The gurnard is a distinctive looking fish found in British waters where there are three main species. We discuss all three here as they can all be caught using similar methods, rigs and baits:

Appearance

All three gurnards have elongated, tubular bodies with long pectoral and anal fins, they have two dorsal fins, the first is large and triangular in shape with the second being much smaller and longer in comparison. The skull is made from solid bony plates; as such the head is pronounced and hard. Under the chin are small appendages which are used to sense and find food and four sharp spines protrude from the pectoral fins.

Yellow gurnard:

The yellow gurnard is the both the largest gurnard species and the most colourful, they commonly possess a glorious yellow colour but can also be deep red or orange, they have a white belly and their pectoral fins are edged by bright blue-bands, the presence of these bright blue bands are the easiest way to identify a yellow gurnard from the other gurnard species.

Grey Gurnard:

The grey gurnard is the most common gurnard species in British waters and also the smallest, with shore-caught grey gurnards usually weighing under a 500g (1 lb). The grey gurnard possesses the typical gurnard shape and is generally dark grey in colour on the back and sides with a light grey belly. Compared to the other gurnard species it has the smallest pectoral fins and its lateral line comprises of thorny scales.

Red Gurnard:

The red gurnard is the middle weight of the three gurnard species, a red gurnard approaching 700g (1.5 lbs) would be a great catch. They have the typical gurnard body shape and are red in colour however some can have a brown colour instead. The red gurnard is often confused for the yellow gurnard, the pectoral fins are the main way to differentiate the two, if blue bands are present you have a yellow gurnard, no blue bands and you have yourself a red gurnard.

Red Gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus)

The following information is consistent for yellow, grey and red gurnards and therefore we will refer to them as simply gurnards.

Seasons

The gurnard comes close inshore throughout the summer months, particularly June, July, August and September. From October the gurnard moves into deeper offshore waters.

Favourite Feeding Places

The gurnard prefers to be on or very close to the bottom of the seabed in soft sand or mud areas, particularly between rocks and reefs both inshore and offshore.

Shore fishing

A basic leger rig or a running paternoster rig are recommended when fishing from the shore for gurnard.

Boat fishing

A boat leger rig or a simple paternoster rig are both effective when fishing for gurnards from a boat.