Sand Eel
Ammodytes tobianus
FR Lancon · ES Lanzón · PT Tafaneco · IT Pesce ago di sabbia · DE Sandaal
Also known as: SandeelLanzónLanconSandaalPesce ago di sabbiaTafaneco
BenthicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight and dusk when shoals move along the beach; night with lights in some harbours.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–JulGood Apr–Aug
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Preferred seabed
Mixed
Findr bio
Daylight or dusk when my gang runs beaches; under lights in some harbours. Show me tiny sabikis...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryPier harborSandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Feather rigs
Diet
CopepodsZooplanktonPolychaete wormsSmall fish
Effective techniques
SurfcastingDrifting
Gear
Best times
DuskNightDay
I vanish into the sand each night — burying deep to dodge the tide and every mouth above me.
Field notes
Where to find them
North Atlantic, North Sea
Where they hang out
Surf edges and shallow sandbars 0–10 m; harbour lights on calm nights.
Prime time
Daylight and dusk when shoals move along the beach; night with lights in some harbours.
Tide game
Low–moderate; moving water helps shoals hug the shore.
What they're into
Tiny sabiki or small hooks
Temperature vibe
Prefers cooler to mild water; summer brings inshore shoals.
Fave weather
Settled weather gathers shoals; heavy surf scatters them.
Fun fact about me
Local legend with habits the old boys swear they can predict by the moon.
Dinner material?
4/10Better released
Play by the rules
Often gathered as bait; local rules may restrict netting or livebait transfer—check locally.UK IFCA/MMO; North Sea national agencies.
Looking after them
Least Concern