Greater Weever
Trachinus draco
FR Vive · ES Pez araña (común) · PT Peixe-aranha-maior · IT Tracina drago · DE Petermännchen
Also known as: WeeverPez araña (común)VivePetermännchenTracina dragoPeixe-aranha-maior
BenthicShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Sunny calm days over warm sand; also dusk.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–AugGood May–Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Sunny, calm days over warm sand — dusk works too. Partial to small worms. (Handle with care!)...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuarySandy beach
Recommended baits
WormsPrawnsFish baits
Diet
CrabShrimpSmall fishAmphipods
Effective techniques
Spinning
Gear
Best times
DuskDay
Lurks in warm sand like a booby trap — sting first, apologies later.
Field notes
Where to find them
Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean
Where they hang out
Edges of sandy beaches and estuary bars 1–15 m—watch those spines underfoot!
Prime time
Sunny calm days over warm sand; also dusk.
Tide game
Low; lies in wait in soft sand.
What they're into
Small worms and prawn pieces
Temperature vibe
Warmer months bring them inshore; cooler water pushes deeper.
Fave weather
Calm seas best; stirred-up sand reduces takes.
Fun fact about me
Lurks in warm sand like a booby trap — sting first, apologies later.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Venomous spines—handle with care and wear footwear; first-aid is hot-water immersion.National fisheries and beach safety guidance.
Looking after them
Least Concern