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Sea fish

Gilthead seabream

Sparus aurata

Get to know the species, pick your region, find your spot.

Other names: Çupra

Open fishing grounds on the map Bait and tackle
Gilthead seabream
(c) etrusko25, some rights reserved (CC BY) · source
Habitat
Sandy · stony shore
Method
Bottom fishing · Surf casting · LRF
Family
Sparidae

Choose your region

The information changes with the region you choose.

Where is Gilthead seabream caught?

Explore the regions or go straight to the map.

South West coast fishing spots

131
South West coast
Map preview

Explore the coast on the map

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A listed spot is not a guarantee of a catch.

South West coast

Season and suitable conditions

Check the season information for the region you chose.

Peak months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Season information is no guarantee of a catch.

Best spots in October

By month

Average monthly score of the spots in Turkey (0–100).

  1. 47 Jan
  2. 47 Feb
  3. 69 Mar
  4. 76 Apr
  5. 79 May
  6. 73 Jun
  7. 71 Jul
  8. 70 Aug
  9. 80 Sep
  10. 81 Oct
  11. 78 Nov
  12. 76 Dec

The best spot in each Turkish province, by this month’s score.

  1. Aliaport Aliağa, İzmir 100/100 Very good
  2. Ayvalık Deresi Yumurtalık, Adana 96/100 Very good
  3. Akbük Halk Plajı Didim, Aydın 96/100 Very good
  4. Ayvalık Belediyesi Plaj İşletmesi Ayvalık, Balıkesir 96/100 Very good
  5. Kadırga Koyu Sahili Ayvacık, Çanakkale 96/100 Very good

A 0–100 score from season, water temperature, habitat and local records; a general trend, not a guarantee.

Best times of day

When in the day it bites best, month by month.

  • Active day and night
  • Good at night

In October

  1. Dawn Best 85

    1 h before sunrise → 2 h after

  2. Midday 50

    1 h before midday → 1.5 h after

  3. Dusk 85

    2 h before sunset → 1 h after

  4. Night 60

    1 h after sunset → 1.5 h before sunrise

Moon phase

Effect of the moon on night fishing; the scores compare the phases.

  1. New moon 60
  2. First quarter 55
  3. Full moon 60
  4. Last quarter 55

Best phase: New moon

Windows across 12 months

Best times of day J F M A M J J A S O N D
Dawn 75 75 75 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 75
Midday 70 70 70 50 50 20 20 20 20 50 50 70
Dusk 65 65 65 85 85 80 80 80 80 85 85 65
Night 60 60 75 75 75 75 60 60

Windows follow sunrise and sunset; clock times change with place and date. Scores are relative within the month: 100 is the best window of the day.

6 sources · confidence medium

Habitat

Where it lives and in what kind of water: ranges compiled by the research.

Depth

1–150 m

mostly 1–30 m

Water temperature

10–32 °C

ideal 24–28 °C

Salinity

Also enters brackish water

5–55 ‰

Shore types

  • Sandy beach
  • Cove / inner bay
  • Rocky shore
  • Breakwater / jetty
  • Pier / quay
  • Around marinas
  • Mixed shore
  • River / stream mouth
  • Lagoon / weir mouth
  • Inside harbours
  • Harbour mouth
  • Reclaimed shore

Bottom

Lives close to the bottom

  • Sand
  • Seagrass

Ranges from FishBase, AquaMaps and the literature; a general tendency, not a hard limit.

Confidence: shore type high, temperature high

Bait and tackle suggestions

Recorded baits and fishing techniques.

Bait by month

Baits documented for shore fishing, month by month and by water clarity.

In October

Natural baits

Lures

Processed bait (all year)

  • Bread

By water clarity

Rock / bottom omnivore — Picks up crustaceans, worms and weed. Wary; relies on smell and a natural look.

