There are several goby species to be found around the British Isles, although the rock goby is probably the most common. The rock goby is a small, elongated fish that has a large head, big eyes and two dorsal fins. It’s brown, mottled colouration make it very well camouflaged against its rocky environment.
They feed on all manner of small aquatic shrimps, worms, crabs and even small fish. They are generally found around rough ground in shallow water and are probably most commonly found in rockpools during the summer months, where they can be seen darting from rock to rock.
Catching these little guys on LRF tackle is a relatively simple matter, not unlike the way you’d approach targeting blenny. Working small worm type or crustacean lures around rocks and boulders in shallow water such as rock-pools will see you stand a good chance of catching a goby. Several methods can be applied, although I prefer using a jig head or employing the split shot rig. They are a very shy species, darting for cover the second they see you, so try to stay hidden away from their eye-line if possible.