Saltwater · Year-round; best in summer over sand and mud bottoms
Pacific Sanddab
Citharichthys sordidus
The Pacific sanddab is British Columbia's most common small flatfish — a left-eyed flatfish of sand and mud bottoms, caught from piers and small boats all along the coast. Despite its small size it is good eating, with sweet, delicate flesh.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- Left-eyed flatfish — both eyes on the left side of the head
- Plain sandy-brown upper side, white underside
- Smooth, small scales — skin feels smooth, not rough or starry
- Oval, relatively soft-bodied flatfish shape
- Small mouth and small overall size, usually under 10 in
Habits
- BC's most common small flatfish, abundant over sand and mud
- Lies flat and half-buried on the bottom, ambushing small prey
- Feeds on small shrimp, worms, clams and young fish
- Bites readily on small baits, often before larger flatfish do
- Most active over soft bottom in daylight, year-round
Distribution
Where to find them
- Piers and docks in Vancouver and Victoria harbours
- Sandy bays and the Strait of Georgia from small boats
- Estuary-edge sand flats along the BC coast
Where they live
How to catch them
Pier bottom fishing Shore
Rig: Light rod, bottom rig with small hooks and squid or shrimp pieces over sand or mud
Bait/lure: Squid, shrimp, clam
Key tip: Keep the bait on the bottom and move it slowly — sanddab bites are small and tentative.
Small-boat drifting Boat
Rig: Anchored or drifting boat, light bottom weight and small baited hooks dragged over sand flats
Bait/lure: Shrimp, squid strips
Key tip: Drift slowly over open sand flats; one fish usually means a flat is populated.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light to medium boat or pier rod
- Line: 10-20 lb mono or braid
- Terminal: Small hooks (size 4-8), bottom rigs and light sinkers
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 6-10 in; large fish to about 16 in
On the table
Good — sweet, delicate flesh; small, so keep several where rules allow and expect thin fillets.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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