What tackle do I need to catch Bullhead?

Beginner anglers usually do best with simple, safe tackle such as: Whip, Pole. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD-rated setup and keep rigs balanced for fish welfare.

What bait works well for Bullhead?

Natural baits such as maggots, worms or bread often work well for Bullhead.

Bullhead | Clubnest Species Guide

Bullhead junior fishing guide

Cottus perifretum

A clear, plain-English guide to bullhead for parents, coaches and juniors. See where they live, the best starter tackle, simple bait choices and a three-step plan to help young anglers catch their first one safely.

Junior-first & welfare-aware • 3-step beginner plan • UK venues & seasons

Catch your first Bullhead in 3 steps

A simple, repeatable plan juniors can follow with help from a parent, coach or older angler.

Step 1

Explore shallow, stony streams

Bullheads live under stones in clean, shallow streams. For juniors, the best approach is careful looking and netting rather than active rod fishing.
Step 2

Use small nets and trays

Gently lift a few stones and sweep a small net just downstream. Tip what you find into a white tray with stream water so juniors can observe fish safely.
Step 3

Handle with wet hands and release gently

Explain that Bullheads are protected in many places. Encourage juniors to use wet hands or soft nets only, avoid squeezing, and return fish quickly to their exact spot.

Tackle setups that work

Designed with juniors and fish welfare in mind. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD setup for easier casting and safe unhooking.

👉 Swipe sideways to view different setups.

Whip

Beginner tip: Keep the rig short, feed little and often, and strike by just lifting the whip – no big swings.

IDEAL

Rod: 3–5 m whip or telescopic pole with a fine solid tip.

Reel: ❌ Not used (fixed line / elasticated top only).

Line: 0.08–0.10 mm mainline with 0.06–0.08 mm hooklength.

Terminal tackle

["Size 20–24 fine wire hook"
"0.1–0.3 g slim pencil float"
"Shirt-button shotting pattern"]

Extras

["Small bait tub with maggots or pinkies"
"Catapult for regular loose feed"
"Disgorger and small landing net"]

Whip fishing for small silvers is all about speed, rhythm and keeping fish coming safely close in.

Pole

Beginner tip: Keep the pole low over the water to stop the rig swinging and ship back smoothly, not fast.

GOOD

Rod: 6–8 m elasticated pole with light top kit.

Reel: ❌ Not used (pole, fixed line only).

Line: 0.10 mm mainline with 0.07–0.09 mm hooklength and soft no.4–6 elastic.

Terminal tackle

["0.2–0.4 g pole float"
"strung-out shotting pattern"
"Size 20–22 fine wire hook"]

Extras

["Pole roller or simple roost"
"Pole sock or tulip rest"
"Soft landing net"]

Short pole fishing gives juniors control and precision for catching lots of small silvers.

About the Bullhead

The Bullhead is a small, broad-headed bottom dweller that hides under stones in clean streams. It is rarely targeted by anglers but is a good sign of healthy, well-oxygenated water.

Junior tip

Look for Bullheads carefully in shallow, stony margins on bright days rather than trying to catch them. They are great fish to observe and learn about river life.

Logged a Bullhead recently?

Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up.

Submit a catch report

Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide.

← Back to all species

For parents & carers

Use this page to quickly judge if Bullhead are a good match for your child’s confidence and ability.

● Clear guidance on safe handling, landing nets and unhooking.

● Beginner tackle that’s lightweight and manageable for juniors.

● Written in plain language so non-angling parents can still support on the bank.

At a glance

Family

Cottidae

Feeding zone

Bottom

Diet

Small invertebrates, insect larvae and tiny fish on the riverbed.

Typical size

5–10 cm; very small species.

Best season

Year-round; most easily seen in clear water during low flows.

Conservation

Protected native species; sensitive to pollution and major habitat change.

UK distribution

Widespread in suitable streams and small rivers across much of Britain.

Typical venues

Look for bullhead in:

Clean stony streams and small rivers with good flow and oxygen.