WikiCatch
Lesser spotted dogfish
Scyliorhinus canicula
Overview
The small-spotted catshark, also known as the sandy dogfish, lesser-spotted dogfish, rough-hound or morgay, is a catshark of the family Scyliorhinidae. It is found on the continental shelves and the uppermost continental slopes off the coasts of Norway and the British Isles south to Senegal and in the Mediterranean, between latitudes 63° N and 12° N. It can grow up to a length of 1 m, and it can weigh more than 2 kg (4.4 lb). It is found primarily over sandy, gravelly, or muddy bottoms from depths of a few metres down to 400 m (1,300 ft). S. canicula is one of the most abundant elasmobranchs in the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The majority of the populations are stable in most areas.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Mackerel
Cut mackerel is a readily available, oily bait.
- Squid
Dogfish find squid irresistible.
- Sardines
A cheaper alternative to mackerel.
- Bluey
Very oily and smelly, attracts well.
- Lugworm
Use lugworm for smaller dogfish.
Artificial Lures
- Savage Gear Sand Eel SlugSoft PlasticBuy
Effective when jigged near the seabed.
- Sidewinder LuresSoft PlasticBuy
Use weighted version to get to bottom.
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep DiverCrankbaitBuy
Trolled slowly near the seabed.
- Abu Garcia Toby SalmoSpoonBuy
Cast and retrieve slowly.
- Daiwa Saltiga SK JigJigBuy
Metal jigs dropped to the bottom.
Techniques
Dogfish are bottom feeders, so use a running ledger rig with a strong wire trace to prevent bite-offs.
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Where to Find Lesser spotted dogfish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Lesser spotted dogfish?+
Popular baits for Lesser spotted dogfish include Mackerel, Squid, Sardines, Bluey, Lugworm. Tip: Dogfish are bottom feeders, so use a running ledger rig with a strong wire trace to prevent bite-offs.
Where can I catch Lesser spotted dogfish?+
Lesser spotted dogfish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include England, United Kingdom; Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom; Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom. WikiCatch lists 99 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Lesser spotted dogfish get?+
Lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) can reach up to 100 cm in length and 1.3 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.
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