Various pelagic fish to catch in the Mediterranean from the shore or by boat

Mediterranean pelagic fish © Laurent Duclos

Pelagic fish are those that live and move in the water column, far from the seabed. In the Mediterranean, several pelagic species are highly prized by fishermen, both for their combativeness and for their culinary value. Here are a few of the main pelagic species that can be caught in the Mediterranean from the shore or by boat.

Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus):

Horse mackerel, also known as redfish on the Mediterranean, is a medium-sized pelagic fish often caught in schools. It is prized for its flesh and is often used as live bait. It can be fished from shore or by boat, usually with lures.

Striped bonito (Sarda sarda) :

The bonito is a very combative fish, often caught by trolling or casting from a boat. They are prized for their meatiness and fighting spirit.

Tuna (Euthynnus alletteratus):

Tuna is a smaller species of tuna, often fished by trolling. They are prized for their fleshiness and fighting spirit.

Une belle pélamide de Méditerranée
A beautiful Mediterranean pelamide

Pelamide (Trachurus mediterraneus):

Pelamids are medium-sized pelagic fish, often caught in schools. It can be used as live bait, particularly for searching for bluefin tuna.

Lichen (Lichia amia):

The liche is a combative fish often found near rocky coasts. It is prized for its strength and ability to provide spectacular fights.

De beaux poissons pour des combats intenses
Beautiful fish for intense fights

Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus):

Bluefin tuna is one of the most sought-after species for its large size and powerful fights. It is often fished offshore, and its capture is regulated to protect populations.

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius):

Swordfish are migratory fish known for their combativeness and impressive size. It is often sought after by trolling or using large lures. It is a mythical and very rare catch for recreational fishermen.

These species offer a variety of fishing experiences, from small, combative fish to large, impressive migrants. To catch any of these species, you need to mark the fish as soon as it comes out of the water, in case you want to keep it. To mark the fish, simply cut off the lower part of the tail fin with scissors or a knife.

Fishing for these species can vary according to the season and local regulations, so it's important to keep abreast of the rules and learn to distinguish between species that may look similar.

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