Ling Fishing Holidays

Additional Information

Name: Common Ling

Also known as: Ling, White ling

Scientific name: Molva molva

Description: The common Ling is the longest and one of the largest of the Cod-like fish, the Gadiformes, which can reach lengths of 200 cm and weights of 30 kg. It is long, slender and has a small head with small eyes and a largemouth. Ling have very large teeth and the upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw, which bears an obvious large sensory barbel. There is a distinct white edge on the anal and dorsal fins and they have a large dark spot at the end.

Average size: The average size of the common Ling is around the 10lb size but these fish have been caught over 70lb.

Where to catch: The common Ling is found in many waters from the north sea off of the UK through to the Barents Sea off Russia. It can also be found in the Mediterranean sea although this is very rare. The best destinations to target the common ling include Vesteralen in Norway where many large specimens have been caught and the Lofoten Islands where Ling are caught by anglers targeting Halibut. In UK waters the Shetland Islands prove time and time again to be one of the top places to fish for ling.

Fishing methods: The Ling can be targeted by using shads fished near the bottom, using shads or pirks slowly moved to entice a bite will get a hit from any ling that is in the area. They love structures such as holes, snaggy rocky bottoms and wrecks. You can also use dead baits fished on or very close to the bottom. Baits such as bluey, coalfish and mackerel fished on a flowing trace to a strong 100lb plus snood will entice these toothy predators to feed.