Almost completely enclosed by Europe, Turkey, and Africa and fed by the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most exciting places to go on a fishing trip in the world! This pristine waterway is home to more than 500 different species of fish and aquatic life that can be caught, fileted, and eaten all in the same day. There are the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Crete, and Ibiza, or the coastlines of France, Spain, and Turkey, and so many others, that call you in and welcome you to a fabulous vacation. But why not up the excitement of your trip by booking a day charter boat and seeing what you can catch out in the Mediterranean Sea! Many of the restaurants in port towns will clean and cook the fish that you bring in for you, so you can easily enjoy the fruits of your labor. Or you can fish and do catch and release. It’s all up to you!

Due to the high salinity in these waters, the fish has a great taste that cannot be replicated in other waterways around the world. There is no bad spot to go fishing in while you are along the Mediterranean Sea coastline. Here are the top spots to go fishing though, to hopefully help you plan your next trip!

Why the Mediterranean is a Top Fishing Spot 

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the top fishing destinations for game and sport fishermen, with many of these people traveling to these waters to try their hand at these waters. Many fish travel through the Strait of Gibraltar and live in the Mediterranean Sea as they eat on the large quantities of plankton that live in these waters. The waters that you can fish out of are close to shore and ports, so you don’t have to travel too far on a boat to get to the hotspots needed. The Mediterranean Sea coastline is also home to historical and culturally important fishing towns that you will love to explore and eat in when you’re not reeling in a lot of fish on the Sea. 

What Type of Fish can you Catch 

There are more than 500 fish species that call the Mediterranean Sea their home. The water here is very high in salt. With this high salinity, you will love the taste of the fish you catch—and you will certainly notice a difference in the quality of taste in the meat. The Mediterranean Sea has many unique species in it. There are shellfish like clams, crabs, lobsters, and cockles. And then there are those in the middle of the food chain—sea bass, flounder, porgy, and snapper. And then there are the predators—sharks, swordfish, marlin, and tuna. You will have no shortage of catch opportunities while you are out on a boat and enjoying the time spent with your family and friends. 

Where Should You Fish from in the Mediterranean

Are you excited about the idea of going fishing out in the blue and beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea? Pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of snacks and drinks. You will be having so much fun out there fishing that you won’t want to stop!

Gibraltar, Spain 

The Strait of Gibraltar is the only route that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. This means that these waters are home to many large, predatory fish. During the summer months when the water becomes even warmer, you can find bluefin tuna, marlin, and sharks! The Mediterranean is fairly narrow here, so all of these amazing fishing opportunities are very close for you to access without taking a long boat right. You can also go fishing for less intimidating fish in these waters, like snapper and amberjack. After you spend your day fishing, visit the town itself. With its ancient Moorish history and castle, and the World War II labyrinth of tunnels, you will definitely be able to appreciate not only the fish you are about to eat but the beautiful town you are calling a temporary home. 

L’Ametlla de Mar, Spain 

Located in Catalonia and still harboring the classic fishing town culture that you will love to see on your vacation experience on, the blue waters and jagged, rocky coast is a lovely backdrop to your fishing adventure. This is a great place to go tuna fishing with some of the most seasoned fishermen in Spain and Europe. And if you haven’t gotten your sea legs yet, walk the docks and talk to the boat captains or go to the almost daily fishing auctions and bring home a bice fish for dinner.

Sicily, Italy

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily has a wide variety of fish in its waters, from those low on the food chain all the way up to the top predators. You will have no problem finding a boat to charter as this is a top tourist destination for game fishing. For the more serious fisherman, there are bluefin tuna around the island. Boats here have reeled in catches that weigh more than 1,400 pounds. It may take hours to reel in, but these fish are worth the fight! For the less intense fishermen, you can find the Mediterranean red snapper and amberjack, especially during the warmer summer months. 

Sardinia Italy 

Located off the coast of Italy, you will find plenty of fish off the white sand beaches in the turquoise, warm waters. A great place to go and shut your mind off for a day of fishing, a trip onto these waters is idyllic and peaceful. You can fish for bluefin tuna, octopus, or cuttlefish! There are many secluded spots along the island’s coast for you to choose from, which makes your day quiet. But the seclusion means you need to be prepared with extra water and a life jacket just in case an emergency happens. 

Martigues, France 

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris while visiting France, go south to the commune of Martigues. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and Etang De Barre lagoon, you will see clear blue waters and a coastline that rivals any tropical country. Here you will find game fishing opportunities galore. There are opportunities to catch swordfish, spearfish, and bluefin tuna between the months of April and September. And after your day at sea, visit the communes museums and restaurants and really experience the life in this part of France!

With so many historical and beautiful fishing ports to choose from, you can be sure that you will have a great time both on land and on sea when you are vacationing along the Mediterranean Sea. Go find a rod and reel and pack a full day of food and drinks, you will want to stay on the water as long as possible because of how much fun and fish you will be catching!