Lemon Sole
Microstomus kitt
Also known as: Mary SoleSmear DabSolha-limãoLimande-sole
BenthicBoat
Flatfish
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round; daylight
Depth
10–200m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–Sep
Depth range
10–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
SandMixed
Findr bio
I hug sand and rock seabed around British and Irish coasts — fish small hooks and light tackle close to the bottom, since my dainty mouth doesn't forgive a heavy strike.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Deep water
Recommended baits
WormsPrawnsFish baits
Diet
Polychaete wormsAmphipodsCrabSnailsBrittlestars
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingRunning Ledger
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskFlooding tide
'Microstomus' is Latin for 'small mouth' — that and my smooth, slimy skin are how you'll tell me apart from a dab.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE Atlantic sand and mixed inshore ground
Where they hang out
Inshore sand/mixed ground, shallow to moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round; daylight
Tide game
Moderate
What they're into
Small fish/worm strips near bottom
Temperature vibe
Broadly cold-to-temperate tolerant
Fave weather
Calm seas aid precise bottom contact
Fun fact about me
Mottled and nearly invisible on mixed ground — the seabed's best disguise artist.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Generally unrestricted; check local bag limitsLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern