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Bluefin tuna fishing in the Mediterranean has been increasing in success rate for several years now. One of the places where catches have exploded is the small resort of L’Ampolla on the Costa Dorada – only about 160 km south of Barcelona and not far from the Ebro Delta. If you are there at the right time, you have the chance to experience some truly magical moments. In spring, around mid-April, large swarms of bluefin tuna regularly appear off the coast. Although the fish are not monstrously large, averaging 30-50 kg, they deliver a thrilling fight on light tackle. It is also interesting that the tuna are fished with different techniques – in addition to the classic method (chumming and then sardine on free line), artificial lures are also used. These are usually small rubber fish that are rigged on tuna hooks and then thrown into the predatory shoals with a water ball (for better casting). This is a tremendously exciting type of fishing, as the strikes during the bite are brutal. This type of fishing ends around 20 May. After that, it’s quiet for about 6 weeks – or at least that’s how it is for the tuna, because they spawn during this time and therefore hardly eat. Those who come to L’Ampolla from the end of May and throughout June fish mainly for Palometa (Leerfish) and Bluefish.
Fishing in Spain
From the 2nd week of July onwards, things really get going again – and this time with the big calibres, because then the tuna in size XL come to the coast. Fish weighing 100 kg and more are the order of the day, and the 200 kg mark is also regularly cracked. The equipment is therefore also chosen a few numbers more stable during this time, as the fish simply cannot be kept otherwise. The bluefin tuna season continues until around mid-October. After that, fishing returns to palometa, bluefish – and especially sea bass. Especially for sea bass, the winter months are considered prime time.
Their skipper at the site is Martijn van der Sman, who has lived and fished in the region for around 2 decades and therefore has an extraordinary wealth of experience. On our first visit to the place, one thing was immediately apparent: Martijn works highly professionally, every move is perfect and he knows exactly what he is doing. Consequently, this is also reflected in his success rate. Of course, fishing for bluefin tuna is and remains to a certain extent a matter of luck – because if the fish don’t eat or are otherwise capricious, then nothing can be done. This means that you also have to plan for the so-called “tailor days” – but Martijn still has a very impressive quota with 3-5 tuna caught on an average day.
Fishing Holidays Spain (Costa Dorada) -- Arrival
By flight to Barcelona and from there by rental car (about 1.5 hours drive).
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The boat
The “ZOE” is an 8-metre long open boat of Portuguese design with centre console. The high side provides plenty of stability in rough seas and the 250 hp outboard motor will bring you safely to the fish and back to port. The MinnKota electric motor installed at the bow also ensures that the boat can be held in exactly one position without having to anchor. This is a decisive advantage, especially when chumming. All fishing equipment is on board.
Drinks and snacks/sandwiches are also provided.
The daily charter (8 hours) is € 750.
The accommodation
The Flamingo Hotel can probably be described as the best address in town without exaggerating. Just a few minutes’ walk from the marina, you can choose from cheaper standard rooms to larger suites with panoramic sea views. The hotel kitchen is very good.
We can customise a tour according to your individual requirements. The prices for flight, rental car and hotel depend on the season. As a rough guideline, you can get a week’s accommodation (double room) with 5 fishing days with 4 participants for € 1,299 per person. Add to this the costs for flight + rental car, i.e. depending on the season, such a tour is possible for about € 1,700-1,800, including arrival and departure.
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