WikiCatch
Common sole
Solea solea
Overview
The common sole, Dover sole, or black sole is a species of flatfish in the family Soleidae. It is one of the largest fish in the Solea genus. It lives on the sandy or muddy seabed of the northern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea where it often partially immerses itself in the substrate. The upper side is greyish-brown while the underside is white. It grows to a maximum length of about 70 cm (28 in). The species is prized as a food fish, being caught mostly by bottom trawling on the seabed. The name "Dover" comes from Dover, the English fishing port landing the most sole in the 19th century.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Lugworm
Highly effective, sole love the scent.
- Ragworm
Another common and successful worm bait.
- Mussel
Use fresh mussels, ideally still on the shell.
- Peeler Crab
Excellent when sole are feeding actively.
- Whitebait
Small, silvery fish can attract larger sole.
Artificial Lures
- Berkley Gulp! SandwormSoft PlasticBuy
Scented worm, mimics natural food.
- Savage Gear Sand Eel SlugSoft PlasticBuy
Eel imitation, twitch it slowly.
- Storm Wildeye Swim Shad 03Soft PlasticBuy
Small shad, good for enticing bites.
- Blue Fox Moresilda 7gSpoonBuy
Small spoon, retrieve very slowly near bottom.
- Westin D360° Spinnerbait 14gSpinnerbaitBuy
Versatile lure, cast and retrieve slowly.
Techniques
Sole are bottom feeders, so always fish your bait or lure close to the seabed, and a very slow retrieve or static presentation often works best.
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Where to Find Common sole
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Common sole?+
Popular baits for Common sole include Lugworm, Ragworm, Mussel, Peeler Crab, Whitebait. Tip: Sole are bottom feeders, so always fish your bait or lure close to the seabed, and a very slow retrieve or static presentation often works best.
Where can I catch Common sole?+
Common sole can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include England, United Kingdom; Sicilia, Italy; Euskadi, Spain. WikiCatch lists 17 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Common sole get?+
Common sole (Solea solea) can reach up to 69.9999988 cm in length and 3 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is DD.
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