Shore Rockling| Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Shore Rockling

Shore Rockling

aka Gaidropsarus mediterraneus

Shore rockling have a long, eel-like body with two dorsal fins, of which one extends almost along the entire length of its body. As its name may hint, shore rocklings live in rocks, and are distributed in the eastern Atlantic from the mid-Norwegian coast south to parts of the Mediterranean Sea, and along southern Europe into the Black Sea. They have three barbels: one on their chin; two on their upper lip. Their bodies are dark brown in colour, sometimes with white spots.

FactShore rockling are often confused with the larger three-bearded rockling, which is distinctly more red in colour. The shore rockling is usually a darker and duller brownish colour, and is a plain and uniform colour, with only very small spots, if any at all.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

In shallow waters no more than 60m, over rocks or by marine vegetation.

Bait

Bait

Ragworm, lugworm & mackerel strips.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to the west coast of the British Isles and Southwest Europe and North Africa.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

Usually targeted by match anglers when other species aren’t biting, the Shore Rockling is known to be a scavenger of the seas and is the second biggest of the rockling species. Anglers will need the correct tackle to cope with its size and weight. Known for being a nocturnal species with a calm temperament, they mainly feed at night, which is the perfect time to catch them in silence. However, they can be caught at any time of the day in the right environment. Baits commonly used to lure shore rocklings are lugworm, ragworm, mackerel strips, followed by any other bait on a small hook. It can also be annoying for anglers if baits are constantly taken by the smaller shore rocklings. For most anglers, size 1 or 2 hooks are considered the best choice for catching them. Commonly found over mixed grounds, sheltered waters, and breakwaters are great areas to likely hold rocklings. Once caught, the rod will bend slightly as they pull back on the line looking for safety. reeling in back after playing it will get The Shore Rockling tired, which is best once out of the water. To release them safely, simply unhooking the hook with a gentle twist and turn tends to work just fine, followed by giving them a rest before setting free in the water to reduce stress.

Video

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