Wrasse (various)
Labridae spp.
FR Labres · ES Lábridos · PT Bodiões · IT Labridi · DE Lippfische
Also known as: WrasseRainbow WrasseLábridosLabresLippfischeLabridiBodiões
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight, especially flood tide over kelp/rocks.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–SepGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Daylight feeder over rocky kelp; flood tide is prime. Swipe right if you've got crab, prawn, or limpet...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Pier harborRocky shoreWreck reef
Recommended baits
CrabPrawnsShellfish
Diet
CrabSnailsBivalvesAmphipodsSmall fish
Effective techniques
Light Rock FishingFloat FishingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DayFlooding tide
Most of us start life female and switch to male later — plus we crush shellfish with a second set of jaws in our throat.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean
Where they hang out
Rocky kelp ground 2–20 m; very close to shore. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
Daylight, especially flood tide over kelp/rocks.
Tide game
Moderate; feeds as crabs/prawns move with tide.
What they're into
Crab, prawn, shellfish
Temperature vibe
Best in mild–warm water; lethargic in winter.
Fave weather
Clear water preferable; heavy swell pushes them tight to cover.
Fun fact about me
Curious kelp-lover that’ll eyeball your lure like it owes it money.
Dinner material?
4/10Better released
Play by the rules
Conservation measures in some regions (wrasse for aquaculture); many anglers practise C&R.Regional conservation/fisheries bodies (e.g., UK IFCAs; Norway Fiskeridirektoratet).
Looking after them
Least Concern