Bull Huss (Greater-Spotted Dogfish)
Shark
A large, robust member of the shark family with rough, sandpaper-like skin, a blunt snout, and bold dark spots and blotches scattered across a sandy-brown body — noticeably bigger and heavier-spotted than the common lesser-spotted dogfish.
Facts
- A true shark, not a ray or a 'dog' fish in the mammal sense — the name is purely traditional.
- Lays distinctive rectangular egg cases with curly tendrils, often called 'mermaid's purses' when washed up on beaches.
- A tough, reliable catch after dark on big fish baits, especially over rough or mixed ground.
UK fishing rules
No statutory UK recreational size or bag limit currently applies, but as a slow-growing shark species, careful handling and release of breeding-size fish is widely encouraged.
Where to catch Bull Huss (Greater-Spotted Dogfish) (11 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardglass (Golf Course Rocks) | N. Ireland | Autumn–Winter | Bottom fished bait over the rough ground |
| Bossiney Haven | South West | Sep–Feb | Mackerel flapper or squid bait fished hard on the bottom in the deeper gullies after dark. |
| Criccieth | Wales | Sep–Mar | fish strip or squid on a simple leger through autumn and winter |
| Duckpool | South West | May–Oct | Whole fish or squid bait fished hard on the bottom over broken ground after dark. |
| Hartland Quay | South West | Jun–Oct | Whole mackerel or squid fished hard on the bottom after dark in the deeper gullies. |
| Lyme Regis (The Cobb) | South West | Aug–Nov | Ledgered squid or mackerel flapper after dark on the outer Cobb |
| Millook Haven | South West | Jul–Nov | Fished after dark on a cheap rotten-bottom rig baited with crab, dropped into the snaggy gullies. |
| Saunton Sands | South West | Jun–Oct, at night | Heavy bait fished on the bottom over any broken ground for these bigger species. |
| Sheerness Seafront (Barton's Point to Garrison Point) | South East | Sep-Dec | Large fish bait after dark |
| Stranraer Harbour, Loch Ryan | Scotland | Jun–Sep | Bottom-fished mackerel or squid strip at Gerry's Point and Finnarts Bay. |
| Welcombe Mouth | South West | Jun–Sep | Mackerel or squid bait fished hard on the bottom after dark in the deeper water off the ledges. |