Hake Longlinea: Best Fishing Locations

If you are using hake longline and are looking for the best fishing locations in Croatia, this guide will reveal where this prized fish is most often found, which fishing techniques yield the best results, and how to choose between nylon longline and rope longline. The Croatian coast, especially Kvarner, Dalmatia, and Istria, offers excellent conditions for hake fishing. Read on to find out where to set your hake longline for maximum catches!

1. Kvarner (Rab, Cres, Lošinj) – Ideal for Deep Sea Fishing

The Kvarner area, especially around the islands of Rab, Cres and Lošinj, is one of the best places for hake fishing. It is characterized by a rocky bottom (40-70 m deep), where hake gather along thermoclines and underwater reefs.

Best locations:

• Cape Kamenjak (Rab) – Catches up to 5 kg, use sardines and squid.
• Lopar Bay – Protected area, good for nylon longline fishing.
• Podvelebitski Kanal – Excellent for night fishing.

📊 Catch statistics (2023)

Optimal time: May – September, night hunting.

2. Southern Dalmatia (Pelješac, Mljet, Korčula) – Treasury of Great Specimens

Southern Dalmatia offers steep underwater slopes (50-90 m) and strong currents, which attract large individuals.

Top locations:

• Korčula Channel – Deep channels with catches up to 6 kg.
• Saplunara Bay (Mljet) – Rich in food for hake.
• Cape Lovište (Pelješac) – Ideal for night fishing with sonar.

Tips:
Use a rope longline due to strong currents.
Best bait: fresh squid and octopus.
Most active time: June - September.

3. Central Dalmatia (Šibenik, Kornati) – Paradise for Experienced Fishermen

Kornati and Šibenik offer deep channels (50-80 m) and sharp underwater relief, where hake hides along the rocks.

Best locations:

• Žirje Passage – Frequent catches of 3-7 kg.
• Rt Prvić – The abundance of red algae attracts hake.
• Lavska Draga (Kornati) – Good for beginners.

Practical tips:
Rope longline (1.2 mm thick) because of sharp rocks.
Sinker weight for stability and signal – fishing marker buoy with line and sinker
Best period: May – October.

4. Istrian Gulf (Pula, Rovinj) – Ideal for Beginners

Istria has shallow zones (30-60 m), which is suitable for using nylon longlines.

Best locations:

• Cape Kamenjak (Premantura) – Excellent in spring.
• Valbandon Cove – Great for night hunting.
• Cape Savudrija – The point where warm and cold currents meet.

📊 Catch statistics:

Optimal time: April – June and September – November.

Hake Longline – How to Increase Success?

1. Equipment Selection

• Rope longline – for depths and rocky bottoms. Available with 30, 50 or 100 hooks.
• Nylon longline – for shallower waters. Available with 30, 50 or 100 hooks.

2. The best Bait

• Fresh sardines - most effective
• Squid – especially at night.
• Octopus – attracts larger specimens.

3. Optimal Hunting Time

• Most active: 1 hour before sunrise/sunset.
• Season: May – October.

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Conclusion

The Croatian coast offers excellent locations for hake fishing, and the key to success lies in the correct selection of longlines and fishing lines. Whether you are using rope line or nylon line, it is important to monitor seasonal migrations and fishing techniques. Find more information at Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries.

Look for a large selection of longlines in our web shop.