European sardine Fishing

Shoals hold close inshore in summer and early autumn; mole heads and the water under harbour lights are the best places. Use a sabiki with very small feathered hooks (size 10-14) and a slow, vibrating retrieve. It is most active at night under lights and at first light. Drop the catch straight into an ice slurry to keep the flesh firm. It is a first-class source of live and cut bait for seabass, meagre and tuna.

Sardina pilchardus

European sardine (Sardina pilchardus)
Photo: Citron · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
13–24 °C
Spawning
January–March, November–December
Behaviour
Shoaling baitfish

Techniques

  • Sabiki rigs
  • light float
  • night light fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch european sardine?
The productive window for european sardine runs April–November. January–March, November–December is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does european sardine feed in?
European sardine is most active between 13 and 24 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for european sardine?
Common methods: Sabiki rigs, light float, night light fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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