Will Pender – Wrasse Fishing with Lures

Wrasse fishing with lures is an exciting and underrated method that offers a fantastic saltwater challenge for predator anglers. While many UK anglers focus on freshwater species, wrasse provide an excellent alternative—especially during the spring and summer months when rivers are closed, or when a trip to the coast beckons. With the right approach, tackle, and location, you can experience hard-fighting, aggressive fish in some of the most stunning fishing environments.

Wrasse vs. Perch – A Familiar Challenge

For those familiar with perch fishing, wrasse fishing with lures feels remarkably similar. Ballan Wrasse, the most common and sought-after species, can grow to over 50cm in length, with 40cm specimens being a good benchmark. Their aggressive takes and powerful runs make them a joy to catch on light tackle. The best setup for wrasse includes a rod rated to 21g, paired with a 10-15lb line to handle their brute force. Effective rigs include Texas, Cheb, and free rigs, with creature, stick, and shad-style lures rigged on weedless hooks to navigate their rocky habitats.

Finding the Best Wrasse Fishing Spots

Wrasse thrive in rocky environments with plenty of structure. Ideal locations include boulder fields, kelp-lined gullies, and areas where clean sand meets sheer rock faces. Before setting out, a quick check on Google Earth can help identify promising marks. Once on location, a good pair of hiking boots and a willingness to explore can lead you to prime fishing spots. The southwest of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall, is known for its excellent wrasse fishing, though they can be found along much of the UK’s coastline.

Understanding Tides and Feeding Patterns

Tide knowledge is crucial for successful wrasse fishing with lures. The best times to target wrasse are two to three hours either side of low tide, as this reveals underwater structures and coincides with peak feeding activity. Wrasse are daytime feeders, meaning they are most active when the sun is high. As evening approaches, switching to bass fishing or heading to a seaside pub might be a better option!

The Best Lures and Techniques for Wrasse Fishing

Wrasse can be surprisingly selective, so having a variety of lure colours is essential. Blues, blacks, reds, naturals, and greens all have their place, depending on water clarity and conditions. The key to effective wrasse fishing with lures is a slow and methodical retrieve. Cast your lure, let it settle on the bottom, and use small hops and pauses to entice strikes. A weight of 5-10g is usually sufficient, depending on depth and current.

One of the most important aspects of wrasse fishing is using sharp hooks. Wrasse have thick, rubbery lips that make hook penetration difficult, and many fish are lost due to dull points. When you feel the signature ‘tonk’ of a wrasse bite, strike hard and keep steady pressure to prevent them from retreating into their rocky lairs.

Catch and Release – Respecting the Species

Wrasse are incredible sport fish but have little value as table fare. Practising catch and release ensures their populations remain healthy for future anglers. Handle them carefully and return them to the water as quickly as possible. If you’re after fish for the BBQ, bringing some small metal lures for mackerel is a better choice.

Why Wrasse Fishing with Lures is a Must-Try Adventure

Wrasse fishing with lures is an adventure that every predator angler should try. The combination of aggressive takes, powerful fights, and stunning coastal scenery makes it one of the most rewarding forms of saltwater fishing. Next time you’re heading to the coast, pack your perch or light pike setup—you might just discover your new favourite way to fish.

Whether you’re an experienced lure angler or new to saltwater fishing, targeting wrasse is an addictive pursuit. Their willingness to hit lures, combined with their dirty fighting tactics, ensures an exciting battle every time. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, wrasse fishing with lures might just be the perfect challenge.