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Madeiran sardinella

Sardinella maderensis

Madeiran sardinella© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Madeiran sardinella (Sardinella maderensis) is a small, silvery pelagic fish found in coastal Atlantic waters off West Africa and Madeira. It forms large schools near the surface and is prized for its mild flavor when fried or grilled.

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Basic Information

Family

Dorosomatidae

Max Size

30 cm

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

0-80m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

June to October

Best Time

Early morning and late evening

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Madeiran sardinella

  • Use a light spinning setup with 2‑6 lb line to feel the subtle bites
  • Troll slowly with a small feather rig or cast micro jigs and retrieve with a steady, moderate pace
  • Fish near surface breaks, river mouths, or around floating debris where schools congregate
  • Keep lures or bait small (1‑2 cm) to match the fish’s size and use bright silver or natural colors

Top Fishing Locations for Madeiran sardinella

Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira

Portugal
beginner80% Very Common

Steep rocky peninsula with strong currents that aggregate sardine schools, ideal for light tackle targeting Madeiran sardinella.

Best: June–September

Faro de Jandía, Fuerteventura

Spain
beginner75% Very Common

Coastal headland in the Canary Islands where upwelling brings abundant sardinella to surface, popular with local anglers.

Best: May–October

Baía das Gatas, São Vicente

Cape Verde
intermediate70% Very Common

Sheltered bay with nutrient‑rich waters that support large sardinella shoals during the late‑year spawning run.

Best: October–December

Ada Foah, Ghana Coast

Ghana
intermediate65% Common

River mouth delta where the Gulf of Guinea’s currents concentrate sardinella, offering productive night fishing.

Best: August–October

Dakar Offshore, Senegal

Senegal
intermediate70% Very Common

Offshore reefs and sandbanks east of Dakar host dense sardinella schools during the autumn migration.

Best: September–November

Ilhéu das Rolas, São Tomé Island

São Tomé and Príncipe
beginner80% Very Common

Remote island islet where upwelling creates ideal conditions for abundant Madeiran sardinella in midsummer.

Best: July–September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Madeiran sardinella

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 2.1‑2.7 m (7‑9 ft), fast action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall metal spoons, micro jigs, or soft‑plastic grubs
TechniqueLight trolling or casting with a tiny feather rig, retrieve at 1‑2 m/s

Best bait: Live or frozen shrimp, small anchovies, or sardine strips