Here’s an article I wrote for HTO Lures (Tronix) back in 2016, on early season wrasse fishing with lures. Having just re-read it, I think it still stands, although perhaps the season has crept forward by a couple of weeks over the past 5 or 6 years.
Sussex Smallmouth
After spending most of the pandemic lockdowns watching US bass fishing videos on YouTube I was chomping at the bit to actually get fishing and try out the various bits that I’d learned.
Ballan Wrasse – Territorial or Predatory?
A tale of anecdotes that led me to change my perspective on whether the Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta) was just a pretty, territorial fish or in fact, a grade-A, formidable predator!
Jika Rig For Wrasse
The Jika rig is a weedless, bottom-contact method for fishing heavy cover. Consequently it is a very suitable rig for targeting Ballan Wrasse.
Ballan Wrasse Stunna
Ballan Wrasse – what a stunning creature.
Big Wrasse From Pebble Beach
You don’t necessarily need to be stood upon rock to rock-fish. Or indeed catch big Ballan Wrasse. Don’t rule out beaches if the right habitat is within casting distance. Especially if there is a resident food source.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
The odd broken lure is inevitable with wrasse fishing.
Fish Grips For Wrasse
After a brief trial with using fish grips in 2012, I came to the conclusion that fish grips were of limited use for wrasse.