Ling Fishing UK
By Tackl · Updated 30 October 2026
Molva molva
The ling is a long, powerful member of the cod family that lives over deep rocky ground and wrecks. It is mostly a boat fish, but shore anglers occasionally catch ling from deep rock marks, particularly in Scotland, Ireland and the south-west, making it a rare and prized catch from the shore.
Photo: Vsevolod, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Typical size
- 2–8lb from the shore; a fish over 10lb is a specimen from the shore.
- From the shore
- Deep rocks, wrecks (shore: rare)
- Found in
- sea
- Peak season
- Late autumn and winter
How to identify a ling
Ling have a long, eel-like body, a large mouth with sharp teeth and a single barbel under the chin. They have two dorsal fins and one long anal fin. The colour is usually mottled olive, brown or bronze above with a paler belly, and the rear edges of the dorsal and anal fins are white with a dark spot near the end. Conger eels have no barbel and no scales, with a continuous fin. Rocklings are smaller and have two or more barbels on the snout and chin.
Where it lives
Ling live over rocky ground, reefs and wrecks, usually in deep water. From the shore they are only caught from marks with deep water close in, such as steep rocky headlands and deep harbour walls. Shore-caught ling are most often reported from Scotland, the north-east of England, Ireland and deep marks in the south-west and Wales. Small ling are more likely from the shore, with bigger fish found offshore over wrecks.
What it eats and the best baits
Ling are predators that eat fish such as pouting, whiting and small cod, plus squid, crabs and lobsters. Fish baits work well because they match the natural food of ling. Fresh mackerel, whole small fish or fish fillets give off strong scent, and squid adds a tough, durable bait that stays on the hook in strong tides.
- Mackerel
- Squid
- Pouting
- Whiting
- Bluey
Best time of year
- Jan – good
- Feb – good
- Mar – good
- Apr – quieter
- May – quieter
- Jun – quieter
- Jul – quieter
- Aug – quieter
- Sep – quieter
- Oct – good
- Nov – good
- Dec – good
In season now. Typical best months for shore anglers in England and Wales. What's in season
How to catch ling
Shore anglers targeting ling use heavy rough-ground tackle similar to that used for conger or bull huss. A single strong 4/0 to 6/0 hook on a heavy mono trace, fished on a running leger with a rotten-bottom lead link, is ideal. Use 5 to 6oz leads, a powerful rock rod and strong mainline. Big fish baits such as mackerel fillets, whole small fish or squid work best. Fishing is most productive at deep rock marks in winter, often after dark and on the flood tide. Bites usually start as a series of knocks followed by a firm pull. Strike firmly and keep pressure on to stop the fish reaching snags. Expect to catch other species, as shore ling are a bonus.
Size and bag rules
| Area | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kent & Essex IFCA | Minimum size 63cm | Official page |
| North Western IFCA | Minimum size 63cm | Official page |
Other areas (no confirmed number for this species yet): Northumberland IFCA, North Eastern IFCA, Eastern IFCA, Sussex IFCA, Southern IFCA, Devon & Severn IFCA, Cornwall IFCA, Isles of Scilly IFCA, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland.
Rules last checked 23 October 2026. Rules change, especially for bass: always check the official source before keeping a fish. All sea fishing rules
Handling and release
Ling have sharp teeth, so keep fingers clear of the mouth and unhook with long-nose pliers. Fish brought up quickly from deep water can suffer from pressure changes, so return unwanted fish quickly. Support the body rather than holding by the jaw, and use wet hands or a wet cloth.
Where to catch ling in the UK
We don't have venues confirmed for ling yet. Browse all venues.
Tackle for ling
Shimano Aerlex 425cx Tublar 3 Piece Beach / Surf Rod Fishing Rod
£99.00
Korda Armakord extreme leader weedy green
£10.00
Korda Armamord sinking leader
£15.00
MAP quick change system frameless method mould small
£2.00
Nash zig screw red
£4.00
Nash hook link sleeve short
£2.50
Nash silicone sleeve d_cam
£2.00
Nash hook kickers
£3.00
Ling guides
Ling fishing questions
Can you catch ling from the shore?
Yes, but it is rare. Shore-caught ling come from marks where deep water and rocky ground are close in, such as steep headlands and deep harbour walls. Scotland, the north-east, Ireland and parts of the south-west produce most shore fish, usually in winter and often at night.
What is the best bait for ling?
Fish baits are best. Fresh mackerel, whole small pouting or whiting, and squid all work well. Use large, fresh baits on a strong single hook, as ling are predators with large mouths. Big baits help avoid smaller fish and attract the larger ling.
Can you eat ling?
Yes, ling is good eating, with firm white flesh similar to cod. It is used in fish pies and stews and is sometimes salted. Take only what you need and check the size and bag rules for your area below before keeping any fish.
