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ON A GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA IN THE STREET OF GIBRALTAR

The Strait of Gibraltar is probably one of the most well-known straits in the world and represents the only natural connection between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. However, this was not always the case, and so we first embarked on a journey through time far back in the history of the Earth. Because of great tectonic activity in this region, the strait was completely closed about 6 million years ago, and as a result, the Mediterranean Sea dried up completely. This was accompanied by a lowering of the Mediterranean basin, resulting in a height difference of about 1.4 meters between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Over hundreds of thousands of years, the Atlantic water gradually washed out this threshold and finally broke through completely. The Mediterranean Sea filled up again like a “bathtub” and since that time there has been a constant west-east flow of Atlantic water due to the difference in altitude preserved in the surface area. Nevertheless, there is a lively exchange of water, since the highly saline and therefore heavier water sinks and flows back from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic in deeper water layers. An interesting anecdote: Due to the very frequent westerly winds coupled with the constant west-east current of the surface water, the sailing ships of antiquity could hardly pass this waterway towards the Atlantic for a long time—until the deeper opposing current was discovered, and from then on, with deep currents, drift sailing pulled the boats out into the Atlantic against surface forces

Fishing trips to SPAIN - Strait of Gibraltar

According to scientific calculations, around 1 million cubic meters of water flow from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean every second – if you envision this as an imaginary “water cube”, the edges would each be 100 meters long. So there is a lot of movement in the water in this strait – and of course that attracts countless sea creatures. In addition to dolphins and whales, there are also many species of fish – and above all the bluefin tuna, which is the main focus below.

Tuna are known to be one of the fish species that are practically constantly on the move and regularly cross entire oceans. The fish rotate their territories and spawning areas in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and each individual fish has to pass exactly one point: the Strait of Gibraltar. The strait, called “Estrecho” by the Spaniards, is 60 km long in total and about 14 km wide at the narrowest point between the Spanish mainland and Morocco. The average water depth is only about 300 meters, while it drops to several thousand meters on both sides.

When we talk about fishing for bluefin tuna (BFT) in the Strait of Gibraltar, we basically distinguish between 2 completely different fishing techniques targeting different sized fish.

On the one hand, tuna are hunted here with smaller, around 6-meter-long, highly motorized inflatable boats. This is about popper fishing for tuna, which are usually in the order of magnitude between 20 and 50 kg. This type of fishing is only for experienced anglers who also have the required fitness and endurance. Since the tuna are always moving we use fast boats in order to chase them continuously and follow them all the time.
Once a tuna has taken the surface bait, a strenuous fight begins on the relatively light device, which does not always end in favor of the angler. This is pure adrenaline, but, as I said, not for beginners.This is all about popper fishing for tuna, which are usually in the 20-50 kg range.

The second type of tuna fishing here is no less exciting, because this is about the truly capital specimens – the GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA. Since these fish usually weigh around 200 kg on average and giants over 300 kg are also regularly caught, completely different equipment is of course required here. That means 130lbs rods/reels with plenty of line because the escapes can be damn long….

Fishing holidays Spain -- Strait of Gibraltar

Fishing is usually done with XXL-size Yo-Zuri Tuna lures, which are trolled along tuna hot spots. Depending on the wind and current, you fish either on the inside of Gibraltar or in the strait itself. The drills are extremely hard work, even on the heaviest equipment, and can take an hour or even much longer. During our brief on-site visit, the best performance for the year was an impressive 342 kg — mind you, weighed. However, almost all fish (with the exception of a very small quota) are released and can therefore only be estimated – so it is quite possible that one or the other larger fish were present in the current season. Of course, the fishing here is not from inflatable boats, but from the 41-foot yacht “DAYS” (see under boats). The starting point for fishing is the port of Algeciras in Spanish Andalusia. The journey to the hotspots is quite short from here, with a driving time of about 30 minutes.

Arrival: From many European airports, by direct flight to Malaga and from there by rental car (distance Malaga-Algeciras approx. 130 km). Accommodation: There are a few good hotels in Algeciras itself for sport anglers who come just to fish. If you are travelling with your family and are looking for a combination of a private holiday with fishing trips, we recommend the very classy hotel “H10 Palace” in Estepona. From here you can reach Algeciras in about 40 minutes (50 km motorway), which is no problem with a rental car.

