Best months
October–May
Where
- Sandy beaches
- Seagrass
- Harbours & piers
Best time
- Dusk
- Night
- Daytime
Conditions
- Calm sea
Usual size
15–35 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Spinning (lures)
Baits
- Live fish
Lures
- Squid jig (egi)
The angler's tip
Comes inshore over sand and weed in winter and spring: a squid jig (egi) dragged slowly along the bottom with long pauses. Legal minimum in Morocco: 400 g.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | — | 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 common cuttlefish or European common cuttlefish is one of the largest and best-known cuttlefish species. They are a migratory species that spend the summer and spring inshore for spawning and then move to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 ft) during autumn and winter. They grow to 49 centimetres (19 in) in mantle length and 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) in weight. Animals from subtropical seas are smaller and rarely exceed 30 centimetres (12 in) in mantle length.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch common cuttlefish?
The best months are October–May. Best time of the day: Dusk, Night, Daytime.
What bait or lure works for common cuttlefish?
Live fish · Squid jig (egi) · Spinning (lures).
These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.
