Trigla lucerna - Tub Gurnard

The largest of the gurnards found around the shores of Wales, the tub gurnard typically grows to between 1 and 4 lb (0.5 to 2 kg).

The relatively large pectoral fins make this a powerful fighter for its weight, and exceptional specimens can reach 10 lb (4.5 kg) and put up quite a scrap. The Welsh record rod-caught tub gurnard was caught from the shore at Langland Bay on the Gower Peninsula (South-west Wales); it weighed 12 lb 3 oz (approx. 5 kg).

Unlike the grey gurnard, the tub gurnard is thought to be a relatively short-lived fish, perhaps attaining an age of six or eight years. It feeds on fish for the most part, and sand eels, small flat fish and poor cod usually feature highly in its diet. Tub gurnard will also feed well up in the water when there are plenty of small fish about, and they can sometimes be seen breaking the surface.

To catch tub gurnard, it is usually best to fish over a sandy bed or areas where rocks are interspersed with sandy stretches. Mackerel strips, mussels, ragworms, lugworms and crab are all effective baits.

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