Fishing in L'Ametlla de Mar

L’Ametlla de Mar is very close to the Ebro Delta. Apart from being considered one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean Coast, this is a fantastic fishing area. The River Ebro flows into the Mediterranean Sea bringing loads of natural food for sardines, anchovies, mullet etc. The bait fish are the favorite food for Seabass, Bluefish, Leerfish, Amberjack, Bonito, Tuna, Little Tunny or Dentex.

In April, May and during the summer months bluefin tuna can be caught on heavy spinning gear. Captains fish on smaller, faster boats that make chasing and keeping up with fleeing tuna possible. Large frenzies appear off l’Ametlla de Mar in waters of 70 – 90m of depth. Anglers target their tuna, using a variety of jigs, large poppers, stick-bait and other tuna lures.

The summer months are the best to target the Giant Bluefin Tuna, only 2-3 miles off shore! Normally, the fishing charters head to the fishing grounds with 50-70kg of sardines or mackerel for chumming. The hook bait can be a larger mackerel, horse mackerel (dead or alive) rigged on a single hook.

All year round there is good fishing in l’Ametlla de Mar. The waters off l’Ametlla de Mar are home to all sorts of predators. Bluefish are around all year round although they’re more prolific from April to November. May and June are the best months to target Leerfish trolling natural bait or casting poppers, stickbait and other top water lures.

Seabass chase baitfish near the bays, the rocks and the coves. A little deeper the Dentex will be patrolling close to the rocky bottom. The best way to fish for Dentex is using jigs or using a life squid on a nylon rig.

Bonitos can be caught mainly between April and November. August and September are the best months to target them chumming. The locals drift in waters of around 50m deep and chum sardines to attract them. Bonitos are amazing fighters and weigh between 2 and 5 kg. This time of the year the dorado (mahi-mahi) visit these waters.

Apart from fishing in L'Ametlla de Mar, you can go snorkeling in its numerous coves and bays, charter a sailing boat, enjoy the seafood in the restaurants.

The country side is great for cycling or hiking. Book a wine tour in El Priorat or Terra Alta.

The famous theme park PortAventura is only 20 minutes from L'Ametlla. Visit Ferrari Land, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park and don't miss the main rides of Furius Baco, Stampida, Dragon Khan, Grand Canyon Rapids, Shambhala or the Tutuki Splash.

And don't miss the Natural Park of the Ebro Delta which is considered one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean Coast. It's one of the best spots for birdwatching in Spain. Observe wonderful bird species like the Great Reed Warblers, Red crested Pochard, Black-necked Grebe and of course the Greater Flamingo.

You need a fishing license to fish in fresh water and salt water which can be obtained on the website from the Generalitat de Catalunya:

>> Buy a fishing licence

remember that the fishing charters normally have the fishing license included in the price, so you don't need to buy one if you're chartering a boat.