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FISHING TRAVEL CROATIA Zadar
Big Game Croatia – Fishing for bluefin tuna around the coast of Zadar
For years now, the Adriatic has been establishing itself more and more as an excellent big game destination. Due to its closeness to Germany (Munich-Zadar: approx. 750 km), this destination is not only ideal for air travel, but also for travelling by car. In addition, you will find a perfect combination of family holidays and FISHING TRAVEL CROATIA in Zadar here. Beautiful accommodation, located directly on the Adriatic Sea, countless activities and excursions in the surrounding area, good food and, of course, Croatian hospitality are just a few good reasons to spend your holiday here.
Fishing adventure CROATIA Zadar
Another reason is the excellent fishing adventure in CROATIA Zadar. Off the coast of Zadar, everything focuses on bluefin tuna, which is caught here mainly in May and July-September. The reason for the good tuna stocks is – besides numerous protective measures – the many offshore islands off the coast, which attract huge swarms of sardines in search of food. In their trail are the large marine predators – first and foremost the bluefin tuna, but also swordfish, sharks, albacore, dorado (mahi-mahi) and several others.
Skipper Patrick Baier has built up a remarkable big game scene here within the last few years. Having spent much of his time in Croatia since childhood, he has also learned to fish here from the locals and has honed his skills over the years. He now works with several Croatian and also German skippers and has built up a small fleet of big game boats. Here you are in absolutely professional hands and you also don’t need to burden your luggage with fishing tackle – absolutely everything necessary is on board.
Fishing is done mostly with sardines from the drifting boat, constantly feeding with pieces of sardines (“chumming”) and thus laying a real food trail for the tuna to find and follow until they arrive at the bait. Thune usually weigh 30-50 kg and offer gripping drills on relatively light tackle. Big fish have 100-200 kg, sometimes even more.
Those who have already had the pleasure of seeing a bluefin tuna in a drill in other places on our planet can still be very surprised by the fighting power of the fish here. Especially in the summer months of July and August, when the water of the Adriatic is extremely clear and rich in oxygen, the fish can demand a lot from you. In addition, fishing is done with a relatively thin leader, because otherwise the “Bluefins” are hardly to be moved to the bite. The author of these lines was able to experience for himself how an approximately 200-pound tuna demanded him for no less than 5 hours and 10 minutes until the fish was finally on board. You have to experience that…
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The charters boats
Patrick Baier, our local partner, now has a small fleet of big game boats at his disposal, of which we would like to present 2 here as examples. Normally we meet in the morning between 07:00 and 08:00 in the Marina Borik – and then we start. Rental equipment is completely on board – high quality material (e.g. Shimano/Penn). If requested, jigging/popping equipment is also available. Also included are the necessary fishing licenses, bait and soft drinks. Most boats have their own quota for taking bluefin tuna. If fish are taken, then a maximum of one per day (as long as they are at least over 30 kg). As almost everywhere in the world, the catch belongs to the boat.
Maxi
A Faeton Moraga, 8 meters long, 2.85 meters wide. Motorized with 220 hp diesel. Cruising speed 18 knots, top speed 24 knots. The boat has 2 sleeping places, toilet, kitchenette with refrigerator and a gas hotplate. Equipment: chart plotter, GPS, HD fish finder, down scanner, autopilot, radar, Webasto heater and radio. The boat is perfect for 2-3 anglers. Port: Marin Borik/Zadar.
Daily charter price (approx. 8 hours):
€ 599,– (2 persons)
€ 649,– (3 persons)
Fishing trips in Hidalga
A 31ft TIAR, 10.9 meters long, 3.85 meters wide. Motorized with 2 x 300 hp Caterpilar Diesel. Radar, 2 Fishfinder, Tuna Tower, Outrigger, fighting chair, live bait tank, Sardamat, electr. downrigger (2019), Rocket Launcher for up to 8 rods ( casting / jigging) in the bow, fully equipped galley with stove, fridge, oven, microwave. Air conditioning, TV, PC. Wifi / WLAN antenna. Sleeps 4.
Optimal for up to 5 anglers on day of fishing trips. The Hidalga also offers 30 hour trips with overnight stay on board. Port: Marin Borik/Zadar.
Day charter price (approx. 8 hours): € 999,–.
30 hours tour with overnight stay/ board on board and night fishing:
€ 1.749,– (max. 3 anglers)
Selfdriving-Boat
Bayliner Trophy , 6.80 meters long, 2.50 meters wide. 115 hp outboard. Top Speed: 24 knots. 4 rod holders, tank: 310 l, Life Bait tank, depth sounder, chart plotter,, first aid kit, 4 life jackets signal lights.
Fishing equipment on board: 2 x 50-80 lbs Stand Up rods with Penn International 50cc multi reels. 1 x 30 lbs Stand Up rod with Shimano TLD 20 multi reel. Jigging rod PE 3-5 with Shimano Saragossa 18000. baitfish/ground rod. 2 hand lines for squid. Landing aids + bait box (plugs, jigs, lures).
Prices:
November-March: day € 159,–, week € 999,–.
April, May, October: day € 175,–, week € 1090,–
June- September: day € 199,–, week € 1.250,–
Extras:
Anchor/rope/buoy system
Sardines (€ 12,– per 8 kg cassette/stand 2020)
skipper: € 100,– per day plus board
Deposit boat: € 500,– Deposit fishing gear: € 200,–
Final cleaning: € 50,– flat rate (can be done by yourself)
Boat license (sea) required. This can also be completed on site within 3 days at a cooperation partner for € 285,– (2020). Please register at least one month in advance.
Villa Triana
There is an overwhelming variety of accommodation options in the Zadar area: Hotel rooms, apartments, villas – there is something for almost every requirement / budget.
From our own experience we can especially recommend “Villa Triana” – a hotel located directly on the Adriatic Sea, with its own pool and rooms in different categories. The Marina Borik, from where the big game tours start, is about 1.5 km away and can be reached on foot in a good 20 minutes. Various cozy local and bars are also within walking distance. Prices vary greatly depending on season and room category. We will be happy to make you an offer!
We will be happy to make you an offer according to your individual wishes. Just ask us!
Since accommodation prices in particular vary greatly from season to season, we will be happy to provide you with an estimate based entirely on your needs.
Tip: For day fishing trips with small groups of anglers (2-3 pers.) from Zadar, the “MAXI” is particularly suitable. Price per person for one trip from about € 220,–.
Especially interesting is the 30 hour tour on the “Hidalga”. These tours are almost a guarantee for good catches, because you take on the one hand several tide changes, and have in addition to day fishing also the night for swordfish, tuna or other bottom fish.