Wrasse belong to the Labridae family, which has more than 400 members distributed widely in coastal tropical and temperate waters. A typical wrasse has thick lips and strong teeth, which it uses to crush shellfish, and swims by flapping its pectoral fins rather than using its tail. Wrasse range in size from small species about 10 cm (4 in) long up to 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in) giant maori wrasse of Indo-Pacific waters.
FISHING NOTES
Techniques
Most wrasse are taken by bottom fishing from shore or cliffs. The usual techniques for dorado are drift fishing, trolling and spinning.
Tackle
For wrasse, try a 3 to 3.7 m (10 to 12 ft) light surfcasting or heavy spinning rod with 5.4 to 6.8 kg (12 to 15 lb) mono line. Terminal tackle should be a size 1/0 to 2/0 hook on a paternoster or running leger, with a sinker attached by a sacrificial weak link.
Baits
Wrasse will take a wide range of natural baits, including worms, crabs, molluscs, and crustaceans.
