SMOOTHHOUNDS

READILY AVAILABLE

The smoothhound’s sleek, shark-like, shape and ravenous appetite makes it an excellent target for any angler looking for fast and furious action. The easiest way to distinguish the smoothhound from any other UK shark is its mouth. Most sharks, like tope, have rows of triangular teeth designed for cutting through flesh, whereas hounds have teeth that are flat and blunt, very similar to rays. These are designed for crushing hard-shelled, bottom-dwelling, creatures such as crabs and whelks.

They are a warm water species and have often only been associated with the southern half of the country. However, this is no longer the case; many Scottish anglers will tell you