Ballan Wrasse
Labrus bergylta
FR Vieille · ES Maragota · PT Bodião-reticulado · IT Tordo marvizzo · DE Lippfisch
Also known as: WrassewrasseBodião-maragotaMaragotaVieilleLippfischTordo marvizzoBodião-reticulado
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight, especially on a flooding tide.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–SepGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing85%
LRF / ultra-light70%
Preferred seabed
Rock
Findr bio
Catch me during the day, especially on a flooding tide over kelp and rock. Always hungry — swipe right if you've got crab...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Pier harborRocky shoreWreck reef
Recommended baits
CrabShellfishPrawns
Diet
CrabBivalvesSnailsStarfishBrittlestars
Effective techniques
Light Rock FishingFloat FishingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DayDawnDuskFlooding tide
Used as “cleaner fish” in salmon aquaculture.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea (west), Mediterranean fringe
Where they hang out
Rocky headlands and kelp gullies right under your feet, 2–15 m.
Prime time
Daylight, especially on a flooding tide.
Tide game
Moderate; feeds as crabs and prawns shuffle with the tide.
What they're into
Crab, prawn, shellfish; raids crevices and kelp fronds.
Temperature vibe
Best in mild–warm months; sluggish in winter.
Fave weather
Clear water is easier; swell pushes them tight to cover.
Fun fact about me
Used as “cleaner fish” in salmon aquaculture.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Conservation measures in some areas (wrasse for aquaculture); many anglers practise catch & release.Regional conservation/fisheries bodies (e.g., UK IFCAs; Norway Fiskeridirektoratet).
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Ballan Wrasse