Saltwater · Autumn through early spring in deep water

Blackspot Seabream

Pagellus bogaraveo

The deep-water sparid of the Bay of Biscay and the Channel, a winter prize on deep marks where big fish station over banks and slopes. Big eyes and a black spot behind the gill separate the blackspot seabream from every shallower Pagellus. This is serious boat work with heavy leads — not a shore species.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Blackspot Seabream — Photo: Isabelle Cheret, null, CC BY 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Identifying features

Very large eye adapted to deep water — much bigger than in common pandora
Bold black spot behind the gill cover at the origin of the lateral line
Pinkish-silver body, deeper and more big-headed than other Pagellus
Black edge inside the gill cover visible when the cover is lifted
Forked tail, pink fins; young fish may show faint bars

Habits

Lives deep as an adult; juveniles live shallower and migrate down with age
A winter fishery — the big spawning-season fish gather on deep marks in the cold months
Feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans and molluscs near the bottom
Mostly caught by deep-drop boat fishing; rarely from shore
Spawns in winter and early spring in deep water

Distribution

Channel & Atlantic Coast, France · France★ Primary

Mediterranean Coast, France · FranceCommon

Mediterranean Coast, Spain · SpainCommon

Adriatic Coast & Po Basin, Italy · ItalyCommon

South & West Coasts, England & Wales · United KingdomOccasional

Where to find them

Bay of Biscay deep banks off the French Atlantic coast
Western Channel deep wrecks and slopes
Spanish Mediterranean deep grounds, less common in the Adriatic

Where they live

Deep offshore banks and slopes in 500-2,300 ft (150-700 m)Rocky drop-offs and deep wrecks in winter depthDeep channel edges of the Bay of Biscay and western Channel

How to catch them

Deep dropping on banks and slopes Boat

Rig: Two hooks on a flowing trace above a 6-12 oz lead, dropped vertically to 150-300 m over banks and drop-offs

Bait/lure: Whole sardine, squid strips or shrimp

Key tip: Keep contact with the bottom and lift slowly — the fish take the bait on the bottom; wind up by hand or electric reel from depth.

Anchored fishing on deep wrecks Boat

Rig: Anchored boat rig with a long flowing trace and size 2/0-3/0 hooks, presented beside deep wrecks and rock slopes in winter

Bait/lure: Fish strips and squid

Key tip: Position the boat exactly over the mark and let the boat's lift work the bait; do not hurry a heavy fish in deep water.

Best baits & lures

Whole small sardine or anchovySquid strips on a flowing traceShrimp and crab pieces

Techniques for Blackspot Seabream →

Baseline setup

Rod: Strong boat rod 8-10 ft, 20-30 lb class
Line: 30-40 lb braid with a rubbing leader
Terminal: 6-12 oz leads for deep drops, size 2/0-4/0 hooks, long flowing traces

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

9' 5-weight fly rod outfit

≈ US$180-260

Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.

Flies · Budget

Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)

≈ US$25-40

Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 10-14 in (25-35 cm), about 1-2 lb (0.5-0.9 kg); large fish to 28 in (70 cm) and over 8 lb (3.6 kg)

On the table

Excellent — a premium table fish, dense white flesh highly prized in Spain; not cheap in markets for good reason.

Similar species

Common PandoraCommon pandora is smaller-eyed, has blue spots instead of a spot and lives shallower; blackspot seabream carries the black spot behind the gill and lives in far deeper water

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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