Fish

European plaice

Solla (platija europea)

Pleuronectes platessa

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

12–18 in and 1–3 lb.

Depth

10–300 ft.

Best time

Daylight.

Found in

6 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: A smooth, right-eyed flatfish with a brown upper side covered in bright orange spots, a row of 4–7 bony bumps behind the eyes, and a white underside.
Typical size: 12–18 in and 1–3 lb.
Maximum size: About 3 ft and over 10 lb.
Diet: Clams, mussels, razor clams and worms.
Behavior: Lies on sand and mixed ground, feeding on shellfish beds and sandbanks.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from United Kingdom & Ireland, France, Northern & Central Europe, Scandinavia & Iceland (Norway, Sweden, Denmark), Spain & Portugal (Azores, Madeira & Canaries) and Arctic & North Atlantic Islands. Sandy and gravel bottoms from Norway, Iceland and the Barents Sea to Portugal, especially the North Sea and the English Channel.
Habitat: Sandy and gravel bottoms from Norway, Iceland and the Barents Sea to Portugal, especially the North Sea and the English Channel.
Depth: 10–300 ft.
Fishing depth: On the bottom.
Best season: Spring to autumn (March–October) in the UK.
Best time: Daylight.
Best tides: A moving tide over the banks.
Best weather / conditions: Calm, settled days.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

Also at Bass Pro Shops: Rod Reel Line Rig Weight Hooks Bait

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Sandy and gravel bottoms from Norway, Iceland and the Barents Sea to Portugal, especially the North Sea and the English Channel.
Rig up: Light 6–12 lb class boat rod or a beach rod. 15–20 lb mono, with beads.
Pick your bait: Lugworm, ragworm, mussels, razor clam and squid. Lures: Baited spoons and colored beads.
Fish it: Drift sandbanks with a long trace and worm or shellfish bait bouncing along the bottom; add beads or a spoon to attract them.
Time it: Daylight. A moving tide over the banks.

Fishing techniques: Drift sandbanks with a long trace and worm or shellfish bait bouncing along the bottom; add beads or a spoon to attract them.
BigJoe's tip: Give a plaice time to take the bait properly before you lift.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Sweet, delicate white fillets: a classic of British fish and chips, also great pan-fried in butter.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Harmless.
Regulations: Minimum size 27 cm in many EU and UK waters. Every country sets its own rules: sea fishing licenses or registration in some countries, a national or regional license plus a local permit for fresh water, and minimum sizes everywhere. Check before you fish.
Conservation: Keep only fish above the minimum size.

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Sources & photo credits