How to fish for rason on sandy bottoms, tips and tricks

Rason fishing © Laurent Duclos

The rason is fished almost exclusively on the sandy bottoms of the Mediterranean, especially from spring to autumn when the waters are warm. Let's find out which baits are best to use and how.

The rason (Xyrichtys novacula) is a marine fish of the Labridae family, recognizable by its slender, very flattened silhouette, abrupt forehead and razor-blade-shaped head, from which it takes its name. A small fish ranging from 10 to 25-30 cm depending on region and age, the male is often larger than the female.

The best baits for searching for rason

The sand worm is the king of baits for rason fishing. It's perfect for light, bottom-scraping rigs. The sand worm is a perfect match for its diet and stays firmly in place on the hook when cast hard.

A small bib or hard worm can also be very effective, especially in sandy areas or when the sea is rough. These live baits diffuse well into the substrate, so fish will flock to them.

Crustaceans and small gastropods can also be used, as the rason is fond of these little creatures that live in the sand, but they are less practical to set up.

Small cubes of red meat or sections of squid or cuttlefish can complete the range of different baits for targeting rays, especially when fishing from drift boats.

Un poisson à rechercher sur le sable.
A fish to look for on the sand.

Techniques and tips for success

For success, prefer very light sliding mounts (hook size 8 to 12) and fine lines for fishing close to the bottom, where the rason digs into the sand.

Think of actively scratching the sand or gently pulling back to arouse the fish's territoriality, especially the male, who defends his territory against intruders.

If the first fish is caught, immediately cast again in the same spot. Razorbacks live in small groups and can be caught in quick succession.

Ethical reminder

As the rason is a rare and atypical species, we recommend no-kill fishing to preserve its population. Remember also to handle this fish with care, as it has sharp teeth.

Des dents acérées don t il faut se méfier.
Sharp teeth to watch out for.

A wide range of baits can therefore be used to target the sheepshead, baits to be presented discreetly on the sand, in a sliding rig, from spring to autumn for great fishing.

More articles on the theme