Turbot
Scophthalmus maximus
FR Turbot · ES Rodaballo · PT Pregado · IT Rombo chiodato · DE Steinbutt
Also known as: TurbotturbotRodaballoSteinbuttRombo chiodatoPregado
BenthicShoreBoat
FlatfishGamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Dawn/dusk drifts over sandbanks.
Depth
20–70m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–Sep
Depth range
20–70mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering85%
Preferred seabed
Mixed
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk drifts along sandbank shoulders. Whole sandeel gets me every time...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuarySandy beach
Recommended baits
Fish baitsPrawnsWorms
Diet
Sand eelSmall fishCrabBivalves
Effective techniques
SurfcastingDriftingBottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
DawnDayMid floodEarly ebb
Roman emperors fined fishers for hiding me — diva since antiquity.
Field notes
Where to find them
North Sea, Atlantic
Where they hang out
Sandbanks 10–70 m; often just off beaches. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
Dawn/dusk drifts over sandbanks.
Tide game
Moderate; moving water over drop-offs and sandbanks best.
What they're into
Whole sandeel, fish strips; ambush predator.
Temperature vibe
Active spring–autumn; slows in very cold water.
Fave weather
Slight chop good; heavy surf buries baits.
Fun fact about me
Roman emperors fined fishers for hiding me — diva since antiquity.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Strict MLS & protections—release undersized (‘small’) fish.North Sea national agencies; UK IFCA/MMO; NL/DE authorities.
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Turbot