Usual size
20–35 cm
Maximum
45 cm
Where
Rock · Harbours and breakwaters
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Galicia and Cantabrian Sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Canary Islands
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
Asturias
Cantabria
Basque Country
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–22 cm; release smaller fish.
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
Ceuta
Melilla
Murcia
Valencia region
Catalonia
At most 6 per person per day.
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 →