Whiting
Merlangius merlangus
FR Merlan · ES Plegonero · PT Badejo · IT Merlano · DE Wittling
Also known as: MerlingMerlanMerlanoPlegoneroMerlanWittlingMerlanoBadejo
BenthicShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Night & low‑light; peaks in colder months inshore.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Mar–Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandGravelMixed
Findr bio
Night and low light, even when it's cold inshore. Not into small talk — just small strips of mackerel or squid...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryOpen seaPier harborSandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
WormsFish baitsPrawns
Diet
Sand eelHerringSmall fishCrab
Effective techniques
SurfcastingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskNightMid flood
Medieval fasting staple — white enough to dodge meat bans.
Field notes
Where to find them
North Sea, Atlantic
Where they hang out
Inshore 5–50 m over sand/mixed. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
Night & low‑light; peaks in colder months inshore.
Tide game
Moderate–strong; likes run over sand/mixed ground.
What they're into
Small strips of mackerel/squid, worms; eats shrimp/small fish.
Temperature vibe
Cool‑water oriented; less activity in heat.
Fave weather
Best in settled or light chop; heavy surf scatters shoals.
Fun fact about me
Medieval fasting staple — white enough to dodge meat bans.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
MLS and bag rules vary—verify locally.National fisheries websites (e.g., UK IFCA/MMO; Ireland SFPA).
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Whiting