Tompot blenny Fishing UK: How to Catch Tompot blenny

How to identify a tompot blenny

A small, chunky fish with a large head, thick lips, bulging eyes and a pair of branched, frilly tentacles above the eyes. Colour is olive-brown to reddish-brown, with darker vertical bands and lighter spots. The dorsal fin runs the length of the back and is slightly notched in the middle. The shanny, or common blenny, has no tentacles and is smoother and smaller. Montagu's blenny has a small fringed flap between the eyes rather than tentacles. The butterfly blenny has an eyespot on its dorsal fin. Gobies have fused pelvic fins forming a sucker.

Where it lives

Tompot blennies live in rocky crevices, holes in harbour walls, under ledges and among weed and stones. They are most common along the south coast, in south-west England, around Wales and in Ireland, becoming scarcer further north and east. LRF anglers find them around harbour walls, piers, breakwaters, rocky coves and rock pools. They are territorial and often stay near the same crevice.

What it eats and the best baits

Tompot blennies feed on small crustaceans, worms, shellfish, sea squirts and other invertebrates living on rocks and walls. Small pieces of ragworm or lugworm on tiny hooks match their natural food and are taken readily. Small soft plastics and scented artificial worms on LRF tackle also work well, as tompots are curious and aggressive feeders.

Ragworm
Lugworm
Small worm sections
Scented artificial worms
Small soft plastics

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 tompot blenny

Light rock fishing (LRF) is the best way to catch tompots. Use a light rod of 6–8ft rated to around 1–7g, fine line of 2–4lb, and small size 10–14 hooks. Fish a drop-shot rig, a split-shot rig or a tiny jig head close to harbour walls, ledges and crevices. Baits such as small sections of ragworm or lugworm, or scented artificial worms, work best. Lower the bait right next to the wall or into a crevice and hold it still, twitching occasionally. Tompots can be caught throughout the day, especially in summer, and are often more active around high water and calm conditions. Bites are sharp tugs or rattles. Strike quickly to stop the fish retreating into its crevice, and lift steadily to pull it clear.

Size and bag rules

We haven't confirmed a tompot blenny 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

Tompot blennies are hardy but should still be handled with wet hands and minimal time out of water. Use small forceps to unhook gently. Return them to the same area, ideally near their crevice, as they are territorial. Males guard eggs in summer, so release them promptly. Avoid holding them by the jaw or squeezing their body.

Where to catch tompot blenny in the UK

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Where to fish in the UK · Fishing conditions today

Tackle for tompot blenny

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Tompot Blenny guides

Tompot Blenny fishing questions

How do I tell a tompot blenny from a shanny?

Tompot blennies have a large head, bulging eyes and branched, frilly tentacles above the eyes, plus darker vertical bands. Shannies are smaller, smoother and have no tentacles. Both live around rocks and walls, but the tentacles are the clearest giveaway for a tompot.

What is the best way to catch tompot blennies?

Light rock fishing (LRF) with tiny hooks, fine line and small baits such as ragworm sections or scented artificial worms is ideal. Fish drop-shot or split-shot rigs close to harbour walls and crevices, and strike quickly to stop the fish retreating.

Can you eat tompot blennies?

Tompot blennies are not usually eaten. They are small and bony, and most anglers catch them for fun and return them. They are territorial and males guard eggs, so returning them quickly near where they were caught helps protect local populations.