Usual size
15–25 cm (mantle length)
Maximum
45 cm
Where
Harbours and breakwaters · Estuaries (rías) · Sand
When
Indicative abundance from the shore in northern Spain
Spring (March–June), when it comes inshore to spawn in rías, harbours and weed beds.
Natural baits
- Small fish on a jig
Lures
- Egi 2.5–3.5 worked along the bottom
How to recognise it
Broad oval mantle fringed by a thin fin; it has an internal cuttlebone.
Tip
Work the egi close to the bottom with short jerks and pauses.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Asturias
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 8 cm; release smaller fish.
Cantabria
Closed season: Closed season 15 May – 15 August (Order DES/06/2025).
Basque Country
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 8 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 →