What tackle do I need to catch Goby?

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

What bait works well for Goby?

Popular beginner baits for Goby include: Prawn / shrimp, Ragworm.

Goby | Clubnest Species Guide

Goby junior fishing guide

Gobius / Pomatoschistus species

A clear, plain-English guide to goby 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 Goby in 3 steps

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

Step 1

Explore safe rockpools at low tide

These tiny rockpool fish are best found at low tide on stable, non-slippery rocks. Juniors should wear sturdy footwear and stay away from big waves.
Step 2

Use nets and trays, not hooks

Gently sweep small nets through pools and under ledges, then empty them into white trays so fish can be seen clearly without hooks.
Step 3

Return everything to its home pool

After observing, carefully pour fish back into the pool where they came from. Use the session to discuss camouflage, tide cycles and rockpool habitats.

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.

Spinning Rod

Beginner tip: Fish right by the rocks, keep tackle light and focus on handling fish carefully with wet hands.

IDEAL

Rod: 5–8 ft ultra-light lure rod (0.5–7 g or 1–10 g).

Reel: 1000–2000 size fixed spool reel.

Line: 4–6 lb braid with 4–6 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Terminal tackle

["Size 8–14 hooks"
"Split-shot or tiny jigheads"
"Simple float rig for close-in fishing"]

Extras

["Polaroids"
"Small rockpool net and bucket"
"Unhooking mat / kneeling pad"]

Very light LRF / mini-species setup for rockpools, harbours and close-in marks.

Ultra-Light Lure Rod

Beginner tip: Fish right by the rocks, keep tackle light and focus on handling fish carefully with wet hands.

IDEAL

Rod: 5–8 ft ultra-light lure rod (0.5–7 g or 1–10 g).

Reel: 1000–2000 size fixed spool reel.

Line: 4–6 lb braid with 4–6 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Terminal tackle

["Size 8–14 hooks"
"Split-shot or tiny jigheads"
"Simple float rig for close-in fishing"]

Extras

["Polaroids"
"Small rockpool net and bucket"
"Unhooking mat / kneeling pad"]

Very light LRF / mini-species setup for rockpools, harbours and close-in marks.

About the Goby

Goby is a group name for many tiny bottom-dwelling fish that live in rockpools and shallows. They are important for teaching about intertidal life.

Junior tip

Best observed with nets and trays while rockpooling rather than targeted on rod and line. Encourage gentle handling and quick release.

Logged a Goby 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 Goby 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

Gobiidae

Feeding zone

Bottom / Intertidal.

Diet

Small invertebrates and algae in rockpools and sand.

Typical size

3–8 cm.

Best season

Spring to autumn.

Conservation

Least Concern; abundant.

UK distribution

Very common small fish around coasts of the UK.

Typical venues

Look for goby in:

Rockpools sandy shallows and harbour margins.

Good beginner baits

Simple, reliable options. Swap baits if bites slow down.

Prawn / shrimp

Ragworm