Ballan Wrasse fishing

Labrus bergylta

About Ballan Wrasse

The west coast's largest wrasse, colourful and stout. Lives among rocks, kelp and stony reefs and crushes shellfish with powerful teeth. It lives right in the rocks, so fish a bait on a light bottom rig tight to the kelp and accept that you will lose some tackle. Crab, shrimp and mussel are what it wants, and takes come as a series of sharp knocks before the fish turns. Summer is the season, and the fight is a short, brutal dive back into the reef. Most anglers release it, since it is poor eating and slow growing.

Typical size: Usually 25-45 cm, big fish over 50 cm. Record (approx.): ≈ 2 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Jun-Aug

Best time

Day

Habitat

Coast

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Float bait Bait with worm, maggot or corn and set the float so the bait hovers just above the bottom. Strike when the float goes under. Check price on Amazon

Ledger bait Fish the bait still on the bottom with a sinker. Common for bottom feeders; watch the rod tip for gentle bites. Check price on Amazon

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Find waters where Ballan Wrasse is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Ballan Wrasse?

Ballan Wrasse fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows in the day are usually day.

What lures and baits work for Ballan Wrasse?

Effective methods for Ballan Wrasse include Float bait and Ledger bait.

Where can you catch Ballan Wrasse?

Ballan Wrasse is most often found in coast. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.