Wrymouth
Cryptacanthodes maculatus
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Wrymouth (Cryptacanthodes maculatus) is a elongated, eel‑like marine fish found along the Pacific coast of North America. It burrows in sandy or muddy bottoms and is prized by anglers for its unusual behavior rather than its sport qualities.
Basic Information
Family
Cryptacanthodidae
Max Size
97 cm
Habitat
marine
Depth Range
1-110m
Climate
temperate
Best Season
Spring and summer (April‑September) when juveniles move into shallower waters
Best Time
Early morning or late evening when tides are moving
Distribution
Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.
Fishing Tips for Wrymouth
- Target areas with soft sand or mud and a steady current; wrymouths hide in shallow burrows.
- Use a light to medium spinning rod (6‑7 ft) with 6‑10 lb test line and a small jig or soft‑plastic bait.
- Present live sandworms or small strips of shrimp near the bottom and allow the bait to sit; a gentle lift‑and‑drop motion can trigger a strike.
- Fish during incoming or outgoing tides when the bottom is disturbed, which prompts wrymouths to feed.
Top Fishing Locations for Wrymouth
Monterey Bay
United StatesA world‑renowned marine sanctuary with sandy bottoms and abundant benthic fauna, making it a prime spot for targeting wrymouth during summer months.
Best: June‑August
Hood Canal
United StatesA sheltered fjord in Washington offering easy access to soft‑sediment areas where wrymouth are frequently encountered by local anglers.
Best: May‑September
Vancouver Island
CanadaThe coastal waters around Victoria feature extensive sand flats that host healthy wrymouth populations, especially in late summer.
Best: July‑September
San Juan Islands
United StatesA cluster of islands with numerous shallow bays and tidal flats, providing ideal habitat for wrymouth during the warm season.
Best: June‑September
Hokkaido Coast
JapanSandy coastal stretches of the Sea of Japan near Hokkaido are known among Japanese anglers for occasional wrymouth catches, requiring specialized bottom rigs.
Best: July‑October
Kamchatka Peninsula
RussiaRemote Pacific shoreline with pristine sand and gravel beds, a bucket‑list destination for dedicated wrymouth hunters willing to venture far.
Best: July‑September
West Coast of South Island
New ZealandThe surf‑lined beaches and estuarine flats of the West Coast host wrymouth during the Southern Hemisphere summer, attracting adventurous anglers.
Best: November‑February
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Wrymouth
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live sandworms, bloodworms, or small shrimp pieces