Sprat
Sprattus sprattus
FR Sprat · ES Espadín · PT Espadilha · IT Spratto · DE Sprotte
Also known as: EsparrelaEspadínSprotteSprattoEspadilha
PelagicShoreBoat
Baitfish
Score
—
Prime time
𐄳 (Bait fish) Night under lights; winter harbours.
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Oct–Dec
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Winter nights under lights — that's my vibe. Fine nets and tiny hooks, please...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaPier harbor
Recommended baits
Feather rigsPrawns
Diet
CopepodsPhytoplanktonFish eggsZooplankton
Effective techniques
Sabiki / Bait Catching
Gear
Best times
Night
Tiny but pivotal — the North Sea’s quiet backbone.
Field notes
Where to find them
Baltic, North Sea
Where they hang out
Surface shoals 0–30 m in bays/ports. (shore accessible range)
Prime time
𐄳 (Bait fish) Night under lights; winter harbours.
Tide game
Low; congregates where plankton concentrates.
What they're into
Very fine sabiki
Temperature vibe
Prefers cool waters; winter inshore.
Fave weather
Calm, clear nights best; storm murky water disperses.
Fun fact about me
Tiny but pivotal — the North Sea’s quiet backbone.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Often regulated with seasonal closures—check locally. Primarily a bait species; check local rules on gathering/using live/fresh bait.Baltic national agencies; port by‑laws.
Looking after them
Least Concern