Turbot
Turbot live in the North Sea and are caught by Dutch commercial and recreational sea anglers along the coast. A prized flatfish in the kitchen, they're targeted from beaches and boats, particularly in Zeeland.
The Netherlands is also home to one of the world's first ASC-certified turbot farms, based in Zeeland, reflecting how seriously the Dutch take this species.
Scientific Name: Scophthalmus maximus
Also known as Tarbot, Psetta maxima
- A large, nearly circular flatfish — both eyes sit on the left side of the body, distinguishing it from most other flatfish where eyes are on the right.
- Upper side is sandy brown to grey-brown with scattered dark spots and small bony tubercles (no scales); underside is white and smooth.
- Large mouth with sharp teeth angled toward the dark side — built for grabbing fish and crustaceans off the seabed.
- Typical catches run 1–5 kg; fish over 10 kg are genuine specimens. The species can exceed 25 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the North Sea; found along the entire Dutch coastline, from the Wadden Sea in the north to the Zeeland delta in the southwest.
- Lives on sandy and mixed sand-gravel seabeds, typically in depths of 20–70 metres, though juveniles use shallow coastal and estuarine areas as nursery habitat.
- The Zeeland coast and its estuaries (Oosterschelde, Westerschelde) are particularly productive, with sandy shallows that concentrate fish during warmer months.
- Also farmed commercially in Zeeland — Seafarm in Zeeland was the first flatfish farm in the world to achieve ASC certification.
Key Locations
- Zeeland coast and beaches (including Cadzand/Zwartepolderweg) — sandy surf beaches and tidal flats produce turbot, especially on low-water tides.
- Oosterschelde and Westerschelde — the estuarine channels and sandbanks of these Zeeland delta systems hold juvenile and adult turbot through the warmer months.
- North Sea offshore sandbanks — Dutch beam trawlers and sport boats work the sandbank edges throughout the southern North Sea for turbot.
Specific Spots
- Sandy gullies and troughs between sandbanks hold turbot that wait for tidal current to push baitfish and sand eels through — fish the edges of these channels on a moving tide.
- Shallow surf zones along Zeeland beaches (e.g., near Cadzand) produce turbot on low-water tides when fish move in to feed over exposed sand.
- Mussel beds and mixed hard-bottom patches break up otherwise featureless sand flats and concentrate both prey and turbot above them.
- From a boat, drop-offs at the edges of sandbanks are reliable holding areas, especially where current accelerates and pushes food items off the shelf.
Turbot FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Turbot?
Natural sandeel, whole or fillet, is the single most consistent turbot bait along the Dutch coast; fish it on a long trace close to the bottom with just enough movement to suggest life.
When is the best time to fish for Turbot?
Spring and early summer (April–June): turbot move inshore to feed as water warms, the most accessible period for shore anglers on Zeeland beaches. Summer (July–August): fish remain in shallow coastal areas; boat fishing over sandbanks is productive.
How do you catch Turbot?
Most recreational turbot fishing in the Netherlands happens from the Zeeland beaches and from charter boats working the North Sea sandbanks.
What do Turbot eat?
Primarily eats small fish, sand eels, sprats, gobies, and juvenile flatfish, which is why long, slim lures and natural sandeel baits are the go-to choice. Also takes crustaceans and worms, particularly when foraging over soft sand; ragworm and lugworm fished on the bottom account for many shore-caught turbot.
Where do Turbot live?
Native to the North Sea; found along the entire Dutch coastline, from the Wadden Sea in the north to the Zeeland delta in the southwest. Lives on sandy and mixed sand-gravel seabeds, typically in depths of 20–70 metres, though juveniles use shallow coastal and estuarine areas as nursery habitat.
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