Usual size
30–60 cm
Maximum
100 cm
Where
Sand · Estuaries (rías) · Rock
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Spring to autumn on sandy beaches with scattered rocks, river mouths and channels; mostly at night, with slightly murky water after a storm.
Natural baits
- Bloodworm or ragworm
- Crab
- Razor clam
- Squid
How to recognise it
Silvery with oblique golden and dark lines, a curved head profile and a short, thick barbel under the chin.
Tip
Night surfcasting with worms or crab near rocks on the sand; the bite starts with gentle taps.
Minimum size and rules by area
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 cm; release smaller fish.
Ceuta
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 cm; release smaller fish.
Melilla
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 cm; release smaller fish.
Murcia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 cm; release smaller fish.
Valencia region
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 cm; release smaller fish.
Catalonia
In Barcelona and Tarragona, at most 2 per person per day; no minimum size in Girona.
Closed season: Closed season 1 June – 30 June (Barcelona). Closed season 1 June – 30 June (Tarragona).
Balearic Islands
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 35 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 →