Species guide
How to catch European hake
Merluccius
saltwatergame fishMerlucciidae
The European hake is an elongated saltwater fish prized by anglers. Juveniles inhabit deep waters before moving coastal as they grow. They form shoals, feeding mainly on smaller fish, and migrate seasonally between deep and inshore waters.
Where they live
Found in Atlantic and Mediterranean saltwaters, European hake occupy deep waters in winter (up to 1075 m) and move inshore during summer. Juveniles prefer deeper areas, adults inhabit coastal nursery zones before spawning deeper.
Typical size
Most run 33–140 cm
What they eat
- small fish such as blue whiting, whiting, Norway pout, herring
- squid species
- cuttlefish
- smaller cephalopods
Best baits
- small fish baits
- squid strips
- cut bait
Best lures
- jigs
- soft plastic lures
- poppers
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging
- drift fishing
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