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Overview

How to target

Starry Smoothhound
Species ID: starry-smoothhound

Starry Smoothhound

Starry smoothhound show in numbers from late spring as UK sea temps climb past 11–12°C. Look for crab-rich surf beaches, estuary mouths and rough-ground/sand interfaces, especially...

🌊 Tide: flood 💨 Wind: southerly 📅 Peak: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Best tide

flood

Moon

spring

Season

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Wind

southerly

Max weight

13 kg

Day vs night

Day 60%
Night 80% (best)
Starry smoothhound show in numbers from late spring as UK sea temps climb past 11–12°C. Look for crab-rich surf beaches, estuary mouths and rough-ground/sand interfaces, especially gullies, mussel beds and channels that flood quickly. The flood into high on spring tides is prime, particularly during mass crab-peeling periods and after a warm southerly that settles the sea. Fresh peeler crab is the standout bait; soft-back/hardback crab, hermit and squid-and-crab cocktails also score. Use simple, strong shore tackle: a 12–15 ft beach rod with a 5000–7000 reel, 15–20 lb mono (or 30–40 lb braid) and a 60 lb shock leader. Fish a running ledger or pulley rig with a 2–3 ft 30–40 lb mono/fluoro snood and 3/0–5/0 strong J or circle hooks; no wire is needed. Leads of 5–6 oz to hold in tide. Cast to the edges of banks and gutters or just beyond the first breaker—fish often move very close at dusk and after dark. Expect fast, clean fights; keep a smooth drag. Unhook with a T-bar, support the fish, and release promptly.

Temperature

11–18°C

Depth range

1.5–15 m

Baits

  • Peeler Crab 9.6/10
  • Soft Crab 9/10
  • Hardback Crab 8.2/10
  • Hermit Crab 7.2/10

Rigs

  • Pulley Pennel Rig 9.2/10

    Staple for smoothhounds on clean/mixed ground. Pulley lifts fish and lead clear of surf, pennel holds big peeler/hardback crab. Strong snood and circle hooks cope with tide and powerful runs.

  • Flowing Trace 8.7/10

    Long running trace gives minimal resistance so hounds commit to crab baits. Ideal on clean sand/estuaries. Use a grip lead in tide. 3–5 ft 50–60 lb snood with 3/0–5/0 circles when fish are close in.

  • Pennel Clip Down 8.3/10

    Best when you need range to reach outer banks/gullies. Clips big crab baits aerodynamic for long casts, then releases on impact. Pennel keeps bulky bait secure and well-presented on clean surf beaches.

  • Pulley Pennel Dropper 8/10

    Clipped for distance, then drops to a long snood in the tide. Reduces tangles and presents a large crab tight to the seabed. Great on surf beaches and in strong run where hounds patrol channels.