Usual size
50–100 cm
Maximum
200 cm
Where
Sand · Rock · Estuaries (rías)
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Late spring to autumn, hunting mullet and bogue along beaches, river mouths and breakwaters; big fish mostly in September and October.
Natural baits
- Live fish (mullet, bogue, horse mackerel)
Lures
- Large stickbaits and poppers
- Minnows 12–18 cm
- Large soft baits
How to recognise it
Large, silvery and very compressed, with a strongly S-shaped lateral line and short, separate spines in front of the dorsal fin.
Tip
Find the mullet schools: leerfish hunt behind them. Fast stickbaits at dawn and strong tackle; if you won't eat it, release it carefully.
Minimum size and rules by area
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 cm; release smaller fish.
Ceuta
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 cm; release smaller fish.
Melilla
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 cm; release smaller fish.
Murcia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 cm; release smaller fish.
Valencia region
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 cm; release smaller fish.
Catalonia
At most 1 per person per day.
Closed season: Closed season 1 April – 30 June.
Balearic Islands
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 80 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 →