Smash & Grab Wrasse

If you have never done Wrasse fishing then you’re missing out on some great sport. Multi-coloured Ballan Wrasse including the famous Cuckoo Wrasse hunts among the thick kelp and rock outcrops in search of its main food source crustaceans: such as crab, prawn, and other shellfish.

For this fish crabs and other hard shelled creatures don’t stand a chance with its famous thick lips and powerful jaws of shell smashing teeth. If this wasn’t enough it also has deep down in its throat another group of equally pharyngeal (throat) teeth designed to finally grind down its dinner.

Wrasse are found all over the UK coastline and in a diverse range of colours to suit the surroundings for maximum camouflage.

Although Ballan Wrasse isn’t the biggest fish in the sea you can’t tackle these bulky beauties on light rods and fine lines. It doesn’t matter if bait is suspended beneath a float or ledgered, you will have to use at least 12lb or 15lb line to stop the fish cutting your line with its teeth or breaking off on the rough ground.

As a general rule smaller fish will take worms, with a distinct preference for rag and lug however, Prawns, Mussels and Limpets are great for tipping off or bulking up the bait for bigger fish. For specimen hunting you would be well advised to use a bigger hook and use live hardback crab or at the least Peeler crab cut in half a bound onto a hook. Although there is a temptation to seek out the deepest gullies for the biggest fish which are all males believe it or not, it is a fact that very big fish will venture in to shallow water at all states of the tide!
Wrasse are active only in the hours of daylight. Prime time should be just as the sun comes up over the horizon and there is still some good depth in the water, because the fish will have spent the night fasting as they get ready for the days feed to begin.

Best methods for catching them is a simple ledger rig with a 2-3oz Weight and Ragworm threaded up a 1/0 hook. Cast out into Gullies and weedy features no further than 20yards out normally. They are hard up against the rocks! Keep your line tight and wait for the “Knocks” You must resist the urge to strike on the first bite. Usually it will be Bite! Bite! Bang! When you feel the rod tip go over strike and keep tension on the fish as it is going to head for cover in the weed or rocks. The rest is in the fight! Wrasse bashing is something all sea anglers should try.
You can land some monster hard fighting fish within inches from your feet. It doesn’t get much better than that!

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