Loading map...
♥ Donate

European hake

Merluccius merluccius

European hake© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is a prized commercial and sport fish known for its strong, steady fight and delicate, white flesh prized on the table. It inhabits continental shelf waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, making it a popular target for offshore anglers.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Merlucciidae

Max Size

140 cm

Max Weight

15 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

18-1075m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Winter (Dec‑Feb) and Spring (Mar‑May)

Best Time

Night, especially around dawn and dusk

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for European hake

  • Use a fast‑action medium‑heavy rod about 2.1‑2.7 m (7‑9 ft) with 8‑20 lb test line
  • Employ vertical jigging with metal or soft‑plastic lures 10‑30 cm long, retrieving with short, sharp hops
  • Fish over structure such as reefs, wrecks, or drop‑offs where hake aggregate
  • Use fresh bait like sardines, mackerel, squid or cut fish strips for bottom rigs

Top Fishing Locations for European hake

Porto de Sanxenxo

Spain
intermediate70% Very Common

Renowned Rías Baixas port with deep offshore grounds rich in hake, accessible via local charter boats.

Best: June-October

Baie de Douarnenez

France
beginner55% Common

Sheltered bay on Brittany's coast where hake gather near rocky ledges, reachable from shore or small boats.

Best: April-September

Gulf of Oristano

Italy
intermediate65% Common

Sardinian gulf with productive continental shelf; seasonal migrations bring large schools of hake.

Best: May-September

Taghazout Coast

Morocco
expert45% Occasional

Remote Atlantic stretch near Agadir where deep waters and upwelling create prime hake habitat, best fished from offshore vessels.

Best: October-March

Mull of Kintyre

United Kingdom
intermediate50% Common

Western Scottish peninsula where strong currents concentrate hake near the seabed, popular for boat anglers.

Best: June-September

Cork Harbor

Ireland
beginner60% Common

Harbor and nearby sandbanks host abundant hake; easily accessed from pier or small craft.

Best: May-October

Poreč, Istrian Peninsula

Croatia
intermediate58% Common

Northern Adriatic waters off Istria provide steady hake runs along the continental shelf, reachable by day boats.

Best: May-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for European hake

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑heavy, fast‑action rod 2.1‑2.7 m (7‑9 ft)
Line8‑20 lb (3.5‑9 kg) test monofilament or braided line
Lure TypeMetal jigs, bucktail or soft‑plastic swimbaits (10‑30 cm)
TechniqueVertical jigging and bottom fishing

Best bait: Fresh sardines, mackerel, squid or cut fish strips