Scophthalmus maximus - Turbot

Masters of camouflage able to change colour to blend in with the sea bed, turbot are essentially flatfish of the deeps. Only occasionally are small turbot up to 8 lb (3.5 kg) or so caught by angling from the shore.

These are slow-growing fish and can live for up to 40 years. A 20 lb (14 kg) turbot is a real specimen, although commercial fishermen have landed fish of 40 lb (18 kg) and more. In 1981, a turbot weighing 24 lb was caught off Swansea and holds the Welsh rod-caught record. Bigger turbot are certainly out there to be caught.

Turbot feed on fish, and sand eels are a particularly important part of their diet. They will also eat squid, prawns and molluscs. Turbot are often caught near wrecks, where they are often found feeding on the sand and gravel flats in the lee of the hull.

A powerful boat rod is necessary when fishing areas with strong currents, and a heavy lead of 1 lb (0.5 kg) or more may be necessary to keep the bait on the bottom. A strong nylon trace (at least 50 lb breaking strain) is advisable, although some anglers prefer to use a wire trace to avoid the risk of the trace fraying against the wing of the kite or being cut by its sharp teeth. A 4/0 to 8/0 hook is recommended.

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