Endless sun, long beaches, and turquoise water as far as the eye can see – fishing in Mallorca is something else. This is the largest of the Balearic Islands, located off the coast of Spain, and it’s one of the most inviting places in the world. Visited by millions of tourists yearly, it’s a favorite vacation spot for Spaniards and foreigners alike.
What makes Mallorca so special for so many people? Well, did we say it’s beautiful? It’s one of the most wonderful places you can visit for your summer holiday. And when it comes to fishing, there’s hardly a better place in Europe to cast a line. The waters run deep, and the fish here are big and abundant, so a Mallorca fishing adventure is an experience that any angler will love.
And if you’re looking for a complete travel experience, Mallorca is soaked in rich history and culture. With natural views you’ve seen only in your dreams – mountains and secluded coves, along with amazing beaches and stunning vineyards – you’ll never get enough of it. Can you imagine fishing among such beauty? Read on find out exactly what it would be like.
Best Fish to Catch in Mallorca
That’s the million-dollar question! With the Mediterranean Sea’s warm waters kissing its shore, Mallorca has a lot to brag about when it comes to fish. There’s such a wide variety of species you can catch here, it’s hard to decide what to go after. We’ve tried to give you an overview of the top catches below, so read on and find your favorite.
Bluefin Tuna
Starting off with a bang! Bluefin Tuna is one of the most sought-after fish in the Balearics, and people flock here for their fill of adventure. The waters off the north coast of Mallorca are known to hold great numbers of this species, and they get pretty big as well. The sea is deep, and these waters are the perfect habitat for them, so get ready for some sore arms.
In Mallorca, you can target Bluefin Tuna year-round, but for the best results, you should head out from May to November. Visit the deep blue, throw in some sardines, watch them bite, and let the action begin!
Dentex
One of the most-loved fish in this part of the world, Dentex is a bragworthy target. Its abundance makes it a great species to go after on any given day. And with the wide variety of habitats on offer, fishing for Dentex in Mallorca is bound to be productive. What makes it valuable? For one, it tastes amazing! People here have had it as part of their diet for a long time, and it never goes out of style.
Adult Dentex are mostly solitary animals, but you can find them in schools during spring, making it an especially good time to target them. You’re most likely to reel them in by doing some light trolling. Combine that with some deep sea fishing, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable fishing excursion!
Billfish
Going after Billfish in the Balearic Islands is unmissable action. You’ll find Marlin and Spearfish in the offshore waters, while Swordfish is especially plentiful. A nighttime trip going after this stunning creature is something you have to live to believe. They’re some of the hardest fighters, but reeling one in is a feat that earns you high bragging rights.
Are you looking for a deep water adventure? If so, there’s no better fish to go after than a species in the Billfish family. Whichever one you decide to pursue, you’ll be amazed at the fight they put up and their beauty as they cut through the water trying to get off the hook. Talk about an adrenaline rush!
Grouper
And if you’re looking for something more low-key, then this is the one for you. Dusky Grouper are famous in these waters, and they’re an especially great target for amateur anglers. So if you’re vacationing in Mallorca and want to get a taste of Mediterranean fishing, there’s no better fish to start you off.
Remember to pull the line as soon as they bite, as they can chug your bait in a second. And if you manage to pull a nice one out of the water, tasting it for dinner is going to be your reward. This species is a staple of Spanish cuisine, so catch your own meal and get a taste of your hard work. When in Rome…
Mahi Mahi
What would this post be without a snapshot of this extremely photogenic fish? These green and yellow beauties are found in abundance in the waters off the coast of Mallorca, and it’s your opportunity for a great holiday photo op. Mahi Mahi is a sought-after game fish, and reeling it in is a joyful experience. And how can it not be? Just look at it!
While you can normally find these feisty pelagics in the deep waters of the Mediterranean, in the fall they get pretty close to the coast. This is when light tackle fishing turns into a real challenge. You’ll be able to go after huge schools of Mahi Mahi for your chance to land a trophy. And don’t forget to snap a photo!
And More
While these are all prized catches in the area, don’t feel like you have to limit yourselves to this list. There’s a lot more where that came from, so feel free to target Little Tunny, Amberjack, Seabream, Mackerel, Barracuda, Bluefish, and the rest of the Mallorca crew.
How to Go Fishing in Mallorca
Now that you know what you want to go after, how do you go about it? Great question, and one with many answers. There’s a variety of ways to plan your Mallorca fishing adventure, but we’ve listed the most popular ones down below. Keep on reading, and let your imagination take you there.
