Gurnard Sea fishing

Gurnard “to Grunt” in French is one of the most beautiful fish in UK waters. Gurnard “walk” along the bottom on adapted fins which would make up part of their pectoral fins. The Gurnard is a square looking fish with large pectoral fins

UK species are

Red Gurnard – Mottled pink to Orange in colour
Tub Gurnard – Reddish brown in colour with blue edge to fins
Grey Gurnard – Mottled grey in colour

Most Gurnard like clean sand amongst an area of reef or rocks, you can find them also on steep sand and shingle banks. Basically they like clean ground near a feature. They hunt live prey and therefore like a moving bait to stimulate their quarry.

A slow drift is ideal for these fish. Fish tight to the bottom with a size 2 hook using fish bait or small live bait (shrimp etc), they can be caught with baited feathers as well.

I would use spinning gear or very light boat rods. They can perform very well on light gear, but hauling a gurnard up on 20lb class boat tackle will be no sport.

If you have any photos of these fish please send them in as I would love a few pictures to show on the sight.