Dubrovnik

Fishing in Dubrovnik should be on your radar this season! Dubrovnik is so much more than one of the main film sites for Game of Thrones. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful town offers some incredible fishing opportunities. A tourist hot spot, you’ll come for the tours and stay for the fishing.

Croatia has great spots for freshwater fishing, but in Dubrovnik, it’s all about offshore fishing on the Adriatic Sea. As one of the clearest and shallowest seas in Europe, the species that call these waters home are varied and perfect for recreational fishing. The Adriatic Sea is usually calm, without strong tides, making it perfect for beginners as well as more experienced anglers.

Croatia is called the country of 1,000 islands for a very good reason. A short half-hour boat ride will take you to the Elaphiti Islands. The hot spots you should visit for awesome fishing include Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

You can start fishing reefs and shipwrecks just one mile from the coast of Dubrovnik. You’re likely to begin your fishing charter by going past the old city walls, so have your camera ready to take in this ancient structure. Once past these ancient walls, you’ll be able to try a range of techniques, such as trolling, live baiting, and bottom wreck fishing. This of course depends on the conditions on the day, as well as which species you’re targeting.

The most impressive fish you can catch here is the elusive Swordfish – night trips are your best chance of catching this pelagic fish. The Adriatic Sea is also a hotspot for catching Bluefin Tuna, as well as Amberjack, Dentex, John Dory, and Grouper. The prized Bluefin Tuna can be caught from August to January.

You can spearfish during the day, which has a very long tradition in Dubrovnik. The Adriatic Sea lends itself perfectly to this technique, due to its high visibility and shallow waters. No scuba diving equipment can be used here, so this is best for freediving spearos with experience.

When spearfishing, you’ll be able to target Grouper, Dentex, and Yellowtail Amberjack, as well as Mullet and Brown Meager (also called Corb). It’s recommended that when spearfishing you head out with a guide. This is so they can inform you of the regulations for each species on your trip.

The best spearfishing can be found around the islands of Molunat and Glavat, 40 miles and 70 miles away from Dubrovnik respectively. These beautiful islands offer the perfect depths for larger game that is usually out of reach when spearfishing. Head over during late summer and stay till fall for excellent spearfishing options. If you wish to compete in a spearfishing competition, you’ll need to head to the island of Mali Lošinj for the New Year Spearfishing Cup tournament. This is a nine-hour drive away, but well worth the trek.

• When going after the king of the Adriatic, Bluefin Tuna, try trolling with live or dead bait. Mackerel, herring, mullet, and squid all work well. If artificial lures are more your speed, use spoons, plugs, or feathers for great results.  

• You can catch Swordfish during the full moon. They love squid baits. Artificial lures that look like squid but light up are also a fantastic way to attract these deep water Billfish.

Fishing from the harbor and public beaches is restricted in high tourist season (between May and October), so head out on a boat for the best experience during the summer.

The mollusk Date Shell (locally called Prstaci) is protected by law, and you will be fined if caught taking one. Similarly, if you catch a female Spiny Lobster, you must release it regardless of its size.

Your fishing license is likely to be included in the price of the trip if you book with a charter captain.  Your captain will also inform you what you can catch during the season and the legal limits of each species.

Everyone who fishes in Croatia needs to purchase a fishing license and a membership to the Croatian Sea Sport Fishing Association. You will need proof of identification in order to get you license, which costs roughly $20 per day with the membership card included

Croatia has a tourist tax for all visitors, which is less than $1.25 per day. This is usually paid at your hotel during check-in. Disabled people and children under 12 are exempt from paying.

The average price for six anglers on a full day trip is around $1,250. On a half day trip, expect to pay from around $850 for groups of six.

Fly directly into Dubrovnik, at the Čilipi Airport. This is a 35-minute drive along the D8 to the city center.

The summer season is incredibly busy with tourists in Dubrovnik, so book your fishing trip well in advance. Make your own history in this ancient city!