Turquoise water surrounds the largest Balearic Island just off the coast of Spain. A popular scene for travelers, locals, and perma-vacationers, Mallorca is enriched with fascinating culture, magnificent mountains, charming coves, alluring vineyards, and rocky beaches. The beautiful beaches extend for miles until the pearl-white sand unites with the breath-taking Balearic Sea. The deep waters of the Mediterranean are known as remarkable fishing destinations. An angler’s dream, fishing in Mallorca is simply incredible.
What fish can you catch in Mallorca
Mallorca is a great place to fish; and depending on the fishing techniques and the fishing area you'll be able to catch a whole range of different species. Offshore there are amazing pelagic species, while inshore you can target some ferocious bottom dwellers. These are the top fish species of Mallorca.
Caproig (scorpionfish)
Red scorpion fish fead on small fish and crustaceans. This stunning Mallorca fish species sheds his skin every two weeks. It's a beautiful fish, very sought after by local fisherman in the Balearic Islands. Highly praised for its meat, this fish is targeted deep sea fishing in Mallorca with squid or cut bait in rocky areas (usually 40 meters deep or more).
Dolphinfish or Mahi Mahi
This feisty fish, also known as dorado or dolphin fish, is one of the most beautiful fish. The adult male and female dolphinfish can be told apart by their different fronts. Females have a rounder front, whereas males have a more pronounced front.
Green and yellow in color, Mahi Mahi frequents Mallorca in the months of August, September & October. An admired game fish, the fight to reel this lively fish in the boat is a thrill for all anglers. A challenging catch to fish for, Mahi Mahi is also delicious!
Dolphinfish are mainly caught trolling small lures and feathers. They are good fighters and offten make impressive leaps during the fight.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna are definitely a top fish to catch off the north shores of Mallorca. The Balearic Islands are one of the most important spawning grounds of this "king of the seas." Although the best time to catch tuna is spring and summer when the waters are warm, bluefin tuna can be caught throughout the year in the waters of Alcudia for example. Anglers have shared that the best time to catch Bluefin Tuna ranges from May to early November.
Around the Balearic Islands, tuna use to feed in deeper waters on mackerel and horse mackerel. Top water fishing frenzies are rather rare here. Tuna are mostly caught trolling or chumming (with sardines, mackerel, ...).
Albacore
Usually, albacore are caught offshore trolling plugs and squidlike lures. Albacore is a good eating fish and very popular among sport fishermen. In June and July several prestigious offshore trolling tournaments - like Cala d'Or - are held and the main species is the albacore. The best time to catch albacore in Mallorca is May through August.
Swordfish
The swordfish is a migratory predator that is characterized by its long, flat peak (like a sword). At the adult stage, they lose all their teeth and scales.
Prevalent in the Mediterranean, Billfish, Marlin, and Swordfish are most angler’s favorite fish to catch. Putting up a fun fight, these giant creatures are also good-looking! Fishermen live to tell the tales of these kinds of catches. Night fishing off the coast of Spain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The winter months are the best time to target swordfish, although it is an uncommon fish; hooking a swordfish in Mallorca isn't easy, getting one to the boat is even harder. You definitely need a skilled fishing guide and fishing charter to target this magnificent hunter.
Dentex
Dentex is also a popular species to seek and eat the angler’s most beloved fish of the Mediterranean. Another delicious fish and a staple in the diet of the many cultures living along the Mediterranean Sea. Solitary fish by nature, Dentex often form schools in the spring season. Dentex can be caught with live bait (mackerel, squid…) or jigging.
Grouper
A myriad of Dusky Grouper swim in the Mediterranean Sea and are the perfect catch for beginner anglers. Grouper is another tasty fish often found on the menu throughout the world, but definitely a favored fish in Spanish cuisine.
