Which combo to use, the cane?
For serran, I use a UL solid tip rod from 2 to 2m20. These sensitive rods for rockfishing are versatile, very sensitive and provide maximum pleasure and sensations.
For beginners and experienced anglers alike, it's the ideal way to get a feel for what's going on and enjoy stalking small fish. You can fish with light texas, soft lures on a lead head or swimfish.
Another argument in favour of the full tip is that it can whip and cast small, light lures a long way. The power reserve should ideally be sufficient to overcome a surprise fish, but depends greatly on the quality of the rod. It should also be sufficient to overcome and eventually "drop" (the action of lifting a fish out of the water with the rod) a beautiful sar or a small pelagic surprise.
Which reel to use?
On this rod, I use a reel size 1,000 to 2,500, filled with braid or fluorocarbon. As far as the reel is concerned, I much prefer shallow spools, which require less braid to be filled. This way, you're guaranteed to have your spool perfectly filled without using large, expensive quantities of braid.
Braid has the advantage of being thinner than fluorocarbon or nylon for the same diameter, which means longer casting distances. For braid, I use diameters from 6 to 12/100, and for fluorocarbon from 16 to 20/100. If you choose braid, you'll need a 16 to 20/100 fluorocarbon leader. These are rather fine diameters, as it happens quite regularly that serrans are followers and not inclined to attack, especially in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Discretion and naturalness in your presentation tend to reduce refusals and follow-ups not followed by an attack by this curious fish. Once a serran has been tapped, it's not uncommon to get one or even two to bite in the same spot. Don't hesitate to make several passes and insist on the spots you think are best. Alternatively, if you're on holiday and want to catch a few redfish with your family, consider that your (freshwater) perch-stalking gear will do. The key is, of course, to get the maximum enjoyment out of your fishing, and to do that, to catch a few fish. The better your equipment, the more fish you'll catch and the greater the thrill.
Goat or handwriting, the choice is yours
Now it's your turn to practice rockfishing and lure this formidable little rock and game fish. The serran, this colourful fish that has all the makings of a rockfish, will delight novice anglers and expert specialists alike. Above all, I hope you'll succeed in getting your friends and family to catch this holiday-scented fish.
Things to remember
- Solid tip rod (ideally) minimum 2.00 m long
- Reel fitted with 6 to 12/100 braid
- Fine fluorocarbon leaders 16 to 20/100
- Swimming fish for shallow areas
- Lightweight Texan mounting for deep areas
- Some light metal jigs
