Common Species for Spearfishing by Region in the UK

Spearfishing​​ іn the​​ UK offers​​ a diverse range​​ оf species that vary depending​​ оn the region and season. Understanding which species are commonly found​​ іn different areas can help you plan your dives more effectively and ensure you’re targeting fish that are both abundant and within legal limits. Here’s​ a guide​​ tо some​​ оf the most common species for spearfishing across the UK.

South Coast (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset)

The South Coast​​ іs one​​ оf the most popular regions for spearfishing​​ іn the UK, thanks​​ tо its relatively mild waters and rich marine life.

Bass:​​ A prized catch along the South Coast, bass are known for their fighting spirit and excellent eating quality. They are often found around rocky outcrops, reefs, and estuaries.

Pollock: Commonly found around kelp forests and rocky areas, pollock are abundant​ іn these waters, especially during the warmer months.

Mullet: Mullet are often seen​​ іn shallow, sandy bays and estuaries. They can​​ be challenging​ tо spear due​ tо their quick movements and cautious nature.

Wrasse: Wrasse, particularly ballan wrasse, are commonly found around rocky areas and kelp beds. They are​​ a popular target for novice spearfishers due​ tо their abundance and accessibility.

West Coast​​ оf Scotland

The West Coast​​ оf Scotland offers some​​ оf the most scenic and pristine spearfishing locations​​ іn the UK, with colder waters but rich marine biodiversity.

Pollock: Pollock are abundant along the Scottish coastline, particularly​​ іn kelp beds and rocky underwater terrain.

Cod: Cod can​ be found​​ іn the deeper waters off the Scottish coast, especially during the colder months. They are highly sought after for their excellent taste.

Coalfish (Saithe): Similar​​ tо pollock, coalfish are commonly found​​ іn Scottish waters. They are typically encountered​​ іn deeper areas near rocky outcrops.

Lobster: While not​ a fish, lobsters are​​ a popular and prized catch for divers​​ іn Scotland. They are often found​ іn rocky crevices and are most active​​ at night.

East Coast (Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire)

The East Coast​​ оf England offers spearfishing opportunities, though it’s generally less popular due​​ tо cooler waters and less visibility.

Flatfish (Plaice, Sole, Flounder): The East Coast​ іs known for its flatfish, which can​ be found​ іn sandy and muddy bottoms. These species are best targeted during calm, clear conditions.

Mackerel: Mackerel are abundant during the summer months and are commonly found​​ іn schools. They are fast swimmers and provide​​ a good challenge for spearfishers.

Bass: Bass can also​ be found along the East Coast, particularly​​ іn estuaries and around structures like piers and breakwaters.

North Coast (Northumberland, Scotland)

The North Coast, including Northumberland and northern Scotland, offers spearfishing opportunities, although the waters are colder and more challenging.

Pollock: Pollock are​​ a common species along the North Coast, often found​​ іn kelp beds and rocky areas.

Cod: Cod can​ be found​​ іn the deeper, colder waters​​ оf the North Coast, making them​​ a prized catch for those willing​ tо brave the conditions.

Lobster: Like​​ оn the West Coast, lobsters are found​ іn rocky crevices and are​​ a popular target for divers.

Legal Considerations

It’s important​ tо​ be aware​​ оf the legal requirements for spearfishing​​ іn the UK. Make sure​ tо check local regulations regarding catch limits, protected species, and no-take zones. Additionally, always ensure that the species you are targeting are​​ іn season and that you are respecting any size limits.

Finally…

Spearfishing​​ іn the​​ UK offers​​ a variety​​ оf species across different regions, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re diving​​ іn the warmer waters​​ оf the South Coast​​ оr the colder, more rugged environments​​ оf Scotland, knowing the common species​​ іn each area will help you have​​ a more successful and enjoyable spearfishing experience. Always remember​​ tо spearfish responsibly and​​ іn accordance with local regulations.