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The main assemblies used
Float fishing :
Use a long rod (4 to 7 m), a strong line body (22 to 30/100), a fine leader (18 to 26/100) and a well-balanced float (8 to 25 g depending on sea conditions).
Various baits can be used to search for sar on a float: live shrimp (the queen of sar baits), small pieces of sardine, mussels, raw gamba or sand worms.
Animation consists in making your bait drift or move naturally over the rocks. In effect, the surf animates the bait.
The bite is then brutal, with the float sinking in sharply. The strike must be immediate.
Fish early in the morning, late at night or during the day in rough seas. Fishing in these conditions gives sars confidence.
Surfcasting and bottom fishing :
These techniques are ideal if the sars are set at depth or when the sea is very rough.
The equipment to be used consists of a 3 to 4 m rod, a solid reel fitted with 24 to 30/100 body and 20 to 25/100 leader, finished with a 30-50 g hexagonal sinker.
A variety of baits can be used: marine worms (bibi, arenicola, gravel), pieces of cephalopod, crabs, mussels.
A classic sliding assembly with a fairly long leader (1 m) is highly recommended.
The bite is characterized by rapid pulls, so hooking should be immediate, as the sar is very adept at stripping the hook.
Fishing with toc or pelota :
Pelota fishing is a technique that can also be practised on the move. A long, handy rod is used to present the bait in the foam and between the rocks. You can use a variety of baits: sardine paste, bread/cheese, homemade paste or small shellfish.
Tips on spots and conditions
- Spotlight: rocky areas, dykes, beaches with obstacles, harbours, mouths or any structures offering hiding places.
- Optimum conditions : rough or foaming sea, sunrise/sunset, night âeuros the sar comes out of its hiding places.
- Discretion : silent approach, fine leader, accurate casts. Beware of its visual acuity.
- Combat : powerful defender, get him out of the rocks quickly to avoid breakage.
Examples of effective baits
- Live or grey shrimp
- Mould
- Sardines, raw gambas
- Marine worms (bibi, arenicola)
- Piece of squid
- Small shells
The Mediterranean sar is best fished with floats or sinkers, using natural baits suited to its hunting grounds. Its distrust and combativeness make it a sought-after adversary: observation, discretion and quick hooking are the keys to success.
