Gilthead Seabream
Sparus aurata
FR Dorade royale · ES Dorada · PT Dourada · IT Orata · DE Goldbrasse (Dorade)
Also known as: Gilthead SeabreamDoradaDorade royaleGoldbrasse (Dorade)OrataDourada
Reef/KelpShoreBoat
Reef
Score
—
Prime time
Dawn/dusk; warm months
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–SepGood Apr–Oct
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing80%
Bottom fishing / ledgering75%
Preferred seabed
SandMixed
Findr bio
Dawn/dusk in the warm months. Not into small talk — bring good crab...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryPier harborRocky shoreSandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
CrabPrawnsShellfishFish baits
Diet
BivalvesMusselCrabPolychaete wormsEchinoderms
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingRunning LedgerFloat FishingSurfcasting
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskNightFlooding tideMid flood
That gold streak between my eyes gives me my name — and molar-like teeth built to crush oysters and mussels whole.
Field notes
Where to find them
Mediterranean, Southern Atlantic
Where they hang out
Estuaries, harbours 2–10m
Prime time
Dawn/dusk; warm months
Tide game
Strong on flooding tide
What they're into
Crabs, prawns, mussels; crushes shellfish with molars
Temperature vibe
Likes ≥15°C; sluggish in cold
Fave weather
Light onshore chop good; too much surf bad
Fun fact about me
Gold-trimmed and surprisingly streetwise — loves reefs, hates sloppy rigs.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
MLS ~20–23cm+; bag limits in Med countriesRegional Med fisheries agencies
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Gilthead Seabream