A stretch of coast with cliffs and slopes offers varied bottom conditions with big rocks, reefs, and banks. Through many millions of years, the sea has worked its way into the cliffs and has created bottom conditions that form the basis of good fishing. These stretches will often have a good, even depth, which ensures optimal conditions for small fish and other food options in a large area reaching far out to sea.
Even though walking around on rocks along the coast may feel annoying, it’s often a good indicator of the presence of optimal bottom conditions for the sea trout and its food options. Everything from pebble to huge chunks of granite provides cover for sand hoppers, shrimp, and small fish. If there are waves, these food options are easily whirled up into the water column. A rocky bottom can be good all year round, but especially so during the cold months with few food options in the deeper water. A rocky bottom at a good depth also attracts other predatory fish such as cod and garfish.
Along with the eelgrass, bladder wrack is the most prevalent aquatic plant along the Danish shores. This seaweed attaches itself to smooth surfaces such as rocks, gravel, and other variations on the bottom. The bladder wrack is a good hiding place for food options and fish. Bottom conditions with bladder wrack are good indicators of fish being nearby.
When mussels fix themselves to the seabed, it often occurs in places with current and good water flow, so nutrients and food options will come to them. Mussels are good indicators of life, and it’s often near them you’ll find hunting sea trout. Besides creating banks and reefs that provide other fish with conditions of life, the mussels also clean the water, and that has a huge impact on coastal water quality and fauna.