Fishing in Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera - are among Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations. But beyond the nightlife, beaches, and scenic vistas, they are also a prime fishing location in the heart of the western Mediterranean. With deep offshore canyons, rocky reefs, sandy bays, and thriving marine biodiversity, the archipelago offers superb saltwater fishing with a mix of action, variety, and postcard-perfect settings. The islands enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, meaning fishing is possible all year round. Summer brings the big pelagic species closer to shore, while winter offers calm conditions for bottom and reef fishing. With modern marinas in Palma, Ciutadella, Ibiza Town, and other coastal hubs, the islands are well equipped with charters and guides to cater to every level of angler—from family outings to hardcore big game trips. You need a fishing license to fish from the shore, but it’s easy to obtain. For clients of charter boats, fishing licenses are covered by the operator. Catch and possession limits exist for certain species, with catch-and-release mandatory once the possession limit has been reached.

The bluefin tuna is the headline act in the Balearics, with fish often exceeding 100 kg (specimen of up to 400 kg have been caught!) and offering an unforgettable fight. They are joined by albacore, swordfish, and dorado (mahi-mahi) offshore during the warmer months. Inshore, anglers target amberjack, dentex, barracuda, and bonito, all of which thrive in the islands’ structured, reefy coastal waters. Bottom fishing over reefs produces snapper, scorpionfish, moray eels, and grouper, while gilthead sea bream and white seabream are abundant near sandy and rocky mixed bottoms. Shore anglers can find sea bass, mullet, and small predators from accessible rocky points and piers, and marvel at their diversity and bright tropical shapes and colors of fishes such as the rainbow wrasse.

Techniques in the Balearics vary widely based on your fishing zone and target species. Trolling with artificial lures or live bait is the go-to method for tuna and other pelagics offshore. Chumming is legal and widely practiced, with bits of sardine thrown off the boat to create a sight and scent trail that attracts tuna. Anchoring at or drifting near known sweet spots is a viable alter, with spinning, vertical jigging and bottom fishing with natural baits like squid or sardines are highly effective over reefs and wrecks. Light spinning and soft plastics work well near shore for dentex, bonito, and small barracuda. Surfcasting is limited due to the rocky coastline but can produce seabream and mullet in the right conditions. Shore-based rock fishing is popular and productive, particularly at dawn. Spearfishing is a regulated but rewarding activity in clear waters. Charter captains often adapt methods based on seasonal conditions, ensuring the best chance of success regardless of your experience level.