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Overview

How to target

Lesser Spotted Dogfish
Species ID: lesser-spotted-dogfish

Lesser Spotted Dogfish

Abundant around most UK coasts and a dependable shore target on clean to mixed ground. Look for them along surf beaches, shingle with patches of rough ground, estuary mouths, harbo...

🌊 Tide: flood 💨 Wind: onshore 📅 Peak: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Best tide

flood

Moon

none

Season

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Wind

onshore

Max weight

2.2 kg

Day vs night

Day 50%
Night 100% (best)
Abundant around most UK coasts and a dependable shore target on clean to mixed ground. Look for them along surf beaches, shingle with patches of rough ground, estuary mouths, harbour walls and deeper rock marks. They often show from the first push of the flood and into/just after high water, with the most consistent action at dusk and after dark. A light onshore wind and a small rolling surf draws them tight to the gutters and first/second breaker; in colder months, deeper harbours or rock venues fish better. Tactics: cast into gullies, along tide runs or simply 20–60 yards into the surf line. Use simple two‑hook flappers on clean ground or a single/pennel pulley when mixed/rough, with 30–40 lb mono hooklengths to resist their rasping skin. 2–4 oz grip leads help hold bottom. Hooks size 1 to 1/0 suit typical baits; circle hooks make unhooking easier. Keep bait oily and fresh—mackerel, squid (or cocktails), sandeel and bluey are standbys; worm or crab baits also score where available. Re‑bait frequently to maintain a scent trail. Handle firmly but carefully, support the fish, and use a disgorger/T‑bar for quick release.

Temperature

7–18°C

Depth range

1–40 m

Baits

  • Mackerel Strip 9.2/10
  • Squid 8.8/10
  • Bluey (Pacific Saury) 8.5/10
  • Sandeel 7.8/10
  • Ragworm 6.6/10

Rigs

  • Running Ledger 9.2/10

    Simple bottom rig for clean or mixed ground; lets dogfish take oily baits (mackerel/squid) with minimal resistance. Great from beaches or piers on a flood. Use 2–3 ft snood, size 1/0 hooks, and a grip lead to hold in surf/tide.

  • Two-Hook Flapper 8.6/10

    Two baits hard on the seabed where dogfish patrol. Ideal for surf beaches and night sessions, covering different ranges. Keep branch snoods 12–18 in to cut tangles from spinning fish; use size 1–1/0 hooks with mackerel/squid strips.

  • Boom Ledger (Anti-Tangle) 8/10

    Anti-tangle boom helps when dogfish roll, reducing twist. Presents bait near bottom in tide from piers or mixed/rough ground. Fish a 2–3 ft mono snood with a grip lead and squid or mackerel cocktail for a strong scent trail.