Sea fish
European hake
Merluccius merluccius
Get to know the species, pick your region, find your spot.
Other names: Bakalyaro
- Habitat
- Deep muddy bottom
- Method
- Deep bottom fishing · Jigging
Choose your region
The information changes with the region you choose.
Where is European hake caught?
Explore the regions or go straight to the map.
Sea of Marmara fishing spots
Aegean Sea fishing spots
Mediterranean fishing spots
Tyrrhenian Sea fishing spots
1No site-level records in this region; the information is at region level.
No site-level records in this region; the information is at region level.
No site-level records in this region; the information is at region level.
No fishing ground or region matches your search.
A listed spot is not a guarantee of a catch.
Sea of Marmara
Season and suitable conditions
Check the season information for the region you chose.
Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Aegean Sea
Season and suitable conditions
Check the season information for the region you chose.
Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Mediterranean
Season and suitable conditions
Check the season information for the region you chose.
Peak months: Jan, Feb, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Tyrrhenian Sea
Season and suitable conditions
Check the season information for the region you chose.
Peak months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Season information is no guarantee of a catch.
Bait and tackle suggestions
Recorded baits and fishing techniques.
Natural baits
Lures
- Slow jig
In this region · Sea of Marmara
- Natural bait:
- European sardine, European squid, fish flesh; regional support: European anchovy / Atlantic horse mackerel / shrimp
- Lure:
- slow jig
- Technique:
- deep bottom, jig
In this region · Aegean Sea
- Natural bait:
- European sardine, European squid, fish flesh; regional support: European sardine / mamun / sülünez
- Lure:
- slow jig
- Technique:
- deep bottom, jig
In this region · Mediterranean
- Natural bait:
- European sardine, European squid, fish flesh; regional support: European sardine / European squid / shrimp
- Lure:
- slow jig
- Technique:
- deep bottom, jig
Fishing rules for Türkiye
Türkiye
- Minimum size
- 20 cm
- Maximum quantity
- 5 kg
Single-species or mixed total; details and exceptions are in the regulation.
No species-specific closed season is listed; area and method rules still apply.
Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7 communiqué text
Before you go, check local area and method restrictions.
Species profile
- Scientific name
- Merluccius merluccius
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Seas
- Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean
- Other names
- Bakalyaro
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size for European hake?
In recreational angling the minimum catch size for European hake is 20 cm. Fish below that length have to be returned to the water. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.
When is European hake closed to fishing?
There is no closed season specific to European hake — the regulations set no time ban for this species. Area and gear rules still apply. The limit that applies all year is the minimum size: 20 cm. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.
Which seas is European hake found in?
In our records European hake appears in these seas: Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian Sea — Italy.
In which months is European hake at its peak?
Peak periods by sea: Sea of Marmara September–March; Aegean Sea September–March; Mediterranean August–February; Tyrrhenian Sea — Italy October–March.
Which bait is European hake caught with?
Baits and lures on record: European sardine, European squid, fish flesh, European anchovy, Atlantic horse mackerel, shrimp, slow jig, mamun, sülünez.
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