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Overview

How to target

Shanny
Species ID: shanny

Shanny

Shannies (common blennies) are classic UK rockpool fish, thriving in the intertidal zone around rough ground, boulder beaches, harbour walls and kelp-fringed ledges. Target them at...

🌊 Tide: low 💨 Wind: calm 📅 Peak: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Best tide

low

Moon

spring

Season

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

Wind

calm

Max weight

0.06 kg

Day vs night

Day 90%
Night 20%
Shannies (common blennies) are classic UK rockpool fish, thriving in the intertidal zone around rough ground, boulder beaches, harbour walls and kelp-fringed ledges. Target them at low water—especially on spring tides—when more pools, cracks and undercut ledges are exposed and fish are concentrated. Use very light tackle: a short LRF-style rod or stiff rockpool rod, 4–8 lb mono, a tiny split-shot, and size 12–16 hooks. Baits should be small and tough: thumbnail bits of ragworm, tiny mussel or limpet strips, prawn slivers, or squid/mackerel flecks. Present baits right into crevices, beneath weed fronds or alongside barnacled faces; let the bait sit still or inch it along—shannies often nip repeatedly before committing. A micro-paternoster or short-drop float works off harbour steps and vertical walls; in pools, simple freelining with a single shot is ideal. They’re most active by day and in calmer conditions when visibility is decent, though a bit of swell can lift food. Expect quick, rattly bites and firm mouthholds—strike gently to avoid tearing small baits. Handle with wet hands and return promptly; avoid levering rocks and disturbing nesting holes in late spring/summer. Great fun for species hunts, but they’re small—scale down accordingly and keep sessions short on hot days to protect fish in shallow pools.

Temperature

6–19°C

Depth range

Not specified

Baits

  • Harbour Rag (Maddies) 9.2/10
  • Mussel 8.6/10
  • Limpet 8/10
  • Soft Crab 7.8/10
  • Prawn / Shrimp 7/10

Rigs

  • Split Shot Rig 9.2/10

    Ultra-light LRF for rockpools and kelpy gullies. Pinch-on shot presents tiny ragworm/limpet/isome inches from the rocks with minimal lead, feeling bites and reducing snags—ideal for shannies tight in.

  • Dropshot 8.7/10

    Suspends a small ragworm/isome 2–10 cm off the bottom beside harbour walls and boulders. Precise depth control keeps bait above snags and right in the shanny’s lair.

  • Float Paternoster 7.8/10

    Small float with a short dropper keeps a size 8–12 hook just off the rocks in shallow rough ground. Drifts mussel or rag under wave wash, avoiding snags while covering gully mouths and pier legs.

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