Fish guide

Every UK sea fish you're likely to catch, with the legal size and bag limit where you fish. Sizes are set locally, so each page shows the rule for your spot. The fish we score have a full guide: what they look like, how to tell them apart and when they're about.

What fish is this?Identify a fish from a photo

BassDicentrarchus labraxHard-fighting predator of surf beaches, rocks and estuaries. Feeds hardest in moving, coloured water at low light.
CodGadus morhuaWinter favourite that feeds in strong tides and coloured water, mostly after dark.
Dover soleSolea soleaNight-feeding flatfish of sand and mud; best on calm summer nights with small tides.
FlounderPlatichthys flesusHardy estuary flatfish that follows the flood tide up creeks and channels.
SmoothhoundMustelus asteriasSummer shark that hunts crabs over sand and mud; strong runs and powerful fights.
Thin-lipped mulletChelon ramadaShy summer visitor to estuaries and harbours, cruising in on the flood.
Thornback rayRaja clavataThe Thames Estuary's signature spring fish, feeding over mud, sand and gravel channels.
WhitingMerlangius merlangusShoaling autumn and winter fish that bites freely after dark.

All UK sea fish