Plaice | Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Plaice

Plaice

aka Pleuronectes platessa

Plaice are right-eyed flatfish that are usually brown to grey but occasionally closer to green. Found on muddy, sandy and shingle seabeds throughout UK and Irish waters but also present across Europe, throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. It can be identified by its body being spotted with small orange dots, whilst also having a white underside and covered in small, smooth scales. Plaice are also known for its 4-7 bony bumps found across the back of the head.

FactPlaice are impressively camouflaged. Their mottled colouration, they blend well into sandy seabeds and are usually spotted only when they move. They have orange spots all over the top of their bodies, which help distinguish them from other flatfish species.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

In clear waters with little colour and sometimes found in estuaries.

Bait

Bait

Prawns, squid, lugworm & jelly worm lures.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Denmark, Norway, UK and Ireland, mostly in the North Sea but are also caught in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

As an inquisitive fish, Plaice can be tempted by most baits, attacking from a distance and in all directions, making them a little tricky to hook. Nonetheless, they are common flatfish that can land when other sea fish are not biting. Plaice can be caught during broad daylight, particularly in clear seas and good clarity. They typically bite in shallow waters over the sand. As a curious fish tempted by most baits, it is known to prefer moving baits such as crabs, squids and mussels. Once it's taken the bait, the rod tip will begin to rattle a few times. The best time to strike is when you see the rod tip pull over. It is unnecessary to lift the rod fully; instead, you can retrieve the slack in the line and move the lead to hook the fish. Water plaice tend to be more aggressive in muddy coloured waters. As the fish takes the bait and moves away, the tip should rattle as it pulls hard. To catch one, you will need to use strength at the right moment. A technique used is "twitching" the bait back towards you a couple of inches at a time. This is often enough to lure them out to induce a take, and breakaway flattie leads are usually best. Keeping them in the water while removing the hook is the safest way to release them. If not stressed, releasing it in calm and clear waters, holding it both by the tail and stomach pushing slowly back and forth will help them recover.

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