Brill

Distribution:

The Brill is another prized flatfish that is often mistaken for the Turbot. Indeed both fish are similar, but the Brills top side is smooth and less round than the Turbot. The Brill can be found around the Irish coast but is a rare catch. Parts of the West coast and the South throw up fish each year with Cork and Kerry being the main areas.

Habitat:

The Brill like most flatfish, likes sandy bottoms and can be found in depths up to 150 ft. The Brill shares the same charachteristics as the Turbot in its choice of habitat. Small patches of sand in areas of rough ground can hold fish. as can deep scours around the base of shipwrecks. Sandbanks on the lee side of a flowing tide.

Baits:

Brill just like the Turbot, prefare fish baits to worms and crab. Crustaceans do feature in their diet however. Sandeels and a side of mackeral sliced into two halves making two strip like baits often provide the goods. Herring is another possibility. A full Launce slit down th belly to release the scent is also a proven winner.

Tides and Weather:

The smaller tides fish best for Brill. Probably due to the slower drift produced by smaller currents and the fact that the Brill like to hide in the bowls scoured out in the sand out of the main run of tide. Choppy and coloured seas rarely fish well,

Tactics:

For angling purposes, The Brill and the Turbot can be treated as the same fish. The tactics for them are the same. Unfortunately Brill are usually caught as a bi-product while fishing for Gurnards or Ling. The Brill have hold up areas where they sit in wait for unsuspecting Sandeels. For this reason locating them can be difficult as they do not move around much and tend to stick to certain areas. Baits need to be moving to spark their interest and are best presented on a flowing trace with a baited spoon and while on the drift. Wrecks are good spots but because you have to get close to it's edges to catch the Brill this often just leads to snags.

Brill Profile

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