Usual size
30–55 cm
Maximum
100 cm
Where
Rock · Sand · Harbours and breakwaters · Estuaries (rías)
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Galicia and Cantabrian Sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
All year, best from autumn to spring with moderate swell and white water. Dawn, dusk and night; rising tide and the first hours of the ebb.
Natural baits
- Peeler crab
- Ragworm
- Live prawn
- Sardine
- Razor clam
- Small squid
Lures
- Soft shads 9–14 cm
- Minnows and jerkbaits
- Stickbaits (walk-the-dog)
- Poppers at dawn
How to recognise it
Long silver body with a blue-grey back, two separate dorsal fins and a dark spot on the gill cover.
Tip
Look for white water where waves break over rock or sand: it hunts there using the current. In clear water use fine lines and stay stealthy.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Recreational: 42 cm north of Fisterra and 36 cm to the south (Rías Baixas).
Asturias
Recreational size (commercial fishing: 36 cm).
Cantabria
Recreational size (commercial fishing: 36 cm).
Basque Country
East of Santa Clara island (Donostia) it is 44 cm and 1 fish per licence per day.
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
Ceuta
Melilla
Murcia
Valencia region
Catalonia
At most 3 per person per day.
Closed season: Closed season 15 January – 15 February.
Balearic Islands
At most 1 per licence per day (1 per boat).
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 →