Northern Aegean · fish in season in November
Peak season
European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax
One of the most common shore catches in the Aegean; it moves inshore as water cools, so late autumn to early winter is usually best. Spawning is December–March (Archipelagos). Greek: λαβράκι (lavraki).
Where: Wave-washed rocky points, river mouths, harbour and marina entrances; Ayvalık–Cunda, Edremit Gulf (Akçay, Altınoluk), the Thessaloniki waterfront.
Shore spinning Surfcasting Trolling Minnow (hard bait) Soft plastic Small live fish Peeler crab Ragworm
Source: Acta Adriatica 60(2), 2019 · Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix
In the North Aegean it peaks in autumn and winter with the migration; bluefish, bonito and mackerel are reported to bite best during their migration periods. Spawns May–September. Greek: γοφάρι (gofari).
Where: Current-swept points, surf beaches, harbour mouths; the Dardanelles exit, Gökçeada, Saros, the Kavala and Thessaloniki gulfs.
Shore spinning Jigging Sabiki / feather rig Spoon Minnow (hard bait) Metal jig Horse mackerel Anchovy Sardine
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Atlantic bonito Sarda sarda
The return migration from the Black Sea to the Aegean starts in late September and peaks in November–December; schools heading to the Black Sea in spring also pass through the North Aegean. Greek: παλαμίδα (palamida).
Where: Passing offshore schools: the Dardanelles exit, between Gökçeada and Bozcaada, the Saros and Edremit gulfs; from boats with feathers, spoons and trolling.
Sabiki / feather rig Trolling Shore spinning Sabiki feathers Minnow (hard bait) Metal jig Horse mackerel Sardine Anchovy
Source: Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 6: 57-62, 2006 · Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Gilt-head bream Sparus aurata
Reported as the most common catch of shore anglers in İzmir Bay; it bites well in autumn as it leaves lagoons and shallow bays. Spawns December–January. Greek: τσιπούρα (tsipoura).
Where: Rock–sand edges with mussels and crabs, pier and breakwater bases, shallow bays; around the Ayvalık islands, Edremit Gulf, Chalkidiki bays.
Bottom fishing Surfcasting Float fishing Soft plastic Minnow (hard bait) Hardback crab Mussel Shrimp
Source: Acta Adriatica 60(2), 2019 · Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Mediterranean horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus
The top angler catch in the neighbouring Marmara study; taken on sabiki rigs from North Aegean piers all year, peaking in autumn. Spawns April–August. Greek: ασπροσάφριδο.
Where: Piers, harbours, lit quays.
Sabiki / feather rig Jigging Sabiki feathers Soft plastic Metal jig Anchovy Sardine Squid
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Atlantic horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus
Caught in mixed shoals with Mediterranean horse mackerel; bites more under lights at night and early in the morning. Spawns May–September. Greek: σαυρίδι (savridi).
Where: Piers, harbour mouths, deeper water close inshore by boat.
Sabiki / feather rig Jigging Sabiki feathers Soft plastic Metal jig Anchovy Sardine Squid
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Common two-banded seabream Diplodus vulgaris
One of the most familiar sea breams of Aegean shore fishing; caught all year, with bigger fish in autumn. Spawns December–January. Greek: κακαρέλος / χαρακίδα.
Where: Rocky and weedy bottoms, breakwaters, inside harbours.
Bottom fishing Float fishing Handline Ragworm Mussel Shrimp
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Golden grey mullet Chelon auratus
Mullet species form a large share of the İzmir Bay shore catch; golden grey mullet is more frequent than flathead mullet on rocky, open shores. Greek: μυξινάρι.
Where: Rocky shores, breakwaters, harbours.
Float fishing Bottom fishing Bread Dough bait Ragworm
Source: Acta Adriatica 60(2), 2019 · Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019
White seabream Diplodus sargus
A year-round rocky-shore fish that feeds more boldly in rough, foamy water. Spawns January–March (Archipelagos). Greek: σαργός (sargos).
Where: Surf-swept rocks, breakwater boulders, exposed island points; Gökçeada, Cunda, Kassandra and Sithonia headlands.
Bottom fishing Float fishing Light rock fishing (LRF) Minnow (hard bait) Soft plastic Mussel Hardback crab Ragworm
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Mullets are the next most common Aegean shore catch after sea bream and bass; present all year. Spawns July–December (Archipelagos). Greek: κέφαλος (kefalos).
Where: Inner harbours, river and canal mouths, lagoon outlets.
