Fishing Charters in Málaga

Fishing off Málaga and the Costa del Sol

The coast from Málaga west through Benalmádena and Fuengirola to Marbella sits right next to the Strait of Gibraltar, so Atlantic and Mediterranean water mix offshore. That is why the species list here is long for the Mediterranean, and why it moves with the seasons: reef fish over rock and wrecks in the cooler months, fast pelagics on the troll in summer and autumn. Most trips are full days on the open sea and over the reefs rather than short harbour outings.

Both boats listed here are run by the same captain, who has fished this stretch of coast out of the Marbella area for more than 20 years and speaks English and Spanish. They suit two different groups:

• La Starfisher is a cabin cruiser for up to 8 guests on 10 hour trips offshore and over the reefs, fishing light tackle. It has a toilet and a bed on board, the fishing licence is included, and children are welcome. The crew keeps the catch on this boat, and catch cleaning and filleting is listed, so agree before you leave if you hope to take a fish home.
• La Faeton Blue Marlin is a larger cruiser with a flybridge and a kitchen for up to 12 guests on full day trips, with trolling, drift fishing and jigging. Guests keep their catch, catch and release is welcome, pickup and drop-off are included, and the boat is listed as wheelchair accessible. It is the one for a bigger group or a long day after pelagics.

What you can catch, and when

From December to April the reef fishing leads: sea bream, dentex and conger, caught bottom fishing over rock and wrecks on calm days between fronts. From June the pelagics take over: bonito, little tunny and amberjack on the troll, with albacore further offshore on a long day. September to November is the best all round season, when dorado (lampuga locally) arrive and the reef fish feed hard before winter, so a mixed day is realistic. The full month by month picture is in our guide to what you can catch fishing in Málaga.

Bluefin tuna run through the Strait every spring, and both boats list them, but Spain closed recreational bluefin fishing for 2026 on 23 June once the quota was used up. The rules are set again each year, so if tuna are the point of your trip, ask the captain what is open on your dates before you book. Recreational sea anglers in Spain also have catch declaration rules: see our guide to fishing licences in Spain and PescaREC.

Before you book

• Plan around the wind. The levante (easterly) and the poniente (westerly) decide where the boat can fish. In summer the wind usually builds after lunch, so trips start early. Leave a spare day in case a trip has to move.
• Pick the boat for the group. Light tackle on La Starfisher suits beginners and families; La Faeton suits a larger group that wants to troll and jig offshore.
• Agree the catch. On one boat the crew keeps it, on the other you do. Ask before you go if you want dinner from the day.
• Staying further west? See the boats on the Marbella charters page, or all fishing charters in Spain.