Picarel Fishing
Picarel: habits
Picarel is a small schooling saltwater fish found in shallow coastal waters. It holds in mid-water, near rocky shores, and close to seaweed. It feeds on plankton and small crustaceans. Fish are active in warm months and gather in dense schools.
Where and when to fish
Fishing is done from piers, shorelines, rocky outcrops, and small boats. Most productive in the morning and evening hours, when picarel rises toward the surface. In midday heat it holds a bit deeper. Visual cue: the characteristic small surface splashes of a school.
What triggers them
A sabiki rig with flies or small hooks is the most common method. A small piece of bait (mussel, squid, worm) on hook #10–14 works reliably. A light float rig or light spinning with micro lures are also used.
Tips
- A sabiki rig is the most effective method: catch several fish per cast.
- Thin line 0.14 mm is essential: picarel can see heavy tackle.
- Locate schools by small surface splashes and active gulls.
- Groundbaiting with bread or small bait pieces holds fish under the float.
- A small weight above the trace helps control the depth of the sabiki rig.
Recommended gear
Light float rig or pole rod 5–6 m. Monofilament 0.14–0.18 mm, hooks #10–14. Sabiki rig with 4–6 flies on monofilament 0.2 mm. For spinning: UL rod with a fly or small twister 1 inch.
