Rock Cook
Centrolabrus exoletus
FR Crénilabre exocet · ES Tordo cocinero · PT Bodião roqueiro · IT Tordo cuoco · DE Grünlippfisch
Also known as: Smallmouthed WrassePetite VieillePorredanoTordo cocineroCrénilabre exocetGrünlippfischTordo cuocoBodião roqueiro
BenthicShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Sunny, clear days over boulders/kelp
Depth
3–10m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
3–10mShallow
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Vertical / shore jigging60%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Wreck bruiser — under weed mats and waits in shade then surges; Soft Plastics On Subtle Hops.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shoreSandy beachWreck reef
Recommended baits
WormsPrawns
Diet
CopepodsAmphipodsIsopodsAlgae
Effective techniques
Light Rock FishingFloat Fishing
Gear
Best times
DayMid floodSlack water
Smallest wrasse on the reef, but I earn my keep picking parasites off bigger fish like a pint-sized cleaner.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE Atlantic coasts
Where they hang out
Rock pools to 6-10 m
Prime time
Sunny, clear days over boulders/kelp
Tide game
Low-moderate
What they're into
Tiny crab/prawn; grazes on small inverts
Temperature vibe
Warm months best
Fave weather
Clear water helps
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
Handle gently; popular for species huntsRegional conservation/fisheries
Looking after them
Least Concern