Ballan Wrasse is the biggest off the two, potentially growing in excess of 10lbs (4.5kg). The average Orcadian fish is between 2 and 5lbs (0.9kg – 2.26kg). The body shape deepens quickly behind the head and the wrist of the thick tail. The mouth is small and thick with rubbery lips. It is armed with distinctive teeth to prise limpets from rock faces. They are coloured dark brown and are often flushed with green, red, bronze and yellow colours. The Cuckoo Wrasse is much smaller and has a slender body with a pointed nose, the Cuckoo is also more colourful, female Wrasse are duller in colour usually red with no radiating bands with two or three dark spots behind the dorsal fin. The males are a myriad of colours usually yellow or orange tinged with red and five or six blue bands down its body. Orcadian Cuckoo Wrasse grow to well over 1lb (0.45kg). The Orcadian Wrasse season extends from June to November.

Shore fishing is usually done around rock ledges and cliffs fishing into any cracks and lagoons and around man made breakwaters and harbour walls. Although the best fishing is always found around the rock marks. Fishing methods range from float fishing and setting the depth of the bait accordingly until you connect with the fish, or a simple strong one hook paternoster weighted with either a 1 or 2oz lead (28g – 56g). Wrasse take baits instantly and bites will be indicated by the float pulling completely under the water and out of sight, or by a strong tug when ledgering. You need to control the first dives as they are aggressive and more than often find any waiting snags. For smaller wrasse fish with a light spinning rod with line up to 15lbs (6.8kg). Where bigger Wrasse are evident a standard lightweight beachcaster is ideal teamed with a reel loaded with 20lb (9kg) line.

Wrasse are territorial, so once you have had several fish out of one hole, it is best to move and try a new area.

Boat fishing is just the same as ledgering from the shore. The main difference is you will most likely be drifting over rough ground and will not be static. This will allow you to cover more Wrasse holding ground. A good, strong, simple paternoster rig is the most effective, this time with two 2/0 hooks. Although fish can be landed on 12lb (5.44kg) line and uptide rods, where there are bigger fish a 20lb class rod and reel loaded with 20lb (9kg) line is more suitable.

Scottish Shore Record – 5lbs (2.268kg approx)
Scottish Boat Record – 5lbs 9oz 14drm (2.552 approx)