Usual size
20–35 cm
Maximum
45 cm
Where
Rock · Harbours and breakwaters
When
Indicative abundance from the shore in northern Spain
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
All year; best in autumn and winter with lively seas and foam over the rocks, at dawn and dusk.
Natural baits
- Crab
- Mussel
- Ragworm
- Razor clam
- Bread-and-sardine paste
How to recognise it
Silver with thin dark vertical bars and a black spot on the tail stalk.
Tip
Float at mid-water in the foam or a short bottom rig between stones. Small but strong hook: it runs for the rocks when hooked.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Min. 22 cm
Asturias
Min. 22 cm
Cantabria
Min. 20 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 →