When is the best time to catch salema?

The productive window for salema runs April–November. October–November is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.

What water temperature does salema feed in?

Salema is most active between 16 and 27 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.

How do you fish for salema?

Common methods: Float fishing, light bottom rig.

Salema Fishing — Season, Bait and Technique

Sarpa salpa

Season calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season: April–November
Water temperature: 16–27 °C
Spawning: October–November
Behaviour: Daytime bottom forager

Techniques

Float fishing
light bottom rig

Timing

May to November is best; it feeds shallow once the water is above 18 C.
A daytime fish, best in late morning and afternoon.

Where

Weed-covered rock platforms on rocky shores and the seaward face of moles.
It will feed in water as shallow as 1-5 m.

Technique

Light float rig, size 14-16 hooks, 0.16-0.20 mm leader.
Bait: green sea lettuce (the best), bread paste, boiled pasta.
Groundbait with weed scraped off the shoreline rocks.
The bite is short and sharp; wait until it loads the rod.

Note

The gut spoils fast; clean the fish immediately and ice it.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch salema?: The productive window for salema runs April–November. October–November is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does salema feed in?: Salema is most active between 16 and 27 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for salema?: Common methods: Float fishing, light bottom rig.

Species that fish under similar conditions

Browse the full fishing guide