Best months
January–December
Where
- Rocks
- Seagrass
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Daytime
Conditions
- Calm sea
Usual size
20–35 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Float
Baits
- Green weed
- Bread / paste
The angler's tip
A grazer: green weed or bread paste on a small hook under a float, near rocks and seagrass where the shoal feeds.
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | ≥ 18 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
The salema porgy, also known as the dreamfish, salema, cow bream, karanteen, salpa, saupe, strepie or goldline, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae, which includes the seabreams and porgies. It is the only species in the monospecific genus Sarpa. It is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and southwestern Indian Ocean.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Salema?
The best months are January–December. Best time of the day: Daytime.
What bait or lure works for Salema?
Green weed, Bread / paste · Float.
What is the legal minimum size of Salema?
Portugal: 18 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.
