Meagre Fishing

The mouths of the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the Nile are the classic Egyptian meagre ground; the turbid band where fresh and salt water mix brings the fish inshore. At night and before dawn, on the turn of the current, a live mullet fingerling or a big shrimp is the best presentation. The fish takes the bait and moves off, so do not strike until the rod fully loads. Use 0.40-0.50 mm fluorocarbon and a single strong hook; if they show in numbers, work the same line again.

Argyrosomus regius

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Photo: Dguendel · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
April–November
Water temperature
15–26 °C
Spawning
April–June
Behaviour
Crepuscular predator

Techniques

  • Live bait
  • heavy spinning
  • bottom rig

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch meagre?
The productive window for meagre runs April–November. April–June is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does meagre feed in?
Meagre is most active between 15 and 26 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for meagre?
Common methods: Live bait, heavy spinning, bottom rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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