Species guide
How to catch John dory
Zeus faber
The John dory is a distinctive deep-bodied fish known for its solitary habits and laterally compressed, oval shape. It is a skilled predator feeding mainly on schooling fish and occasionally on squid and crustaceans. This species is valued by anglers and is found in deep sandy or muddy seabeds.
Where they live
John dory inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow waters around 5 meters down to depths of about 400 meters. It is found in brackish and saltwater across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean regions.
Typical size
Up to about 90 cm
What they eat
- schooling bony fish
- squid
- cuttlefish
- crustaceans
Best baits
- small fish strips
- squid pieces
- fresh shrimp
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- small metal spoons
- jigging lures
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging
- drift fishing
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