Starry Smoothhound Fishing UK
By Tackl · Updated 30 October 2026
Mustelus asterias
The starry smoothhound is a small shark that comes inshore in late spring and summer to feed on crabs. It is one of the most popular summer targets on UK beaches and estuaries, famous for fast, powerful runs and for the thrill of fishing peeler crab on a warm night.
Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Typical size
- 5–12lb from the shore; a fish over 15lb is a specimen.
- From the shore
- Beaches, estuaries
- Found in
- sea, estuary
- Peak season
- Late spring and summer
How to identify a starry smoothhound
Starry smoothhounds are slim, grey sharks with a pale belly and, often, small white spots along the back and sides. The skin is fairly smooth, and the teeth are flat and pavement-like for crushing crabs, not sharp. The common smoothhound is very similar but usually lacks white spots. Tope are larger, with sharp teeth, a long snout and a deeply notched tail. Spurdog have a sharp spine in front of each dorsal fin and are spotted.
Where it lives
Starry smoothhounds live on sand, mud and gravel in shallow coastal water, often near mussel beds and crab-rich ground. From the shore they are caught from beaches, estuaries and harbours, mainly in late spring and summer. They are common in the Thames Estuary, the Wash, the Solent, the Bristol Channel, Wales and the north-west. Estuaries and shallow, crab-rich beaches with mixed ground are prime areas.
What it eats and the best baits
Starry smoothhounds feed mainly on crabs, including shore crabs, hermit crabs and swimming crabs, plus shrimps, lobsters and worms. Their flat teeth crush shells easily. Peeler crab is the top bait because crabs make up most of their diet. Hermit crab is also very effective, as smoothhounds eat it naturally.
- Peeler crab
- Hermit crab
- Shore crab
- Squid
- Prawn
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 starry smoothhound
A pulley rig or pulley pennel rig with a single 2/0 to 4/0 hook, or two hooks for a bigger crab bait, is the standard choice. Use one or two peeler crabs bound with elastic. A 5 to 6oz grip lead and a 13 to 15ft beachcaster are typical, with strong mainline and a shock leader. Smoothhounds feed day and night but are often more active after dark or in coloured water. The flood tide is usually best, especially on estuaries. Bites are fast and dramatic: the rod tip pulls round and line is taken from the reel. Use a reel with a smooth drag and be ready, as rods can be pulled over. Wind down and lift into the fish, then let it run.
Size and bag rules
We haven't confirmed a starry smoothhound 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
Smoothhounds have fairly rough skin, so wet your hands and support the body, holding near the tail and under the belly. Never hold them by the gills or eyes, and avoid lifting them by the tail alone. Unhook quickly with pliers and return them, as smoothhounds are slow to mature and release is encouraged.
Where to catch starry smoothhound in the UK
We don't have venues confirmed for starry smoothhound yet. Browse all venues.
Tackle for starry smoothhound
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
Starry Smoothhound guides
Starry Smoothhound fishing questions
What is the best bait for smoothhound?
Peeler crab is the top bait, fished whole or in sections and bound with elastic. Hermit crab also catches very well. Smoothhounds feed mainly on crabs, so fresh crab baits fished on a pulley rig over crab-rich ground are the best approach in late spring and summer.
Can you eat smoothhound?
Smoothhound is edible, but most anglers release them. They are slow to mature and highly valued as a sport fish, so returning them helps keep summer fishing good. If you are thinking of keeping one, check the size and bag rules for your area below.
How do I tell a starry smoothhound from a tope?
Smoothhounds have flat, pavement-like teeth for crushing crabs, while tope have sharp, cutting teeth. Starry smoothhounds often have white spots on the back. Tope are larger, with a longer snout and a deeply notched tail. Both are hard fighters from the shore.
