European sea bass

Dicentrarchus labrax · Sea

Silver coastal predator prized by anglers, often found at estuaries and tidal races.

Photo: Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Facts

Best months	JFMAMJJASOND May–Nov. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator.
Feeds	Dawn and dusk
Water temp	12–20 °C
Typical size	35–55 cm · record about 100 cm
Diet	Crabs, fish, worms
Regions	EuropeAfrica

Sensitive to the moon: favour the major solunar periods.

Tide matters: fish moving water.

Sensitive to pressure: fish a steady or slowly falling barometer.

Catching tip. Lures at dusk, surf or rocks, or live baits; check minimum sizes.

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