Clear Visibility: over 8 m
Natural first, lures also work First natural bait: Shrimp · Very suitable Usually in this water: Live shrimp, tube worm, mud shrimp, mussel; thin line, small hidden hook; little chum. First lure: Jighead + soft worm · Very suitable Usually in this water: LRF micro soft plastic, imitation shrimp; very small, slow. Colour: Clear, Natural brown, Red
Slightly coloured Visibility: 4–8 m
Natural first, lures also work First natural bait: Shrimp · Very suitable Usually in this water: Shrimp, worm, mussel; normal pieces. First lure: Jighead + soft worm · Very suitable Usually in this water: LRF/micro soft plastic, imitation shrimp. Colour: Pink, White, Red
Moderately coloured Visibility: 2–4 m
Natural bait First natural bait: Shrimp · Very suitable Usually in this water: Mussel, crab, sardine pieces with chum (crushed mussel or bread). First lure: Scented soft plastic · Very suitable Usually in this water: Scented soft plastic (Isome/Gulp type); slow, on the bottom. Colour: Fluorescent, Pink
Murky Visibility: 1–2 m
Natural bait First natural bait: Crab · Very suitable Usually in this water: Crab, mussel, razor clam; bottom rig; strong scent. First lure: Scented soft plastic · Suitable Usually in this water: Weak; scented soft plastic only. Colour: Fluorescent, Dark silhouette, Red
Very murky Visibility: under 1 m
Natural bait First natural bait: Sardine · Suitable Usually in this water: Mussel, crab, cut bait; big pieces. First lure: Scented soft plastic · Weak
12-month bait calendar
January
Natural baits: Mussel, Sardine, Peanut worm, Razor clam, Cuttlefish Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
February
Natural baits: Mussel, Sardine, Peanut worm, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
March
Natural baits: Mussel, Sardine, Peanut worm, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
April
Natural baits: Crab, Peanut worm, Shrimp, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
May
Natural baits: Crab, Peanut worm, Shrimp, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
June
Natural baits: Crab, Peanut worm, Shrimp, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
July
Natural baits: Crab, Peanut worm, Shrimp, Razor clam, Diopatra tube worm Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
August
Natural baits: Crab, Peanut worm, Shrimp, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
September
Natural baits: Crab, Mussel, Sardine, Shrimp Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
October
Natural baits: Crab, Mussel, Sardine, Shrimp Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
November
Natural baits: Crab, Mussel, Sardine, Shrimp Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic
December
Natural baits: Mussel, Sardine, Peanut worm, Razor clam Lures: LRF micro soft plastic, Jighead + soft worm, Scented soft plastic

This is the usual pattern; the water and weather on the day can change it. Colour is fine-tuning: bait type, size and action come first. Confidence: natural high, lures high. Colour and presentation guide

Fishing technique

Tackle recipe

Bottom Fishing

Classic bottom rig

Holding a weighted natural-bait rig on the bottom

  • Level: Beginner
  • Effort: Low–Moderate
Rod
2.70–3.90 m; 40–150 g
Reel
3000–6000
Main line
0.25–0.35 mm mono or PE 1.0–2.0
Leader/trace
0.28–0.45 mm
Hook/lure
#8–3/0
Bait/lure
Shrimp
Connector
Swivel/clip; pick a suitable breaking strain

Watch out: Snagging and lead casting

Keep with you: Pliers, hook remover, glasses and first aid

Regulations: Communiqué 2024/21 Article 16 hook and line limits and place bans are checked

  • Rod

  • Reel

  • Line and leader

A setup to start from. Rod length, line diameter and drag are changed to suit the size of fish you are after and the current and bottom structure of the ground.

Tackle recipe

Surf Casting

Long-range bottom fishing

Long-range bottom fishing with natural bait on sandy/mixed shores

  • Level: Beginner–Advanced
  • Effort: High
Rod
3.90–4.50 m; 100–250 g
Reel
5000–14000 surf
Main line
0.25–0.35 mm + shock leader
Leader/trace
0.45–0.70 mm shock/trace
Hook/lure
#8–2/0 to suit the target
Bait/lure
Mamun
Connector
Swivel/clip; pick a suitable breaking strain

Watch out: Casting safety with heavy leads

Keep with you: Pliers, hook remover, glasses and first aid

Regulations: Communiqué 2024/21 Article 16 hook and line limits and place bans are checked

A setup to start from. Rod length, line diameter and drag are changed to suit the size of fish you are after and the current and bottom structure of the ground.

