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Why is spring a good time of year?
Spring corresponds to a period of recovery from the winter feeding season. Sparids seek out areas where food is abundant, with varied bottoms, rocks, sea grass beds, harbours, dykes and oyster beds. Depending on the species, reproduction may also come into play: for example, the common sar reproduces from March to June in the western Mediterranean.
Where to look for them?
The best spots are often rocky edges, shallow breaks, sandy-rocky troughs, harbour areas and areas tossed by swell or current. In the Mediterranean, fish like to move in small groups and can be active very close to shore, especially when the water warms up and food is stirred up.
Effective techniques
Support fishing from the boat works well in spring, as it allows you to present the bait close to the bottom, where sparids often feed. From shore, float fishing is also very effective on dykes, quays and rocks, with regular baiting to keep the fish on the move. A slow, discreet and precise approach generally gives better results than over-aggressive fishing.
Bait and baiting
Natural baits are often the most regular: marine worms, crab, mussel, shrimp or small pieces of sardine, depending on the target species. Baiting with crushed sardines, flours or fine mixes can help get the fish to rise and stay under the boat or close to shore. In spring, the freshness and quality of the bait is of prime importance.
Practical settings
It's best to use a discreet rig, with a fine but solid line, a fairly long leader and a filling adapted to the state of the sea. When the water is clear, discretion becomes essential, while in choppy water the fish may be less wary and move closer to shore. The best times are often dawn, dusk and phases of low light.
In the Mediterranean, spring is a very good season for sparids because they return to the coasts, feed actively and frequent areas accessible to the angler. To be successful, you need to target the right spots, fish discreetly, take care with your bait and adapt your technique to the place and the sea.