Float fishing Bottom fishing Handline Bread Dough bait Ragworm
Source: Acta Adriatica 60(2), 2019 · Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
European squid Loligo vulgaris
Greek guides rate November–February best and August–October good, with more squid at dusk and night. Spawns May–August. Greek: καλαμάρι (kalamari).
Where: Lit piers and harbours, bays with sand and seagrass; the Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki shores, the Ayvalık islands.
Eging (squid) Squid jig (egi)
Source: FishingBooker · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
In season
Common octopus Octopus vulgaris
Present on rocky shores all year. In Turkey a closed season for octopus applies from 15 April to 31 October (Notification 6/1, art. 31); check current recreational rules in the regulations section. Stocks are under heavy pressure from both recreational and commercial fishing. Greek: χταπόδι (chtapodi).
Where: Rocky and stony bottoms, breakwater bases.
Bottom fishing Handline Drifting Octopus lure Crab Fish strip
Source: T.C. Resmî Gazete, 11.08.2024, sayı 32629 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Leerfish Lichia amia
A large predator that migrates seasonally along the coast; irregular in the North Aegean. Greek: λίτσα (litsa).
Where: River mouths, sand–rock transitions, harbour mouths.
Live bait Trolling Shore spinning Minnow (hard bait) Popper Spoon Small live fish Squid Horse mackerel
Source: FishBase · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Garfish Belone belone
A surface-cruising fish taken on light float rigs and small spoons; comes closer inshore in late winter and spring. Greek: ζαργάνα (zargana).
Where: Open shores, breakwater tips, harbour mouths; near the surface.
Float fishing Light rock fishing (LRF) Shore spinning Metal jig Soft plastic Fly Fish strip Mackerel strip Sand eel
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Bogue Boops boops
A shoaling fish found at almost every pier all year; one of the easiest species for beginners and also used as bait. Greek: γόπα (gopa).
Where: Piers, harbours, rocky shores.
Sabiki / feather rig Float fishing Bottom fishing Sabiki feathers Shrimp Lugworm Ragworm
Sharpsnout seabream Diplodus puntazzo
Found on rocks alongside two-banded bream but less common; comes closer inshore in autumn, its spawning period (September–November). Greek: μυτάκι / ούγαινα.
Where: Deep rock walls, breakwater tips.
Bottom fishing Float fishing Mussel Hardback crab Ragworm
Black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus
Found on rocky bottoms all year; takes bottom baits especially at dusk and night. Its dorsal spines are venomous, so handle with care. Greek: σκορπιός (skorpios).
Where: Rocky and breakwater bottoms, from the shallows to 30 m.
Bottom fishing Light rock fishing (LRF) Float fishing Soft plastic Jig head Fish strip Horse mackerel Shrimp
Common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis
Moves into the shallows to spawn in spring (March–July per Archipelagos), when it is often caught from shore on squid jigs. Greek: σουπιά (soupia).
Where: Shallow sandy and muddy bays, seagrass edges.
Eging (squid) Drifting Squid jig (egi)
Picarel Spicara smaris
Reported, with bluefish, as one of the most caught species by anglers in the Dardanelles; forms shoals close inshore in the cooler months. Spawns April–May. Greek: μαρίδα (marida).
Where: Piers, rocky and seagrass shores, 5–30 m.
Bottom fishing Sabiki / feather rig Handline Mussel Shrimp Ragworm
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Occasional
Brown meagre Sciaena umbra
Rocky and seagrass habitats, more active at night. Archipelagos reports heavily exploited stocks; releasing any you catch is recommended. Greek: σκιός (skios).
Where: Rocky crevices and seagrass edges, shallow water.
Float fishing Bottom fishing Live shrimp Ragworm Shrimp
Common pandora Pagellus erythrinus
Mostly caught from boats on bottom rigs; more regular in the warmer months. Spawns April–September. Greek: λυθρίνι (lythrini).
Where: Sand-mud bottoms near rocky patches, 20–100 m.
Bottom fishing Handline Drifting Shrimp Squid Sardine
Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus
Comes inshore in shoals in summer and early autumn; caught on sabikis and small spoons. Spawns June–August (Archipelagos). Greek: κολιός (kolios). Many sources now use Scomber colias for the Mediterranean chub mackerel.
Where: Piers, breakwater tips, open bays.
Sabiki / feather rig Jigging Sabiki feathers Spoon Metal jig
Red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa
Caught from boats with bottom rigs over deeper rocks. Its spines are venomous. Spawns May–August. Greek: σκορπίνα (skorpina).
Where: Deeper rocky and rubble bottoms, 20–100 m.
