Smooth-hound

Smooth-hound Fishing Guide – Baits, Rigs & Techniques (UK)

What is a Smooth-hound?

The smooth-hound is a member of the shark family, known for its hard-fighting nature.

• Two species in UK waters: common smooth-hound and starry smooth-hound

• Powerful bony crushing jaw, no teeth

• Migrates to UK shores in spring–summer to feed and give birth in shallower waters

• Can put up explosive fights, making them a prized target for shore anglers

Where Will I Catch a Smooth-hound?

Smooth-hounds are a shallow water shark species, preferring:

• Sandy beaches, shingle, and light broken ground

• Rarely found in rocky areas

Popular UK Venues

• Hampshire coast

• Sussex and Essex beaches

• East Coast sandy beaches

• Also caught from boats in shallow inshore waters

They often come within metres of the shoreline during night-time feeding or birthing.

Best Baits for Smooth-hound

Smooth-hounds scour the seabed for crustaceans and small prey rather than actively hunting fish. Their favourite baits include:

• Peeler crab (top favourite, especially fresh or recently molted)

• Prawns

• Common shore crab

• Hermit crabs & lobsters

• Squid

• Ragworm

Tip: Using peeler crabs may also attract bass and rays, making it a versatile bait.

Best Rigs for Smooth-hound

Shore Rigs

• Single-hook pulley rig is the most effective

• Hook: Size 3/0 strong pattern (Sakuma Manta Extra, Varivas Bigmouth, or B950 Uptide Kamasan)

• Line: 70lb mainline, 30lb snood

• Bait: Fresh or frozen peeler crab or prawns

• Nighttime fishing often produces the best results, but smooth-hounds can also be caught during the day

Tips

• Incoming tides are ideal, though low water marks can produce good catches

• Calm conditions improve success rates

• Keep rods attended at all times — smooth-hounds can run with baits at high speed

Techniques for Catching Smooth-hound

• Watch for slackline bites, where the fish picks up the bait gently

• Smooth-hounds hit hard and run explosively; maintain steady drag

• Best fished at night for feeding and birthing activity

• Use single rod setups if multiple smooth-hounds are present to avoid tangling or losing rods

Handling & Unhooking Smooth-hound

• Never hold by the tail alone — it can crush internal organs

• Support with two hands: one under the head, one under the belly

• Use pliers or a disgorger to remove the hook

• Keep fish level, wet the towel, take a quick photo, and release immediately

• Smooth-hounds are robust and recover quickly if handled properly

Summary

Smooth-hounds are exciting, shallow-water sharks that provide some of the best UK shore fishing battles. Using peeler crabs, prawns, or shore crabs on a strong single-hook pulley rig from sandy or shingle beaches during night-time will maximize your chances. Handle carefully, respect their strength, and enjoy the fight!