Corkwing wrasse Fishing UK

How to identify a corkwing wrasse

Corkwing wrasse are small, deep-bodied wrasse with thick lips and a single long dorsal fin. The key mark is a dark spot in the middle of the tail stalk, just in front of the tail fin, and there is often a dark crescent mark behind the eye. Breeding males are brilliantly coloured with blue-green bodies and blue lines on the head; females are browner. Goldsinny have their dark spot on the upper edge of the tail stalk, and rock cook have a much smaller mouth and lack the central spot. Young ballan wrasse lack the tail spot and grow far larger.

Where it lives

Corkwing wrasse live among rocks, kelp and weed in shallow water, typically within a few metres of the surface. They are common around harbour walls, breakwaters, piers with weedy legs and rocky shores, and also turn up in large rock pools. They are found right around the UK but are most abundant in the south and south-west of England, Wales and the west of Scotland. In summer, males build nests of seaweed in crevices among the rocks.

What it eats and the best baits

Corkwings pick food from rocks and weed, eating small crustaceans such as amphipods, shrimps and tiny crabs, plus small molluscs and worms. Ragworm is irresistible to them and stays lively on small hooks. Small crabs match their natural prey, and cut pieces of crab or tiny peeler crab work well. Prawn and small soft lures can also catch.

Ragworm
Small crab
Peeler crab
Prawn
Small soft plastic lures

Best time of year

Jan – quieter
Feb – quieter
Mar – quieter
Apr – good
May – good
Jun – good
Jul – good
Aug – good
Sep – good
Oct – good
Nov – quieter
Dec – quieter

Typical best months for shore anglers in England and Wales. What's in season

How to catch corkwing wrasse

Light rock fishing is the best method. Use an LRF rod rated around 1 to 10g, light braid and a fluorocarbon leader, with size 10 to 6 hooks. A simple split-shot rig, a drop-shot rig or a small float rig presenting a piece of ragworm close to the weed is very effective. Small soft plastics, especially scented worm-style lures, on light jig heads also catch. Fish tight to harbour walls, weed lines and rock gullies, dropping the bait straight down rather than casting far. Daylight is when wrasse feed, with the middle hours of the day and mid tide often best. Bites are sharp, fast taps, sometimes followed by a pull as the fish tries to bolt back into cover; strike quickly or it will strip the bait.

Size and bag rules

We haven't confirmed a corkwing wrasse size or bag limit from an official source yet. Check: Northumberland IFCA, North Eastern IFCA, Eastern IFCA, Kent & Essex IFCA, Sussex IFCA, Southern IFCA, Devon & Severn IFCA, Cornwall IFCA, Isles of Scilly IFCA, North Western IFCA, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland.

Rules change, especially for bass: always check the official source before keeping a fish. All sea fishing rules

Handling and release

Wrasse are slow-growing and territorial, and nesting males guard eggs in summer, so please return corkwings promptly. Handle with wet hands and support the body. Small barbless hooks make unhooking quick and easy. Return them close to where they were caught so they can find cover. Avoid hanging them by the jaw.

Where to catch corkwing wrasse in the UK

We don't have venues confirmed for corkwing wrasse yet. Browse all venues.

Where to fish in the UK · Fishing conditions today

Tackle for corkwing wrasse

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Corkwing Wrasse guides

Corkwing Wrasse fishing questions

How do I tell a corkwing wrasse from a goldsinny?

Check the position of the dark spot near the tail. Corkwings have it in the middle of the tail stalk, while goldsinny have it on the upper edge. Corkwings also often show a dark mark behind the eye and a deeper body, and breeding males are vividly blue-green.

What tackle do I need for corkwing wrasse?

Light rock fishing gear is ideal: an LRF rod of about 1 to 10g, light braid, a fluorocarbon leader and size 10 to 6 hooks. Fish a small piece of ragworm on a split-shot or drop-shot rig close to harbour walls or weed, and strike quickly at the first sharp taps.

Can you eat corkwing wrasse?

Corkwing wrasse are small and bony and are not generally eaten. They are also used as cleaner fish in fish farming, and they are territorial nest builders. Nearly all anglers return them. Check the size and bag rules for your area below if you are unsure.