Saltwater Β· Spring through autumn; best May-September
Spiny Red Gurnard
Chelidonichthys spinosus
The showy gurnard with brilliant blue fan pectorals β μ±λ. It 'walks' the sand and gravel on finger-like free fin rays, tasting for prey, and erupts into display with its wings spread. Fished from boats off the south and west coasts, it is a respected Korean food fish. Its voice: it croaks using its swim bladder.
Seasons Β· Peak
Identifying features
- Long, fan-like pectoral fins with brilliant blue spots and edges
- Three free finger-like rays below each pectoral fin β 'fingers' for walking
- Armoured, spiny head with large bony plates
- Reddish-brown above, paler below
- Swim-bladder muscle can produce a croaking sound
Habits
- Walks on free pectoral rays over the bottom β tasting for prey
- Flashes brilliant blue pectoral fins in display; can produce sounds
- A gurnard of mixed sand and rock ground
- Eats shrimp, crabs and small bottom fish
- Wing-like fins make identification unmistakable
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Mokpo sand grounds, west coast
- Busan open sand
- Tongyeong sand channels
Where they live
How to catch them
Boat drifting over sand Boat
Rig: Bottom rig with sandworm or shrimp drifted from a boat over 60-200 ft sand and gravel
Bait/lure: Sandworm or shrimp
Key tip: Gurnards follow the bottom β match drift speed to the tide and keep the rig on the sand.
Anchoring over sand channels between reefs Boat
Rig: Anchored bottom rig with squid strips set over sand channels between reefs
Bait/lure: Squid strips
Key tip: A flasher above the hook draws curious gurnards from a distance.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7-8 ft boat rod
- Line: 10-16 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Hooks size 4-6 on a bottom rig with flashers, 15-30 g sinkers
Recommended gear for this species
Rod Β· Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
β US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies Β· Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
β US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library β never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 10-14 in (25-35 cm); large fish about 18 in (45 cm)
On the table
Good β firm white flesh, valued in soups; a respected food fish in Korea.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season β always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide β
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