Flatfish (Mixed / Unspecified)
Flatfish
A broad group name covering several similar-looking, bottom-dwelling species that lie flat with both eyes on one side — usually flounder, dab, plaice or sole from UK shore marks.
Facts
- When a mark's catch is logged simply as 'flatfish', it usually means a mix of flounder, dab and/or plaice rather than one specific species.
- All UK flatfish start life swimming upright like ordinary fish, with one eye migrating across the head as they mature into their flattened adult shape.
- For species-specific detail, see the individual flounder, dab, plaice, sole, turbot and brill pages linked from here.
UK fishing rules
Rules vary by exact species — see the individual flatfish pages linked above for specific minimum sizes.
Where to catch Flatfish (Mixed / Unspecified) (10 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berwick-upon-Tweed / Spittal | North East | Spring–Autumn | Light leger tackle over sand at Spittal/Gosswick |
| Bridlington South Pier & Harbour | North East | Jun–Sep | Small hooks on multi-hook traces baited with worm and fish cocktails |
| Burntisland Beach | Scotland | Apr–Oct | Beachcaster with worm bait over the sandier ground east of the town. |
| Cullercoats Bay | North East | Spring–Autumn | Light leger tackle over the sandy bay bottom |
| Cushendun Beach | N. Ireland | Summer–Autumn | Beachcasters fished at night from the middle of the beach with rag/razor and sandeel |
| Largs Pier & Shingle Point | Scotland | May–Sep | Small hooks with worm baits fished close to the shingle beach. |
| Lochinver Harbour | Scotland | Spring–Autumn | Light bait rigs over sandy patches near the harbour |
| Mundesley Beach | East | Summer | Small-hook rigs over clean sand, reachable gullies only |
| Westward Ho! | South West | Apr–Oct | Worm bait fished into the rockpool/estuary margin as the tide floods over Northam Burrows. |
| Woolacombe Beach | South West | Nov–Feb | Small hooks and short snoods baited with worm, fished close in on clean sand. |