SeaAj
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Best months
October–April
Where
- Deep water
- Open sea
Best time
- Dusk
- Night
- Dawn
Conditions
- Calm sea
Usual size
30–70 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Bottom fishing
- Jigging
Baits
- Fish strips
- Squid
Lures
- Metal jigs
The angler's tip
A boat fish from deep water (80 m and more): sardine strips or squid near the bottom from dusk into the night.
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 25 cm | Source Checked 2026-10-25 |
| Portugal | ≥ 27 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
Merluccius merluccius or the European hake is a merluccid hake of the genus Merluccius. Other vernacular names include Cornish salmon and herring hake. It is a predatory species, which was often netted alongside one of its favoured prey, the Atlantic herring, hence the latter common name. It is found in the eastern Atlantic from Norway and Iceland south to Mauritania and into the Mediterranean Sea. It is an important species in European fisheries and is heavily exploited, with some populations being fished unsustainably.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch European hake?
The best months are October–April. Best time of the day: Dusk, Night, Dawn.
What bait or lure works for European hake?
Fish strips, Squid · Metal jigs · Bottom fishing, Jigging.
What is the legal minimum size of European hake?
Morocco: 25 cm; Portugal: 27 cm.
These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.