Smooth hound identification

Fish identification images for Smoothhound fish caught around the UK coast line

Smooth hound are powerful fish prefers clean hard ground to feed on

Smooth hound - Mustelus

Smoothhound are similar in looks to Tope there skin smoother and softer than sharks skin.

Feeding off molluscs their teeth are ideal for this task. Great baits for catching smoothhounds or ` smuts known in some areas ` are crabs / hermit crabs and squid. With there sharpe teeth you must always use strong leaders.

Being a pack fish the action can be fast and furious at times. They can be caught from both the boat or from the shore , but if you are targeting them from the shore make sure your drag is set on your reel as they can quiet happily take your rod of its rest !!

There are two types that can be caught in UK waters - Common Smooth Hound  or Starry Smooth Hound .

Smooth Hound UK record

Boat caught Smooth Hound 17lb 8oz
Shore caught Smooth Hound 28lb 0oz

PLEASE - only take what you are going to eat and return under size fish . Bass are having a very hard time and if we as anglers do not guard against irresponsible kills then there will be no bass to catch