SeaAj
Best months
May–October
Where
- Sandy beaches
- Estuaries
Best time
- Dusk
- Night
Conditions
- Rising tide
- Some swell, white water
Usual size
30–70 cm
General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.
How to catch it
Methods
- Surfcasting
- Bottom fishing
Baits
- Sea worms
- Crab
- Shrimp
The angler's tip
A surf-beach prize at night: big worms or a peeler crab in the gutter just behind the breaking waves, on the rising tide.
Easily confused with
Legal minimum size
| Country | Minimum size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | ≥ 25 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
Umbrina cirrosa, the shi drum, is a species of marine fish from the warmer waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It is a commercially important species which is trawled for and farmed in aquaculture, as well as being a species pursued by anglers and spear fishermen for sport. The alternative vernacular names are gurbell, sea crow, bearded umbrine and corb.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch Shi drum?
The best months are May–October. Best time of the day: Dusk, Night.
What bait or lure works for Shi drum?
Sea worms, Crab, Shrimp · Surfcasting, Bottom fishing.
What is the legal minimum size of Shi drum?
Morocco: 25 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.