Bottom fishing Drifting Handline Metal jig Soft plastic Jig head Fish strip Horse mackerel Sardine
Greater amberjack Seriola dumerili
Targeted from boats in the warm months with live bait and jigs; less common in the North Aegean than further south. Archipelagos notes many stocks are overexploited. Greek: μαγιάτικο (magiatiko).
Where: Offshore shoals, wrecks, deep headlands; off Chalkidiki and the Sporades.
Live bait Jigging Slow jigging Metal jig Popper Minnow (hard bait) Horse mackerel Small live fish
Source: FishingBooker · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Common dentex Dentex dentex
A predatory sea bream targeted from boats with live bait, jigs and bottom rigs; Greek guides rate April–August as best. Spawns March–May and stocks are heavily exploited (Archipelagos). Greek: συναγρίδα (synagrida).
Where: Hard rocky or rubble bottoms and shoal edges, 15–60 m; off Chalkidiki and the Northern Sporades.
Live bait Trolling Bottom fishing Minnow (hard bait) Metal jig Small live fish Squid Cuttlefish
Source: FishingBooker · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus
Reported to bite best during migration; in the North Aegean it is now scarce and irregular. Spawns March–May. Greek: σκουμπρί (skoumbri).
Where: Current-swept water near the Dardanelles exit, exposed piers.
Sabiki / feather rig Shore spinning Float fishing Sabiki feathers Spinner Fish strip
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Little tunny Euthynnus alletteratus
Seen in late summer and autumn as schools feeding at the surface offshore; caught from boats on spoons and trolling lures. Greek: καρβούνι (karvouni).
Where: Open water, surface boils marked by birds.
Trolling Shore spinning Boat spinning Minnow (hard bait) Metal jig Spoon Small live fish Sardine
Source: Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation · Acta Aquatica Turcica 15(1): 26-34, 2019
Dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus
PROTECTED
Protected: fishing for dusky grouper is banned in Turkish waters. If hooked by accident, release it at once without harm. Greek: ροφός (rofos); in Greece a 45 cm legal minimum applies (Archipelagos).
Source: T.C. Resmî Gazete, 11.08.2024, sayı 32629 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Annular seabream Diplodus annularis
One of the small sea breams most often caught from Aegean shores; plentiful over shallow seagrass in the warm months. Spawns April–June. Greek: σπάρος (sparos).
Where: Shallow seagrass (Posidonia) and rock edges, piers.
Bottom fishing Float fishing Light rock fishing (LRF) Soft plastic Jig head Ragworm Shrimp Mussel
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Sand steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus
A sandy-beach fish, common on surf rigs in summer; the neighbouring Marmara study reports it as the second most caught species by anglers. Spawns December–June. Greek: μουρμούρα (mourmoura).
Where: Sandy beaches and shallow sandy bays, the breaking-wave line; Sarımsaklı, the Saros shore.
Surfcasting Bottom fishing Light rock fishing (LRF) Soft plastic Jig head Lugworm Ragworm Mud shrimp
Source: Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4(3), 2019 · Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Saddled seabream Oblada melanurus
A shoaling sea bream that feeds near the surface, often taken on float rigs on summer evenings. Spawns May–July. Greek: μελανούρι (melanouri).
Where: Mid-water along rocky shores, breakwaters and piers.
Float fishing Trolling Bottom fishing Minnow (hard bait) Sabiki feathers Bread Shrimp Sardine
Salema porgy Sarpa salpa
A herbivorous sea bream that takes weed or bread paste on float rigs; more active in the warm months. Spawns September–November. Greek: σάλπα (salpa).
Where: Weedy shallow rocks and breakwaters.
Float fishing Bottom fishing Bread Dough bait Seaweed
Comber Serranus cabrilla
A small predator that often takes bottom baits and small lures over rocks; more active in the warm months. Spawns April–July. Greek: χάνος (chanos).
Where: Rocky and seagrass bottoms, 5–50 m.
Bottom fishing Handline Light rock fishing (LRF) Soft plastic Jig head Metal jig Shrimp Squid Cuttlefish
Black seabream Spondyliosoma cantharus
Taken on bottom rigs from boat and shore over rock and seagrass; regular from spring to autumn. Spawns February–May. Greek: σκαθάρι (skathari).
Where: Mixed rock and seagrass bottoms, 5–30 m.
Bottom fishing Ledgering Squid Ragworm Mackerel strip
This is the general seasonal pattern for the region, not live data. It can shift by a few weeks with water temperature, migration and the year.