Charter Fishing
Hands-down the way to go to fill your bags. Charter fishing is one of the most productive ways you can choose to spend your time on the water, as you’ll get the most out of it. And by that, we mean the most fish. Heading out with a local captain on a charter boat is a surefire way to find the most prolific fishing grounds.
The captain will know where to take you, and how to reel some big ones in. You’ll be able to cover a lot of ground and visit waters that hold some of those sea monsters. Not to mention the adventure! Imagine cutting through the waves on a boat off the coast of Mallorca, wind in your hair, rod in your hand, and not a care in the world. Nice way to spend your summer, right?
Shore Fishing
While charter fishing may be the most productive, shore fishing is definitely the most relaxing way of fishing in Mallorca. Have we mentioned the beaches? Yes, they’re stunning. But Mallorca’s rocky coast is where the best action is. Rockfishing in the waters surrounding the island will get you some prized species like Seabream, Grouper, and quirky Cuttlefish.
Imagine this: you get to the sea, rod in hand. You cast a line from the coast into the water 10 meters deep. Then open a cold drink and soak in the sun while waiting for the bite. You look over to the horizon and there’s nothing but blue as far as the eye can see. This is what fishing in Mallorca is, and it’s truly irreplaceable.
Kayak Fishing
Are you looking for a bigger adventure? A way to spice up your summer holiday? Swap your beach ball for a kayak and head out in search of some of the prized fish that inhabit these waters. Mallorca is waiting to be explored, and such beauty can only be appreciated when you get just close enough.
And what’s closer than a kayak? If you’re ready for a day of work, balancing your way through these turquoise waters with a rod in hand, Mallorca will reward you with some unforgettable memories. You’ll get up close and personal with the sea, get a real workout, and take home some delicious table fare as well. Dare to explore.
Mallorca Fishing Spots
You might think it’s easy to decide on your fishing spot, but remember this is the largest island in the Balearic archipelago. Its sheer size and natural diversity both make for some fine fishing spots around Mallorca. We’ve compiled a short list of the top spots that you can use as a starting point.
- Palma: Starting the list with the capital of Mallorca, this is the favorite tourist spot on the island, but the fishing here is something special. Move away from the crowds and visit the west pier for some Seabream, Dentex, and Grouper action.
- Puerto de Pollensa: This quaint little town on the north end of the island is your getaway paradise. You’ll find great fishing away from the hustle and bustle of Palma, and reel in species like Dentex, Seabream, Scorpionfish, and Grouper.
- Puerto de Soller: Now if you’re really looking for peace and quiet, you’ve found your spot. This stunning little fishing village looks like it came out of a dream, and fishing for Dentex and Grouper is out of this world.
- Alcudia: As one of the best spots to visit if you’re looking for Bluefin Tuna, Alcudia doesn’t disappoint. Heading out of Alcudia will see you quickly getting to some seriously deep waters where Tuna and Swordfish can be found year-round.
- Cala d’Or: If you want to explore the south side of the island, look no further. This village offers some of the best sportfishing in Mallorca, so you can go after Billfish, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna.
Apart from these, there are beautiful protected marine reserves in Mallorca that allow fishing under certain conditions, like Badia de Palma, Llevant de Mallorca, and Migjorn de Mallorca. You can start planning your escapade now!
When to Go Fishing in Mallorca
While it’s possible to fish these waters year-round, Mallorca’s main fishing season takes place from May to November. It’s when all the most sought-after game fish show up in the area. These include Swordfish, Bluefin Tuna, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and more.
Of course, when it comes to species such as Grouper and Dentex, they’re caught year-round along the reefs. So if you’re just looking to spend a few hours on the water and return to land with something delicious, there’s really no bad time to visit Mallorca.
Mallorca Fishing Regulations
Mallorca is a year-round tourist destination, as well as a year-round prolific fishery. Any time you cast a line in these waters is a good time. If you want to avoid the crowds, come in the spring when the action heats up, or in the fall, when you can unwind and relax. But whenever you come, fishing will be there.
That being said, everyone over the age of 14 needs to have a fishing license that you can get here. The license covers recreational fishing from the coast and from floating devices like kayaks and canoes. When it comes to fishing aboard a charter, the license will be covered for you.
Why Mallorca? It’s Heaven on Earth
Haven’t we said enough? If we haven’t, let the millions of tourists that visit this slice of heaven year after year speak for Mallorca. It’s a beautiful island in the stunning Mediterranean Sea, with endless beaches and amazing fishing opportunities. Your next summer holiday just got a lot more interesting.
Have you ever visited Mallorca? Did you check out the fishing scene? What was your trip like? Tell us all about it in the comments below. We love to hear from you!
