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Fries's goby

Lesueurigobius friesii

Fries's goby© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Fries's goby (Lesueurigobius friesii) is a small, cryptic marine goby that inhabits shallow coastal waters of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. It reaches only about 13 cm and is prized by anglers for its abundance and as a fun, ultra‑light target rather than for sport. Its subtle behavior makes it a good indicator of healthy near‑shore habitats.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Gobiidae

Max Size

13 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

10-130m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring and summer

Best Time

Early morning and late evening

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Fries's goby

  • Use a 4‑6 in ultralight hook (size 12‑14) to match the fish’s tiny mouth.
  • Fish over sandy or rocky bottoms with a light weight (1‑2 g) to keep the bait near the substrate.
  • Present live micro‑bait such as shrimp larvae and keep a slow, steady retrieve.
  • Check the area’s tide; incoming tides concentrate gobies near structure.

Top Fishing Locations for Fries's goby

Port-Cros Marine Reserve

France
beginner80% Very Common

A protected marine park in the Mediterranean with extensive Posidonia seagrass beds where Fries's goby is abundant among the vegetation.

Best: May-September

Cala d'Amar, Ibiza

Spain
beginner75% Very Common

Shallow, clear waters of the Balearic archipelago rich in seagrass make this a hotspot for targeting Fries's goby.

Best: June-August

Costa da Caparica, Lisbon Coast

Portugal
intermediate65% Common

Stretch of sandy beaches with rocky outcrops and seagrass where anglers can effectively target the goby during low tide.

Best: April-October

Marmaris Bay

Turkey
intermediate70% Very Common

A sheltered bay with abundant macroalgae and seagrass, offering consistent catches of Fries's goby for attentive anglers.

Best: May-October

Garajau Reserve, Madeira

Portugal
expert45% Occasional

A deeper, volcanic reef environment where the goby is found among crevices and macroalgal lawns, requiring precise casting or light trolling.

Best: September-November

La Restinga, El Hierro

Spain
intermediate55% Common

The southern tip of El Hierro offers clear waters and rich benthic habitats where Fries's goby can be caught using light spin gear.

Best: August-October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Fries's goby

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line1‑2 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeN/A
TechniqueGentle bottom jigging or float fishing with a light hook

Best bait: Live micro shrimp, copepods, or small pieces of mussel