Dab
Schar is one of the most common flatfish along the Dutch North Sea coast, turning up regularly for beach and pier anglers — especially once the water cools in autumn.
It's not a primary target species, but it's a reliable, willing biter that keeps rods bent when sole have moved off. Small, fine-textured, and genuinely good eating, it's a practical fish that rewards anglers who know the season.
Scientific Name: Limanda limanda
Also known as Schar
- Small oval flatfish, typically 15–25 cm; occasional fish reach 40 cm. Both eyes sit on the right side of the body.
- Upper surface is light brown with faint darker spots; underside is white. Lacks the bold orange spots that identify plaice.
- The clearest ID feature: rough, spiny scales that feel like sandpaper when you run a finger from tail to head. Plaice skin is smooth by comparison.
- Lateral line curves sharply upward above the pectoral fin — a quick field mark when you have the fish in hand.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the North Sea; found along the entire Dutch coastline from shallow surf zones down to about 150 metres depth.
- Prefers sandy and fine-gravel seabeds — the same bottom types that characterize most of the Dutch North Sea shelf.
- Young fish use shallow coastal waters and estuaries, including the Wadden Sea, as nursery grounds before moving to deeper water.
- Seasonal migrant: moves into shallower coastal water in spring, retreats to deeper offshore water as autumn and winter set in.
Key Locations
- The entire Dutch North Sea coastline — sandy beaches from Den Helder south to Zeeland all hold dab, particularly in autumn and spring.
- Wadden Sea shallow zones serve as nursery habitat for juvenile dab and can produce fish for shore anglers in the right season.
- Breakwaters and piers at coastal towns give reliable access to sandy bottom and are productive autumn spots when dab move inshore before their offshore retreat.
Specific Spots
- Sandy beach sections at low to mid tide — dab work the surf zone actively, picking worms and crustaceans disturbed by wave action.
- Shallow sandbanks just offshore hold fish during the spring inshore migration when water is still cool.
- Breakwaters, piers, and harbour walls give access to slightly deeper water over sandy bottom — productive through autumn.
- Depth matters less than bottom type: find clean sand or fine gravel and you'll find dab, from the shallows out to around 50 metres for shore-accessible fishing.
Dab FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Dab?
Lugworm is the go-to bait along the Dutch coast, fresh or frozen, threaded neatly onto a size 4–8 hook in a short piece so it doesn't swamp the fish's small mouth. Ragworm works equally well and can be especially effective in calmer, clearer water. Small pieces of shrimp are a solid alternative when worms are scarce.
When is the best time to fish for Dab?
Spring (April–June): dab move into shallow coastal water as temperatures drop from winter highs, good fishing from beaches and sandbanks. Autumn (October–December): the most reliable inshore window as fish feed actively before retreating to deeper water for winter.
How do you catch Dab?
Most Dutch anglers encounter dab as a welcome addition while beach or pier fishing for other flatfish. A simple bottom rig with lugworm or ragworm cast onto sandy ground is the standard approach, fished from the shore or a breakwater. Autumn is the prime window as fish move inshore before winter.
What do Dab eat?
Feeds mainly on polychaete worms (lugworm and ragworm), small shrimp, and thin-shelled bivalves picked from the sandy bottom, match this with lugworm or ragworm on a small hook. Also takes small crustaceans.
Where do Dab live?
Native to the North Sea; found along the entire Dutch coastline from shallow surf zones down to about 150 metres depth. Prefers sandy and fine-gravel seabeds, the same bottom types that characterize most of the Dutch North Sea shelf.
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