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There aren’t many places in European waters where you can fulfill your dream of big-game fishing for bluefin tuna. Medulin in Croatia is definitely one of them.
Just a day’s drive from southern Germany (the distance from Munich to Medulin is about 600 km), you reach the Istrian Peninsula, at the southern tip of which lies the small resort town of Medulin, only about 10 km from the far more famous city of Pula.
From Medulin, Captain Marko sets sail on his boat, the TUNANA, specifically to fish for bluefin tuna and can now look back on many years of experience in this type of fishing.
Just a glance at the map suggests that you’ll find a magnificent maritime landscape here. Islands upon islands, inhabited and uninhabited, rocky or forested. Add to that picturesque bays and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Fishing in Croatia
This “Land of 1,000 Islands” offers not only breathtaking natural beauty but also exceptionally exciting saltwater fishing. It is truly an ideal destination for a fishing vacation. Big-game fishing—particularly for bluefin tuna—has been a well-established activity here for decades.
Season
In principle, you can fish in Croatia all year round—though with significantly higher weather risks from mid-November to mid-March, when the “Bora” winds occur more frequently and with greater intensity, potentially spoiling your fishing fun. The best time for bluefin tuna is in April/May and from July through November. June is spawning season, and the tuna migrate southward.
Despite his relatively young age, Captain Marko is already an extremely experienced sailor. After completing his degree in nautical science, he initially sailed the world’s oceans as third officer on large container ships. But his passion for fishing eventually brought him back to his homeland, and since then he has devoted himself in particular to fishing for bluefin tuna. When it comes to tuna, the name TUNANA has long been synonymous with expertise and success: the team has already won regional championships and set a record with a 262-kilogram bluefin tuna—an achievement that is highly notable for the Adriatic Sea.
If you ask Captain Marko what fascinates him so much about big-game tuna fishing, his answer goes like this: “What I love about deep-sea fishing isn’t the science, it isn’t the biggest fish, it isn’t the number of tuna strikes in a day, and it isn’t some super-advanced fishing technique… I love being at one with nature, waking up at 4 a.m. and having one rod in the water, ready to hear the reel scream when the tuna strikes, while most of the world is still asleep.
With every tuna I catch, I’m as excited as if it were the first, and I’m constantly reminded of how grateful I am to have this opportunity to share such amazing experiences with anglers from all over the world. Sure, not every fishing day ends with a tuna on deck, and I’ll always be most disappointed when that happens, but even then, I can’t forget all the other positive and wonderful aspects of fishing because of the day without a tuna. It’s more than fishing; it’s more than a big-game charter; it’s a pure, authentic lifestyle!”
Marko’s goal is to share this wonderful experience with his guests. Spending a day at sea on a beautiful boat, enjoying a delicious local snack, fresh fish, local olive oil, and perhaps a good craft beer or a glass of Istrian wine. Set the bait and wait for a bite.
The Istrian peninsula is also ideal for fishing because, depending on wind and weather conditions, there are excellent spots for bluefin tuna fishing on both the east-west and south sides, all of which are easily accessible from Medulin (at the southern tip).
The primary fishing technique is drift fishing, in which, in an area where tuna are known to be hunting, the bait is set in the current and the area is also regularly baited with sardines. Over time, this creates a distinct trail in the water, which the tuna then—ideally—follow all the way to the boat. A particularly exciting method that is also practiced regularly is fishing near the sardine boats in the early morning hours when the fishermen are hauling in their nets. Here, the “chumming” has practically already been taken over by the fishermen, and the tuna are just a few meters below as the nets are hauled in, waiting to collect whatever falls by the wayside. Placing the bait here is almost a surefire method for a “hook-up.”
A strict “catch and release” policy applies here—but Capt. Marko can pre-order bluefin tuna fillets for you from a licensed commercial fisherman if needed (approx. €35–40 per kilo), which can then be taken home vacuum-packed.
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The Boat – TUNANA
A 12-meter “Canteri Costa Smeralda” yacht. 4 meters wide and suitable for a maximum of 6 guests on board. Equipped with modern nautical equipment.
Price for a day charter (approx. 7 hours): €1,050 (up to 4 people – €40 for each additional person)
Fishing gear, bait, snacks, and drinks are included in the price.
Accommodations
We can offer you a variety of accommodation options in and around Medulin. From larger vacation resorts to vacation homes with a more private atmosphere.
Below are a few examples of vacation homes in or near Medulin
BLUEFIN House – up to 6 guests
The “Bluefin Tuna” house is an Istrian stone house located in the center of Medulin, right next to the large church with two towers. The house features three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and TV, which significantly enhances your comfort during your stay. The house was recently restored, but you can still feel the Istrian tradition inside. It is ideal for a group of friends or a small family. In the garden, you’ll find a swimming pool, a barbecue area, and a lovely terrace for relaxing.
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (one per bedroom), outdoor pool: 27 m², 4 satellite TVs, internet (free, Wi-Fi), safe, electric stove, refrigerator, range hood, coffee maker, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, electric heating and air conditioning (heating/cooling): 4 units.
Rates:
- April: €210 per night
- May: €240 per night
- September: €240 per night
- October: €210 per night.
- July + August: Upon request – typically requires booking well in advance
Swordfish House – Sleeps up to 6
The “Swordfish” complex consists of two vacation homes. The two houses are separated by a large garden with a pool in the middle. The first house is larger and features separate living and sleeping areas. The fireplace in the living room creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. Directly in front of it is a large barbecue area. At the far end of the garden is the second, smaller house, which is designed as a studio apartment. Although the owner lives in the same area, you are separated from your house at all times by a fence and enjoy complete privacy.
2 houses, 1 bedroom, living room in the first house with a sofa bed (sleeps 2), 1 studio apartment with a bed in the living room, outdoor pool: 24 m², 2 satellite TVs, 1 DVD player, internet (free, Wi-Fi), living room in the first house with a sofa bed (sleeps 2), stove (gas/electric), refrigerator with range hood, freezer compartment: 10 l, coffee maker + microwave.
Rates:
- April: €190 per night
- May: €205 per night
- September: €205 per night
- October: €190 per night.
- July + August: Upon request – typically requires booking well in advance
“MAHI-MAHI” HOUSE – sleeps up to 4
The “Mahi-Mahi” is a charming and cozy house located 6 km from Medulin, featuring 2 bedrooms, a spacious open-concept kitchen, and a living area. The outdoor area includes a private pool for relaxing. Ideal for a peaceful getaway with family or friends.
2 Schlafzimmer, 2 Toiletten, Außenpool, Außenküche, Außengrill, Smart-TV, Kostenloses WLAN, Elektroherd, Kühlschrank, Dunstabzugshaube, Kaffeemaschine, Mikrowelle, Waschmaschine, Geschirrspüler, Elektroheizung und Klimaanlage.
- Preise:
- April: € 190,– pro Nacht
- May: € 205,– pro Nacht
- September: € 205,– pro Nacht
- Oktober: € 190,– pro Nacht.
- Juli + August: Auf Anfrage – normalerweise sehr lange Vorausbuchungszeit
Packages
We would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive package including accommodation and boat charter—tailored to your individual preferences.
Price example:
Travel month: October
- 1 week’s accommodation at the “MAHI-MAHI”
- house with a 4-day full charter on the TUNANA for 4 travelers
Starting at €1,385 per person.








