Sardine | Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Sardine

Sardine

aka Sardina pilchardus

Also referred to as pilchards, the sardine in a small to medium-sized fish that somewhat looks like herring as its nearly cylindrical, with a rounded belly. Generally living close to land and are surface feeders, this fish is widely distributed across the English Channel, the North and Black Seas and European coasts of the Mediterranean. It is silver in colour with a darker, green or olive coloured back, small pectoral and anal fins, a triangular dorsal fin and a deeply forked tail.

Fact The term "sardine" first appeared in English during the early 15th century and may originate from Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean around which sardines were once abundant. There are 21 species that may be classified as sardines.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

Often found around ports and piers and up to 240km offshore.

Bait

Bait

Bread balls & squid strips.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Found anywhere there is deep water structures, from Iceland down to North Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

Sardines are also known as pilchards (Sardina Pilchardus), are often used as bait for other species. Catching pilchards by rod tends to be a time-consuming endeavour. Sardines are most commonly caught during nighttime as they are nocturnal fish, slowly ascending at night towards the surface. Usually caught using cast nets ranging from a 6-8 ft radius with a small mesh size ranging from 1/2 or 5/8 inch wide. Once the net is thrown in the water, waiting until it sinks to the bottom will provide more catches. On the line, hooking them with a Sabiki rig makes life easier, as it has the capacity for more fish on the line. However, this method will require great skill and landing strategies. This setup will include tying the mainline to a swivel with a clinch knot, then locating the snap swivel followed by clipping it to an egg sinker; jiggling the jig will make the bait more attractive to them. Using light will also attract the volume of sardine. The bite will be soft and increase once the jiggling stops, but waiting a moment will allow all the baits to be taken before reeling in. Once caught, using a hook remover tool always does the job. However, most anglers catch sardine to use as bait in which they can be kept alive for a maximum of five days in a baits bucket. When Using a net, it is always important to remember to clean it after use and release any unwanted fish unharmed.

Video

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