Best months
October–April
Where
- Estuaries
- Sandy beaches
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Dawn
- Dusk
- Night
Conditions
- Rising tide
- Some swell, white water
Usual size
25–50 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Spinning (lures)
- Surfcasting
- Float
Baits
- Sea worms
- Shrimp
- Live fish
Lures
- Minnows / plugs
- Soft plastics
The angler's tip
The spotted cousin of the bass, common in estuaries and on surf beaches: small minnows or soft lures at first light on the rising tide.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 20 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-25 |
Rules change. Check the official source before you keep a fish; this table is not legal advice.
About this fish
The spotted seabass is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Moronidae, the temperate basses. This species is found in the marine and brackish waters of the coastal eastern Atlantic Ocean from the English Channel to the Canary Islands and Senegal, as well as through the Mediterranean Sea.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Spotted seabass?
The best months are October–April. Best time of the day: Dawn, Dusk, Night.
What bait or lure works for Spotted seabass?
Sea worms, Shrimp, Live fish · Minnows / plugs, Soft plastics · Spinning (lures), Surfcasting, Float.
What is the legal minimum size of Spotted seabass?
Morocco: 20 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.
