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The sardine is a small, oily, silver baitfish that schools in huge numbers in Mediterranean coastal waters. It's the backbone of Egypt's night purse-seine fleet that works under bright lamps — and a superb live and cut bait as well as a grilled favourite.
Catch on small /feather rigs in surface shoals (lights help at night). Superb fresh bait.
Pelagic, schooling in open coastal waters
Warm months; large night schools attracted to lights.
· · Netting
Tiny hooks on a / feather string under a light, or a fine cast net — sardines are mainly a bait species.
Work a string of small feathers through a surface shoal — the classic way to fill the bait tank.
Eating & safety
Good, safe eating and superb bait.
Best conditions: Warm months; large night schools attracted to lights.
Sardine schools can number in the millions and move as one shimmering 'bait ball' — and the fish is named after the island of Sardinia.