Rockling
Eel
A small, slender, eel-like fish with a soft, scaleless, mucus-covered body, a blunt head and several small barbels around the mouth used to feel for food among rocks.
Facts
- Several similar rockling species live around the UK coast, all sharing the same soft-bodied, barbelled look.
- Common under rocks, in harbour crevices and among seaweed at low water, rather than open ground.
- Frequently caught by accident on baited hooks intended for other species, especially at night.
UK fishing rules
No statutory UK-wide recreational size limit currently applies to rockling.
Where to catch Rockling (5 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightlingsea (Bateman's Tower) | East | Variable | Bait fished, regular by-catch here |
| Holyhead Breakwater | Wales | Oct–Feb | Bottom fished lugworm or squid over broken ground in winter. |
| Margate Harbour Arm | South East | Oct-Feb | Bottom rigs with fish or worm bait |
| Saltburn Pier | North East | Year-round, best autumn/winter | Small baited hooks or light lures fished close to structure. |
| Sandbanks | South West | Year-round | Ragworm on light bottom gear close in |