Usual size
20–35 cm
Maximum
70 cm
Where
Sand · Rock
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Canary Islands
Summer and early autumn: schools come into beaches and breakwaters chasing small fish.
Natural baits
- Live prawn
- Sardine strips
- Small live fish
Lures
- Small metal jigs
- Minnows 7–9 cm
- Spoons
How to recognise it
Deep silver body, pointed dorsal and anal fins with dark edges and 3–5 black spots along the side.
Tip
Retrieve fast and mid-water: if you see baitfish jumping at the shoreline, cast just behind them.
Minimum size and rules by area
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
Ceuta
Melilla
Murcia
Valencia region
Catalonia
At most 4 per person per day (Barcelona and Tarragona).
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 →