Season: For Giant Bluefin Tuna June + July and for the popper fishing enthusiasts already before that from April and then into November.

Outside the tuna season, you can jig quite successfully – for grouper, snapper, dentex or even amberjack.

By the way: The region in southern Andalusia has much more to offer than just exceptionally good fishing. A day trip to Tangier/Morocco (by ferry) or to Gibraltar (UK) is definitely recommended. In addition, there are many exciting places to visit in Andalusia itself, such as Ronda, Cádiz or Tarifa.

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The boats

All boats are geolocated in real time by satellite and are equipped with the appropriate safety equipment.

41 foot Rodman Yacht “DAYS” with 2 x 400 hp and equipped with the latest nautical equipment. There is a kitchen with microwave, shower, hot water, bathroom, satellite TV, stereo, 2 decks, 2 cabins, and a saloon.

The boat is used in particular for the trips on GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA and is also well suited for multi-day trips, even if the tours usually only last 8 hours. All fishing gear (also jigging equipment if required) is on board.

6.30 meter Narwhal with 115 hp One of the two inflatable boats that are mainly used for popping (and also for jigging). Fast, convenient, and safe. Vmax: 40 knots. Polyurethane injected hull and five swimming chambers ensure maximum safety.

5.80-meter Narwhal with 60 hp

The smaller of the two dinghies, which is also used for popping and jigging and, just like its “big brother”, is very good in the water and provides a lot of stability. The hull, which is also injected with polyurethane, and the five swimming chambers ensure maximum safety.

The two inflatable boats can also provide the fishing gear completely.

There are, of course, countless hotels and apartments in every price range on the coast of Andalusia. Below are two suggestions that, depending on the type of holiday, are highly recommended from our point of view.

Hotel Globales Reina Christina

This hotel is particularly suitable for anglers who only come to fish and want to be as close as possible to the marina.

Hotel H 10 Estepona Palace

You can hardly live more beautifully! Estepona is about 50 km away from Algeciras (about 40 minutes by car in normal traffic conditions), and the H 10 Palace offers a hotel in a fantastic location directly on the sea. Families with children in particular are in good hands here because, in addition to the 3 outdoor pools, there are also many activities and animations (in the high season), which will certainly not let the kids get bored.

Offers for fishing in the Strait of Gibraltar

We are happy to provide customized quotes upon request—whether for serious anglers or families looking to fish for just a few days. Prices for flights and hotels can vary significantly depending on the season.

Strait of Gibraltar – TUNA CHALLENGE – Dates for 2026

As a brief introduction, here is an excerpt from the live report on our Facebook page during the tours in the summer of 2025:

Live from Gibraltar

“…We’ve just wrapped up 10 days of fishing in the Strait of Gibraltar—time for a quick recap: As is often the case, the anglers were frequently pushed to their limits—if not beyond. In total, we landed 18 bluefin tuna—17 of which truly deserve the name “Giant Tuna,” meaning they weighed around 200 kg and up. The largest fish, weighing just under 400 kg at 2.90 meters, was certainly the standout catch of the tour, but neighboring boats also frequently hooked monsters of this magnitude. Especially for the participants who were experiencing this type of fishing for the first time, it was certainly a completely new experience to take on fighting machines of this magnitude. Because, in fact, there is nothing quite like it.”

For the summer of 2026, we are once again announcing a few dates for the best time of year for GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA, and individual anglers are also welcome to sign up.

Dates:

June 20–27, 2026 (sold out)
June 26–July 3, 2026
July 2–July 9, 2026 (sold out)
July 9–July 16, 2025 / Guided by Kai Witt, Global Fishing Adventures (sold out)

Inclusions:

Round-trip flight from Frankfurt to Malaga (flights from other airports also available upon request)
Rental car
7 nights at the Hotel Globales Reina Christina or AC Hotel Algeciras (double room)
5 days of fishing for GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA aboard the 41-foot yacht “DAYS”
Guide (last July date): Kai Witt, Global Fishing Adventures

Price per person: €3,699