Corkwing Wrasse
Symphodus melops
FR Crénilabre coucou · ES Tordo verde · PT Bodião · IT Tordo · DE Lippfisch
Also known as: CorkwingGilt-headCrénilabre MélopsBodião-vulgarTordo verdeCrénilabre coucouLippfischTordoBodião
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Daylight; flood tide over kelp/rocks
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing85%
LRF / ultra-light70%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Reef ambusher — over cold mud plains and glides the contour then darts; Slow-Rolled Swimbaits Near Bottom.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Sandy beach
Recommended baits
WormsSoft plasticsArtificial baits
Diet
BivalvesCopepodsCrabSnails
Effective techniques
Light Rock FishingFloat FishingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DayMid floodSlack water
I'm one of the only marine fish to build a nest — males weave seaweed into a ball and guard the door.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic fringes, Channel, W Europe
Where they hang out
Right under boulders/kelp, 1-10 m
Prime time
Daylight; flood tide over kelp/rocks
Tide game
Moderate; likes movement around cover
What they're into
Crab and prawn; grazes in kelp
Temperature vibe
Mild-warm months best; slows in winter
Fave weather
Clear water helps; heavy swell tucks fish 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
Local livebait rules; many anglers C&RRegional conservation/fisheries
Looking after them
Least Concern