When is the best time to catch Southern meagre?

The best season for Southern meagre is Spring through early autumn (April‑October). Best time of day: Dawn and dusk, with night fishing also productive during warm months.

Where are the best places to catch Southern meagre?

Top fishing locations for Southern meagre: Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt; False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy; Agadir Coast, Morocco.

When is the best time to catch Southern meagre?

The best season for Southern meagre is Spring through early autumn (April‑October). Best time of day: Dawn and dusk, with night fishing also productive during warm months.

Where are the best places to catch Southern meagre?

Top fishing locations for Southern meagre: Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt; False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa; Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy; Agadir Coast, Morocco.

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Fish Details

Southern meagre

Q: What equipment do I need to catch Southern meagre?

Recommended rod: Heavy‑action saltwater rod, 7‑8 ft, fast action. Line weight: 20‑30 lb test monofilament or 30‑40 lb test braided line with a 20‑lb fluorocarbon leader. Technique: Trolling or casting with live bait near structures, employing a steady retrieve and setting a firm hook when the fish strikes. Best bait: Live sardines, mackerel, or shrimp; frozen bait can also be effective.

Argyrosomus hololepidotus

AI-generated illustration

The Southern meagre (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) is a large, fast‑growing coastal fish prized for its powerful runs and firm, mild‑flavored flesh, making it a favorite among both sport anglers and chefs.

Fight

Taste

Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Sciaenidae

Max Size

200 cm

Max Weight

71 kg

Habitat

marine, brackish

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring through early autumn (April‑October)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, with night fishing also productive during warm months

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Southern meagre

Use heavy‑action rods with a fast or extra‑fast tip to handle their rapid bursts
Trawl or drift with live bait such as sardines, mackerel, or shrimp near structures
Employ surface poppers or metal jigs in the 10‑30 lb test range during low light periods
Keep steady pressure; the fish will make sudden, powerful runs and may dive deep after the initial strike

Top Fishing Locations for Southern meagre

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Spain

intermediate70% Very Common

Rocky reefs and deep drop-offs around the island attract large schools of Southern meagre, especially during the summer months.

Best: June-August

Marsa Alam, Red Sea

Egypt

intermediate55% Common

Clear waters and abundant reef structure make Marsa Alam a hotspot for Southern meagre during the autumn migration.

Best: September-November

False Bay, Cape Town

South Africa

expert65% Common

Cold upwellings and strong currents concentrate Southern meagre near the surf zones, offering trophy‑size catches for experienced anglers.

Best: November-February

Aeolian Islands, Sicily

Italy

beginner45% Occasional

A chain of volcanic islands with pristine reefs where Southern meagre are abundant in the late spring, ideal for less experienced anglers.

Best: May-July

Agadir Coast

Morocco

intermediate60% Common

Sandy bays backed by rocky outcrops create ideal feeding grounds for Southern meagre during the spring spawning run.

Best: April-June

Kefalonia, Ionian Sea

Greece

intermediate35% Occasional

The deep channels around Kefalonia host strong schools of Southern meagre in summer, attracting anglers seeking both size and action.

Best: June-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Southern meagre

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action saltwater rod, 7‑8 ft, fast action

Line20‑30 lb test monofilament or 30‑40 lb test braided line with a 20‑lb fluorocarbon leader

Lure TypeMetal jigs, surface poppers, and large soft plastics; bright colors work well

TechniqueTrolling or casting with live bait near structures, employing a steady retrieve and setting a firm hook when the fish strikes

Best bait: Live sardines, mackerel, or shrimp; frozen bait can also be effective