Round sardinella Fishing

A shoaling baitfish that likes warmer water than the European sardine and gives a longer season on the Egyptian Mediterranean. Lights on the Port Said breakwater, the lit quays of Alexandria harbour and the plankton band at the Damietta mouth gather the shoals on summer nights. Work a small 5-8 hook sabiki, changing depth every 10-15 seconds. Ice the catch immediately; it is both good eating and first-class livebait for seabass and leerfish.

Sardinella aurita

Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita)
Photo: avnj · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
MayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
May–November
Water temperature
18–28 °C
Spawning
June–September
Behaviour
Shoaling baitfish

Techniques

  • Sabiki rigs
  • light spinning
  • night light fishing

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch round sardinella?
The productive window for round sardinella runs May–November. June–September is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does round sardinella feed in?
Round sardinella is most active between 18 and 28 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for round sardinella?
Common methods: Sabiki rigs, light spinning, night light fishing.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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