A guide to fishing in Malta

This is a handy guide to making the most out of your fishing time on the island

Set out in the middle of the Mediterranean, and with a reputation for serving up some incredible seafood, it should come as no surprise that the Maltese islands offer some of the world’s best fishing. For those happiest with a fishing rod in hand, there are plenty of shore fishing spots to enjoy dotted about the Maltese coastline, while those who prefer an on-the-water experience can choose from a variety of fishing charters in Malta. Make the most of the area’s bounty and set off on a long, leisurely Maltese fishing trip during your time on the archipelago; here’s everything you need to know about fishing in Malta.

Maltese fishing facts

If you forgot to pack your fishing gear, simply head over to the unassuming Aquatica store in St Paul’s Bay. It stocks everything you’ll need for your Maltese fishing trip, from rods, reels and poles to live bait. Novice anglers in need of a little tuition can also join one of the expert-led excursions – the ideal introduction to fishing in Malta.

Aside from Aquatica, there are plenty of fishing shops peppered along the coast from St Paul’s Bay to Gżira, with these shores also providing prime fishing waters. Further around the shore in the seaside town of Birżebbuġa – also a great place to throw out a line – Xtreme Fishing Shop is well-stocked with bait, tackle and squid jigs in various guises. The Xtreme team is fiercely dedicated to its craft – head inside and you’ll be swapping deep-sea tales and arranging a group fishing trip in no time.

What can you catch?

The crystalline Maltese waters are teeming with fish, from sardines, bream and mullet to swordfish (known locally as pixxispad), amberjack and dorado. All you need to decide is how and where you want to try your luck. But keep in mind that if you’re after Bluefin tuna, you’ll need to apply for a permit before setting out on your trip, and make sure you only fish on a catch-and-release basis.

Shorefishing in Malta

Shore fishing is without doubt one of the most popular activities on the island. For the best shore fishing in Malta head down to the ports, which are usually populated with keen anglers, as are the many sheltered bays and seaside stretches. And, if you’re in St Paul’s Bay to visit Aquatica, the nearby jetty at Bugibba is a good place to settle in for the afternoon. The rocky coastline that runs from St Paul’s round to St Julian’s is a favourite stretch for many locals. The area around the cliffs of Miġra l-Ferħa is great for fishing with a hand-held line. Expect to catch parrotfish, wrasse, bream and comber year round, with dorado, amberjack and small tuna coming closer to shore in late summer.

Tackle and bait

Shore fishing, especially around the harbours will yield a good crop of smaller bream, mullet and wrasse. To attract them, do as the Maltese do and use a bit of bread on a small hook. Most locals fish with the good, old-fashioned pole, although casting rods are not unheard of to attract larger fish, especially around Ta’ Xbiex and Msida. For more sophisticated baits and tackle, head to Xtreme Fishing Shop – its stocks are endless and the team is always keen to assist a fellow fisher.

Fishing charters in Malta

Bidding farewell to land and heading out to sea is a rush, especially if you’re hoping to try your hand at sport fishing; swordfish, sailfish, snappers, grouper, amberjack, and dorado are just some of the fish you can find offshore. Many locals favour the area close to L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa when fishing from a boat, but if you’re looking for guided fishing charters in Malta, Fishing Mania Malta offers great day and night trips to suit even the most discerning angler. Aquatica, meanwhile, offers some fantastic family-friendly charters, including a trip out on a traditional Maltese fishing boat, known as a Luzzu.

Wherever you decide to drop your line, the abundant waters make fishing in Malta a dream. After a day out on the water, a seafood dinner never looked so good.