See tackle suggestions

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

MVT0005

2024/21 Çizelge 7

No additional species note; the general provisions of 2024/21 apply No species-based time closure is stated; the area and method provisions are reserved

The table in our records

Minimum size
20 cm
Maximum quantity
5 kg

The article text is taken from the communiqué. The table above was carried into our own records from the relevant rows of the communiqué and may be abridged. The official publication is what binds. Official communiqué (PDF) →

Fishing rules for Greece

Greece

Minimum size
20 cm
Maximum quantity
5 kg

Closed season: Tür/alan/dönem için daha sıkı kural olabilir

Legal basis: EU 2019/1241 Ek IX + Yunan ulusal mevzuatı communiqué text

Species size/quantity limit

EU 2019/1241 Ek IX + Yunan ulusal mevzuatı

AB asgari boy + Yunan Sahil Güvenliği genel günlük miktar çerçevesi; resmî güncel metin kontrol edilir

The table in our records

Minimum size
20 cm
Maximum quantity
5 kg
Closed season
Tür/alan/dönem için daha sıkı kural olabilir

The article text is taken from the communiqué. The table above was carried into our own records from the relevant rows of the communiqué and may be abridged. The official publication is what binds. Official communiqué (PDF) →

Before you go, check local area and method restrictions.

Species profile

Gilthead seabream
Scientific name
Sparus aurata
Family
Sparidae
Order
Eupercaria incertae sedis
Water type
Saltwater
Seas
Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean
Other names
Çipura, Çupra

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum size for Gilthead seabream?

In recreational angling the minimum catch size for Gilthead seabream is 20 cm. Fish below that length have to be returned to the water. Legal basis: 2024/21 Çizelge 7.

When is Gilthead seabream closed to fishing?

There is no closed season specific to Gilthead seabream — 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 Gilthead seabream found in?

In our records Gilthead seabream appears in these seas: Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean, Adriatic — Albania, Ionian Sea — Albania, Bay of Vlorë — Albania, North Aegean & Thrace — Greece, Central & South Aegean — Greece, Ionian Sea — Greece, Crete & Libyan Sea — Greece, Güzelyurt Bay — Northern Cyprus, Kyrenia north coast — Northern Cyprus, Famagusta–İskele — Northern Cyprus, Karpas Peninsula — Northern Cyprus, Akamas–Paphos west coast — Southern Cyprus, Paphos–Limassol south coast — Southern Cyprus, Larnaca southeast coast — Southern Cyprus, Ayia Napa–Protaras — Southern Cyprus, Ligurian Sea — Italy, Tyrrhenian Sea — Italy, Adriatic — Italy, Ionian Sea — Italy, Strait of Sicily — Italy, Sardinian Sea — Italy, Atlantic Ocean — Spain, Mediterranean — Spain, Cantabrian Sea — Spain, Balearic Sea — Spain, Alboran Sea — Spain, Gulf of Cádiz — Spain, Strait of Gibraltar — Spain, Adriatic — Croatia, Mediterranean — France, Atlantic — France, South East coast — England, South coast — England, South West coast — England.

In which months is Gilthead seabream at its peak?

Peak periods by sea: Ionian Sea — Albania May–October; Adriatic — Albania May–October; Bay of Vlorë — Albania May–October; Sardinian Sea — Italy September–November; North Aegean & Thrace — Greece April–October; Sea of Marmara all year; Central & South Aegean — Greece April–October; Ionian Sea — Greece April–October; Aegean Sea all year; Crete & Libyan Sea — Greece April–October; Mediterranean all year; Mediterranean — Spain September–November; Famagusta–İskele — Northern Cyprus December–February; Güzelyurt Bay — Northern Cyprus December–February; Kyrenia north coast — Northern Cyprus December–February; Karpas Peninsula — Northern Cyprus December–February; Alboran Sea — Spain September–November; Paphos–Limassol south coast — Southern Cyprus December–February; Ayia Napa–Protaras — Southern Cyprus December–February; Akamas–Paphos west coast — Southern Cyprus December–February; Larnaca southeast coast — Southern Cyprus December–February; Ligurian Sea — Italy September–November; Tyrrhenian Sea — Italy September–November; Adriatic — Italy September–November; Strait of Sicily — Italy September–November; Ionian Sea — Italy September–November; Strait of Gibraltar — Spain September–November; Gulf of Cádiz — Spain September–November; Cantabrian Sea — Spain August–October; Atlantic Ocean — Spain October–December; Balearic Sea — Spain September–November; Adriatic — Croatia May–October; Atlantic — France May–September; Mediterranean — France May–September; South East coast — England June–September; South coast — England June–September; South West coast — England June–September.

Which bait is Gilthead seabream caught with?

Baits and lures on record: mamun, sülünez, crab, mussel, European anchovy, Atlantic horse mackerel, shrimp, soft plastic worm, small jig, European sardine, European squid.

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