What baits can be used to fish for denti in the Mediterranean?

Baits for denti fishing © Antonin Perrotte-Duclos

The best baits for denti fishing in the Mediterranean are live bait (garfish, oblade, mullet, red mullet, mackerel), cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus), as well as sardines or other dead fish used for trolling or vertical rigs.

The denti (Dentex dentex) is an emblematic Mediterranean marine fish belonging to the Sparidae family, which can be fished with bait. The denti is a powerful and clever predator, appreciated for its size, which can reach around 1 meter and weigh over 15 kg, with a lifespan of up to 25 years. It feeds on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.

Natural baits recommended for teeth

Livebait is still the best bait for catching denti. Garfish, mullet, oblade, red mullet and mackerel are the preferred prey for float, wedge or deep slow trolling.

Cephalopods such as squid (live or dead), cuttlefish and octopus are highly prized baits, especially in winter. At this time of year, squid is one of the most effective baits available.

You can also use a variety of dead fish such as sardines, oblade, small fresh or frozen rock fish, for trolling or vertical prospecting.

These different baits can also be combined with techniques that mix lures and baits, such as the madaï or inchiku techniques in vertical fishing (these techniques imitate the denti's natural prey).

Utiliser des poissons de roche.
Use rock fish.

A few practical tips for fishing denti

Fresh or live bait should be used first and foremost to maximize your chances of catching this highly wary predator. In addition, adapting the bait to the season (give priority to cephalopods in winter and spring, live or dead fish in summer and autumn) will significantly increase the results. Finally, use a discreet rig and strong leaders (30/100 to 40/100 fluorocarbon) to resist the teeth and power of this beautiful fish.

En hiver privilégier le calamar comme appât.
In winter, use squid as bait.

These different baits, which can be used in a variety of ways, are the most effective for targeting denti, the emblematic, powerful and selective fish of the Mediterranean seabed.

More articles on the theme