European Plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

European plaice is a right-eyed flatfish of the North Atlantic, common on sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow coastal waters to the continental shelf. It is an important commercial species and a good table fish when taken fresh.

Saltwater

European Plaice reference image — Romain (1) Elleboode, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Right-eyed flatfish with both eyes on the brown upper side
Orange spots scattered across the upper body and fins
Smooth, oval body with a small mouth and pale white underside

Habitat

Sandy and muddy seabeds in shallow bays, estuaries, coastal channels, and offshore shelf waters; often lies partly buried near tidal edges and around sandbanks.

Bait notes

Best on ragworm, lugworm, soft crab, mussel, shrimp, or small strips of fish/squid. Small beads or bright attractors can help, but subtle natural baits usually outfish bulky rigs.

Behavior

A bottom-feeding ambush predator that eats worms, small crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. It often feeds most actively in low light and with moving tide, and may shift into shallower water at night.

Caution

No major species-specific toxin risk, but check local size/bag and seasonal rules because plaice are heavily managed in many areas. Bottom-caught fish may carry sand or grit in the gills and gut cavity; handle carefully due to sharp gill covers.

Fishing notes

Fish light two-hook or single-hook bottom rigs over clean sand or mixed sand-mud. Use minimal weight to hold bottom, cast beyond surf or channel edges, and work baits slowly with the tide; small lures and mini jigs can take active fish.