How to catch Forkbeard
Phycis phycis (Linnaeus, 1766)
About Forkbeard fishing
The forkbeard is a benthopelagic marine fish belonging to the family Phycidae, characterized by an elongated brownish-red body, a thick chin barbel, and specialized thread-like pelvic fins. It typically reaches a common length of 25 centimetres and a maximum length of 65 centimetres, with a robust build. Inhabiting deep rocky reefs, caves, and mixed sandy-muddy bottoms from moderate depths down to several hundred metres, this nocturnal hunter shelters inside dark crevices during daylight hours. It preys on small fish and various bottom-dwelling invertebrates, relying on its sensory barbels and pelvic rays to locate food. Although primarily caught as commercial bycatch, its soft and tasty flesh attracts interest from specialized deep-water anglers.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
25 cm TL
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Market value
Very high
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Habitat
Saltwater
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Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
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Also known as
Fork-beard
Elongated pelvic rays
Pelvic-fin rays very elongated, typical for the forkbeard.
Truncate caudal fin
Caudal shape is more or less truncate rather than deeply forked.
Forkbeard fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
25 cm TL (max 65 cm TL ) -
Typical weight
0.5 kg (max 3.9 kg ) -
Preferred temperature
13.3–16.2 °C -
Depth
13–614 m -
Longevity
5 years -
Body shape
Fusiform / Normal -
Commercial?
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Vulnerability score
44.6
Best hours
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Active
Dawn
First light
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Low
Morning
After sunrise
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Low
Midday
High sun
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Low
Afternoon
Late day
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Active
Dusk
Last light
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Peak
Night
After dark
When to fish for Forkbeard
How to catch Forkbeard
Tips for catching Forkbeard
Targeting forkbeards requires heavy bottom-fishing rigs presented close to rocky structures, deep drop-offs, or shelf edges where these fish shelter during daylight. Because they are strictly nocturnal predators that emerge after dark to hunt over the seabed, evening and nighttime sessions yield the best results. Equip your rigs with natural baits such as strips of sardine, shrimp, or small crabs that release strong scent trails to appeal to their bottom-searching barbels and sensory pelvic fins. Keep your presentation tight to the rough substrate, and use ledgering techniques from anchored or slowly drifting boats to avoid snagging while reaching their deep daytime haunts.
Other names for Forkbeard
Local and alternate names anglers use for Forkbeard.
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Forkbeard
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Fork-beard
Best equipment to catch Forkbeard
Compare fishing methods for Forkbeard — sized kit for each technique.
Note: Typical fish is 0.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.
Bottom Fishing
Presenting bait or rigs on or near the lake or sea floor.
90% Effectiveness
Rod
Spinning rod
A spinning rod is a fishing rod built to carry a spinning reel under the blank. You cast lures and light baits with it from shore or a boat.
Sized for a typical fish
light · 2.1 m
- Reel seat
- Spinning
- Form factor
- Multi-piece
- Action
- Fast
- Grip
- EVA
Reel
Spinning reel
A spinning reel hangs under the fishing rod and is the default reel for casting lures and light baits. Line peels off an open spool with a bail.
Sized for a typical fish
1000 · 3 kg drag · 185 g
- Spool
- Fixed
- Mount
- Under
- Drag
- Front
- Retrieve
- Manual
Line
Monofilament line
Monofilament fishing line is the everyday main line: easy to knot, cheap to replace, and stretchy enough to forgive a hard strike.
Sized for a typical fish
2.5 kg · 0.16 mm
- Visibility
- Medium
- Abrasion
- Medium
- Stretch
- High
- Sink rate
- Slow
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader
A fluorocarbon leader is the clear, fast-sinking join between a visible main line and the lure or hook.
Sized for a typical fish
4 kg · 0.2 mm · 80 cm
- Visibility
- Very low
- Abrasion
- High
- Stretch
- Low
- Sink rate
- Fast
Hook
Circle hook
A circle hook turns in the mouth and usually finds the corner of the jaw. You do not strike hard — you come tight. It includes freshwater.
Sized for a typical fish
4
- Points
- 1
- Offset
- No
- Barbed
- Yes
- Gap
- Standard
Best lures and baits for Forkbeard
Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.
01
Shrimp
- Bottom Fishing
Translucent segmented carapace protects the body.
02
Crab
- Bottom Fishing
Hard upper shell protects the crab and anchors its vital organs.
03
Worm
- Bottom Fishing
Rounded anterior end containing the mouth used for anchoring the bait on the hook.
04
Sardine
- Bottom Fishing
Elongated silvery baitfish body releases strong scent trails.
Where Forkbeard spends the year — Non-migratory
Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.
1 Eggs
Same water all year
Laid on the home grounds.
2 Juveniles
Same water all year
Grow up close by.
3 Adults
Same water all year
Keep to a small home range.
4 Spawners
Same water all year
Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Forkbeard
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Diet
Top predator -
Feeds by
Hunts animals -
Hunts
Night -
Main prey
Baitfish · Bottom prey
Prey and predators of Forkbeard
Prey is what Forkbeard eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Predators
What hunts it
Fish
Where Forkbeard lives
Lives near the bottom but swims in the water just above it. Cover the lower column, not only the mud.
13–614 m · usually 100–200 m
Where this species lives
Forkbeard photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.
Where to fish for Forkbeard
Mapped fishing spots where Forkbeard is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.
