Usual size
20–35 cm
Maximum
60 cm
Where
Rock · Harbours and breakwaters · Sand
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Galicia and Cantabrian Sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Canary Islands
From spring to early autumn in harbours, breakwaters and mixed ground. Very active by day.
Natural baits
- Ragworm
- Squid strips
- Mussel
- Prawn
- Paste
Lures
- Small soft plastics and micro-jigs (ultralight)
How to recognise it
Deep grey-silver body with fine golden horizontal lines and a small mouth.
Tip
It bites fast and in shoals: small hook (size 8–10) and light groundbait to hold them.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Asturias
Cantabria
Basque Country
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
Ceuta
Melilla
Murcia
Valencia region
Catalonia
Closed season: Closed season 1 March – 30 April (Girona).
Balearic Islands
Canary Islands
Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail; squid and cuttlefish by the mantle. If it is undersized, release it alive.
Official sources →