, small dabs will present less of a struggle compared to an adult dab; once caught onto the hook, it won’t escape. Unhooking it in the water, then holding it by its tail supporting its stomach, and gently releasing it into coloured waters is generally best practice to safely release a dab.