Pilchard

Fishing for Pilchard

Bait - small herring rigs may be more efficient than bait

Method - spin with herring rigs

Identification

Pilchards (also known as Cornish Sardines) are silver with a dark back and tail. The tail has a deep fork.

Length

Length is 20-25cm

Breeding Time

Summer

Latin Names

Order - Clupeiformes

Latin Name - Sardina pilchardus

Family - Clupeidae

Habitat

Pilchards tend to swim in shoals around the coastline. The shoals can be quite large at times. They will come near the surface at night but usually go deeper during the daytime

Suggested Cooking Methods & Recipes

Pilchards are a really good eating fish, being versatile and full of minerals and vitamins. They are great grilled, smoked or used in any recipe for oily fish like mackerel.