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Shanny, Lipophrys pholis

Introduction: Another seashore curiosity, always caught by accident, and typically on the intertdial margin or inshore reefs round Ireland, although it can reach perhaps 20 cms ( 9 inches) most fish are much smaller and they are typically caught on small hooks aimed at flatfish, gurnard and occasionally on a very slow day, curiosities like rock cooks and other small wrasse.  People do not fish for shannys.

Boat tactics: These are tiny fish, and the only requirement is very small hooks baited with small organic baits, typically rag and lug worms although they will accept anything that will fit into their wee mouths.  

Shore tactics: Far more probable than from off a boat, these are universally distributed around the Irish coast and will be caught over rough ground and in rock pools ith lots of crevices and weed cover.