Usual size
25–40 cm
Maximum
60 cm
Where
Rock
When
Indicative abundance from the shore in northern Spain
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
All year on weedy rock; most active from spring to autumn and always in daylight.
Natural baits
- Crab
- Mussel
- Prawn
- Ragworm
Lures
- Weedless (Texas-rigged) soft plastics among the kelp
How to recognise it
Thick lips and very variable colours (green, brown, reddish) covered in pale spots.
Tip
It lives tight to the rock: fish close to the bottom and lift quickly before it dives into a crack.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Min. 20 cm
Asturias
Min. 20 cm
Cantabria
Min. 22 cm
Basque Country
No size limit
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–22 cm; release smaller fish.
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 →