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Sprat| Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct
Sprat
aka Sprattus sprattus
A generic term for any kind of small fish, sprat tend to have small and elongated bodies. Sprat can be found swimming in waters a few metres deep to 100m deep and tend to live in vast shoals on inshore waters and estuaries across the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, southern Europe and around the coasts of the British Isles. The European sprat is commonly recognized for its spineless dorsal and anal fins, as well as its slightly protruding lower jaw. There is a bluish or green tint on their backs, and silver on their flanks.
Analysis of stomach content data suggests that sprat may consume 73% of all plaice eggs spawned in the areas where they feed. The abundance and distribution patterns for pelagic predators like this one seem to have a big impact on fish recruitment dynamics.
Stats
Status
Habitat
Open oceans, pelagic regions, coastal areas, estuaries and bays.
Bait
Marine worms.
Native or Invasive
Native
Where
Occupying open waters of the North East Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Also on coasts across UK and Europe.
Catch Experience
With their small size and matching weight, even the hardest resisting sprat shouldn't be too hard to land. To make your session more interesting, opt for lighter gear; a rod with a lighter test curve, lighter line and corresponding terminal tackle, it can be surprising how enjoyable the sport can be when fishing for smaller species on lighter gear. This also means that sprat are a great species to target for junior sea anglers.
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