Garfish (Belone belone)

Belone belone

Garfish

SeaPredatorMediumNot venomousGood target

Garfish is a long, fast surface fish. It is fun on light lures or float rigs.

About this fish

Beginner idea: do not try every method at once. Pick one method, understand depth, wind, and fish behaviour, then add complexity.

Where to find it

Look around rocks, breakwaters, harbour mouths, sandy patches, weed, and baitfish activity.

How to identify it

Compare body shape, fins, mouth, and colours with the photo before handling the fish.

How to catch it

Start with: float fishing, spinning. Keep the session simple, check depth, and move if bites do not come.

Baits and lures

  • small lures
  • shrimp

Equipment

  • sea tackle matched to the style: light for rockfishing and small fish, stronger for distance or larger predators
  • line/braid, leader, and strength matched to rocks, teeth, current, and fish size
  • metal jigs, minnows, soft lures, and long pliers
  1. 1.Check wind, swell, and safe access to the water.
  2. 2.Start around sunrise, sunset, or low-light periods.
  3. 3.If nothing happens for 20-30 minutes, change depth, lure, or angle.

Handling and rules

Not venomous. Wet your hands, use a landing net, and release quickly if you do not keep it.

Sea shore fishing usually does not need a license, but check harbours, protected zones, and local restrictions.

Where it lives in this guide

Forecast for Limassol Coast

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What difficulty means

It is not fish size or danger. It means how hard it is to consistently find, trigger, and catch the species in real Cyprus conditions.

Easy

Beginner-friendly: simple tackle, clear bites, and less demand for perfect presentation.

Gear. Float rod, feeder, or simple bottom rig; small set of hooks, weights, and bait.

Weather. Best with wind under 18 km/h, moderate UV, and low rain chance.

Medium

Requires reading the spot: depth, wind, cover, fish activity, and retrieve speed.

Gear. Bring 2-3 methods, spare leaders, different weights/lures, and unhooking tools.

Weather. Wind at 18-28 km/h affects casting; watch gusts, pressure, and swell.

Hard

Hard to catch consistently: the species may be rare, local, seasonal, depth-sensitive, weather-sensitive, or active only in short windows.

Gear. Tackle depends on method and spot. Having options, patience, and spot-reading matters more than one 'correct' rig.

Weather. Watch activity windows: wind, pressure, clarity, water level, current, and light can matter more than the lure.