Go Sport Fishing

The Mediterranean is a major blessing for Malta as it provides a monster-sized leisure and activity centre right on everyone’s doorstep. There are countless activities to be done on top of the water but in this case we’re concentrating on what’s lurks below the surface. Specifically – fish!

This area is home to thousands of exciting species of fishy friends – big and small. As with all anglers, it’s the big ones we’re interested in and situated as it is, right in the middle of the sea, Malta is pretty much the best place for year-round shore and boat fishing - with some of the most rewarding catches too.

The best season generally is in late summer (September), when the water temperatures are at their highest after months of being heated by the blazing sun. That’s when shoals of pelagic fish such as garfish, dorado, amberjack and little tuna come close to the shore and when the rods of sport fishing types start to twitch more then usual.

Sport fishing is very popular in Malta and requires different angling techniques - from rock fishing and beach ledgering to spinning and float fishing. Many choose to relax along the seaside in sheltered bays, or on the many piers along the shoreline, to enjoy a few hours of light tackle fishing.

But as any serious angler will tell you, the peak of sport fishing is that enjoyed from a boat because that will increase your chances of catching bigger species. Dangle your line off the back of a boat and not only might you drag out bottom-dwelling species such as painted comber, wrasse and bream but even predatory species as amberjack, barracuda, albacore tuna, skipjack, dentex and dorado. Depending on the season, certain species are caught using artificial lures and in some cases also using live bait fish or squid.

As is to be expected on an island, it is relatively easy to equip yourself and have a bash at sport fishing. Dedicated anglers as well as beginners will find, on the internet and at first hand from fellow enthusiasts, very useful and interesting information on local fishing tactics, the best rigs to use, what bait works best and information about the species that swim around in Malta's crystal clear waters.

It is important to bear in mind the fact that sport fishing is also a way of learning more about preserving the underwater environment and it is for this reason that the ‘catch and release’ philosophy has been gaining ground amongst Maltese anglers.

Numerous cruisers and other boats offer sports fishing trips from a variety of bays around the island. So have a look around and see who offers what suits you best. Al;ternatively, you can book a fishing trip through our sister site Something Different. Click on the link below for more details.