SeaAj
Best months
October–April
Where
- Rocks
- Sandy beaches
- Estuaries
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Dawn
- Dusk
- Night
Conditions
- Rising tide
- Some swell, white water
Usual size
35–70 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Spinning (lures)
- Surfcasting
- Float
- Live bait
Baits
- Sea worms
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Live fish
- Squid
Lures
- Minnows / plugs
- Soft plastics
- Surface lures
The angler's tip
Fish the white water after a blow, at dawn or dusk on the rising tide, with a minnow, a soft plastic or a live worm.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 20 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-25 |
| Portugal | ≥ 36 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-23 |
Rules change. Check the official source before you keep a fish; this table is not legal advice.
About this fish
European seabass, also known as branzino, European bass, sea bass, common bass, white bass, capemouth, white salmon, white mullet, sea dace, levrek or loup de mer, or lavraki (λαβράκι) is a primarily ocean-going fish native to the waters off Europe's western and southern and Africa's northern coasts, though it can also be found in shallow coastal waters and river mouths during the summer months and late autumn. It is one of only six species in its family, Moronidae, collectively called the temperate basses.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch European seabass?
The best months are October–April. Best time of the day: Dawn, Dusk, Night.
What bait or lure works for European seabass?
Sea worms, Shrimp, Crab, Live fish, Squid · Minnows / plugs, Soft plastics, Surface lures · Spinning (lures), Surfcasting, Float, Live bait.
What is the legal minimum size of European seabass?
Morocco: 20 cm; Portugal: 36 cm.
Related species
These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.