Species › Africa › Garrick (Leerfish)

Saltwater

Garrick (Leerfish)

Lichia amia · leerfish, garrick, leervis

Water temp
61–73°F
Peak season
May–Aug
Best light
Daytime
IGFA record
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Garrick (Leerfish) (Lichia amia Tuscany.jpg)

Photo: Trout90 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

OverviewWhere & WhenHow to CatchGearRegulationsRecordsForecastCatches

Overview

Garrick, or leerfish, are tall, compressed carangids with a silver body, a dark wavy lateral line, no visible scales and a large mouth, found along the Atlantic coast of southern Europe and West Africa, throughout the Mediterranean and around southern Africa from Namibia to KwaZulu-Natal. They patrol surf zones, river mouths and rocky points in loose shoals, feeding almost entirely on mullet and other baitfish and striking at the surface. In South Africa they migrate east along the coast in winter, drawing shore anglers to the Eastern Cape headlands; in Spain, Portugal and Italy they are a growing topwater lure target.

Typical size6–15 lb (2.7–7 kg); 24–34 in
Trophy30 lb+ (14 kg); 50 lb+ is exceptional
Table fareFair — edible but mostly released; South African anglers rate it poor

Where & when

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South African garrick run along the Eastern Cape and KZN coasts from April to September as they migrate east to spawn; Mediterranean leerfish fish best in late summer and autumn (August–November) when mullet gather in estuaries.

Kei River mouth and Transkei coast, South AfricaEastern Cape rock-and-surf headlands on the winter garrick runBreede River mouth, South AfricaWestern Cape estuary with resident and migrating garrickEbro Delta, SpainMediterranean estuary and surf zone with big autumn leerfish

How to catch

Live mullet under a floatCatch mullet with a cast net or small hooks, then drift one alive under a large float or balloon off rocky points and across river mouths on a 5/0–7/0 hook with a wire-free mono trace. Let the garrick run with the bait for a few seconds before striking.
Topwater stickbaits and poppersCast long floating stickbaits and poppers across surf gutters, river-mouth plumes and sand-bar edges at first light and work them with sweeps and pauses. Garrick follow and slash at the surface; keep the lure moving until the line comes tight.

Gear

Rod12–14' heavy surf rod, or 8–9' heavy spin rated 40–100 g
Reel6000–8000 spinning or large sidecast
Line30–40 lb braid or mono; 40–60 lb fluorocarbon leader

Lures

floating stickbaitspopperslarge soft-plastic paddle tails

Baits

live mulletlive karanteen or small breamwhole dead mulletsardine

Regulations

South Africa sets a minimum size and a low daily bag for garrick and requires a recreational marine angling permit; Mediterranean countries require a sea fishing license and set minimum sizes for leerfish. Check the national agency's current rules.

Records

IGFA all-tackle world record: not listed. State and regional records are kept by each fish & wildlife agency.

Frequently asked

When is the garrick season in South Africa?

Winter. Garrick migrate eastward along the Cape coast toward KwaZulu-Natal from about April to September, with the Eastern Cape points and river mouths of the Transkei peaking from May through August. Anglers time trips to calm, clear spells after cold fronts, when shoals move tight to the rocks chasing mullet.

Bite forecast — Garrick (Leerfish)

Recent catches

Posted by anglers on the live map, filtered to Garrick (Leerfish).

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