Cuckoo wrasse Fishing UK: How to Catch Cuckoo wrasse

How to identify a cuckoo wrasse

A slender wrasse with a pointed head and a long dorsal fin. Males are bright orange with an electric blue head and blue stripes and markings on the back and sides. Females are orange-pink to reddish, with three dark spots on the back near the tail, separated by white patches. Cuckoo wrasse can change sex, with females turning into males as they grow. Ballan wrasse are much stockier and thicker-lipped, with mottled green, brown or red colours. Corkwing wrasse have a dark spot on the tail wrist and are smaller. Goldsinny have a dark spot at the front of the dorsal fin and tail wrist.

Where it lives

Cuckoo wrasse live on rocky reefs and rough ground, often in deeper water than other wrasse. Shore anglers catch them from deep-water rock marks, ledges and some harbour walls and piers with deep water nearby. They are most common in south-west England, Wales, the west coast of Scotland and Ireland, with fewer fish along the east coast. Summer is the main season for catching them from the shore.

What it eats and the best baits

Cuckoo wrasse feed on small crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, worms and shellfish living on rocky reefs. Worm baits, such as ragworm and lugworm, match their natural food and are taken readily. Fish strip, especially thin mackerel strips, gives off scent and attracts them too. Small soft plastics and scented artificial worms on LRF tackle can also be effective.

Ragworm
Lugworm
Mackerel strip
Scented artificial worms
Small soft plastics

Best time of year

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

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

How to catch cuckoo wrasse

Light rock fishing (LRF) and light ledgering are the best ways to catch cuckoo wrasse. Use a light rod, 2–6lb line, and size 6–10 hooks. Drop-shot rigs, split-shot rigs or small jig heads fished close to deep rocky ledges work well. Baits include small sections of ragworm or lugworm, thin mackerel strips or scented artificial worms. Lower the bait to the bottom and lift and drop it gently, or hold it still near rocks. Fish deep water close in, ideally on calm days with clear water. Daylight is best, as wrasse are inactive at night. Bites are sharp tugs or rattles. Strike quickly and steadily lift to bring the fish up.

Size and bag rules

We haven't confirmed a cuckoo 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

Cuckoo wrasse can suffer from pressure changes when brought up from deep water, so bring them up steadily and return them promptly. Handle them with wet hands and use forceps to unhook gently. Avoid holding them by the jaw. They are slow-growing and change sex, so returning them helps protect local populations. Most anglers practise catch and release.

Where to catch cuckoo wrasse in the UK

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Tackle for cuckoo wrasse

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Cuckoo Wrasse guides

Cuckoo Wrasse fishing questions

How do I tell a male cuckoo wrasse from a female?

Males are bright orange with an electric blue head and blue markings. Females are orange-pink with three dark spots on the back near the tail, separated by white patches. Females can turn into males as they grow, so you may see fish with mixed colours.

Where can I catch cuckoo wrasse from the shore?

Look for deep-water rock marks, ledges and harbour walls with deep water nearby, especially in south-west England, Wales, the west coast of Scotland and Ireland. Calm, clear summer days give the best chances. Light rock fishing gear is ideal for targeting them.

Can you eat cuckoo wrasse?

Cuckoo wrasse are not usually eaten. They are small, bony and slow-growing, and most anglers return them after a quick photograph. Returning them helps protect local populations, especially as their unusual sex-changing biology means removing larger males can affect breeding groups.

Cuckoo Wrasse Fishing UK