A bluefish is a stocky, blue-green predator of open coastal water in warm and temperate seas around the world, the Mediterranean included. Shoals drive baitfish to the surface and slash through them, and a hooked fish runs hard, jumps and tries to cut the line with a mouth full of sharp teeth. They are good eating straight off the boat, but the oily flesh does not keep, so ice it and cook it the same day.
Our Malta boat for them is Fishingmalta, run by skippers Chris and Daryl from Ta' Xbiex on a 33 foot Targa. They troll and bottom fish, and carry spinning and popping gear too. Bluefish are one of the predators that can show on a trolling or spinning run along the coast, not something the crew can promise, so say when you book that you would like a go at them.
There are two shared departures, 07:00 for five hours and midday for four. Surface feeders are often busiest early, so take the morning slot if bluefish are the aim. Tackle, bait, fuel and drinks are included; bring non-slip shoes and a warm layer for the ride home.
Do they reach the Spanish side too? Our post on bluefish in Marbella looks into it.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
Do you need a wire trace for bluefish in Malta?
Bluefish teeth cut through light nylon, so a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon trace is the usual answer when they are about. Fishingmalta supplies all rods, reels and tackle, so ask the skippers to rig for bluefish if you want to try for them.
Is the Fishingmalta bluefish trip shared or private?
Both Fishingmalta departures from Ta' Xbiex are shared: 07:00 for five hours or 12:00 for four. You may fish alongside other guests, so if bluefish are your main goal, say so at booking and the skippers will tell you how the day is likely to go.