Spinning for European seabass
Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.
Gear
- Rod
- Saltwater spinning rod 2.7–3.0 m, casting weight 15–50 g
- Reel
- Spinning reel, size 4000
- Mainline
- Braid 0.16–0.20 mm (20–30 lb)
- Leader
- Fluorocarbon 0.35–0.45 mm, 1 m
- Hook
- Treble #4 to 1/0
Daiwa Saltiga Bass
Major Craft Skyroad
Shimano Lesath
Tailwalk Saltyshape Dash Seabass
Daiwa Certate LT 4000
Shimano Stradic SW 4000
Penn Spinfisher VI 5500
Lures / bait
- Crankbaits/jerkbaits (IMA Komomo, Tackle House Feedshallow, Lucky Craft Flash Minnow, Rapala X-Rap)
- Topwater lures (poppers, walking baits)
- Soft-plastic jigs (Megabass Hazedong, Z-Man MinnowZ)
- Flashy spoons 20–40 g
Season
May–October (UK and France)
Time of day
Dawn, dusk, high tide
Pro tip
One of Europe's most sought-after light-tackle saltwater species. Work the surf zone, rock marks and estuaries on a moving tide. Hard takes and a strong fight.