Plaice

Plaice Fishing Guide – Baits, Rigs & Techniques (UK)

What is a Plaice?

The plaice is a member of the flatfish family, closely related to flounder but with distinguishing features:

• Prominent orange or red spots on the body

• Bony bumps running from the head to gills (absent in flounder)

• Flattened body and sandy-brown colouring

• UK minimum size: 11in / 28cm

Plaice are prized for their delicate taste and are popular with both shore and boat anglers.

When is the Best Time to Catch Plaice?

• Early spring to late summer (March–September)

• When they first enter UK waters, they are thinner due to prior deep-water spawning

• Feeding activity increases as they settle inshore

Best Baits for Plaice

Plaice are bottom-feeding opportunists that favour worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Top baits include:

• Black lugworm & blow lugworm (favourite)

• Ragworm

• Prawns / Peeler crab

• Maddies (sand eels / small fish)

• Shellfish & mussels

• Mackerel & herring strips

• Squid strips

Tip: Small, natural baits with subtle movement are highly effective, especially over sandy or shelly seabeds.

Where Will I Catch Plaice?

Plaice are widespread around the UK coastline, favouring:

• Sandy and shelly beaches

• Sandbanks between rocks

• Shallow inshore waters and estuary mouths

Popular UK Plaice Venues

• Brighton & Eastbourne (South Coast)

• Chesil Beach (Dorset)

• Other sandy/shelly areas around Scotland, Wales, and East Anglia

Best Rigs and Techniques for Plaice

1. Two-Hook Flapper / Clipped Rig

• Hooks: Size 4 to 1/0 Aberdeen pattern

• Longer snoods for natural bait movement

• Ideal for both short and long-distance casts

2. Wishbone Rig

• Great for covering a wide area of seabed

• Small hooks and subtle baits are effective

Tips for Shore Fishing

• Cast to sandbanks, channels, or edges of estuaries

• Use leads that roll with the tide to cover more seabed

• Plaice are inquisitive — sequins or beads can increase attraction

• Distance: few yards to long casts depending on venue

Plaice Fishing Summary

Plaice are one of the most common and rewarding flatfish species in UK waters. Using worms, prawns, peeler crab, and small fish strips with simple rigs like flapper or wishbone rigs, anglers can consistently catch them from shore or boat. Covering the seabed with rolling leads and subtle bait presentation increases your chances of success.