Fishing Species Costa del Sol by Month: Complete Calendar

The 30-second answer

If you are planning a fishing trip on the Costa del Sol, the species you can catch change dramatically with the season. From bluefin tuna in summer to sea bass in winter, the calendar dictates your target. This guide gives you the month-by-month breakdown so you can book the right charter at the right time. For a quick overview: May through September is peak season for tuna and dorado; October to April is better for bream, sea bass, and dogfish. And if you want to skip the planning, just BoatHire24 can match you with a skipper who knows where the fish are biting today.

Why the Costa del Sol is a year-round fishing destination

The Costa del Sol, from Puerto Banús to Estepona and beyond, sits in a unique spot where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The Strait of Gibraltar funnels currents and nutrients, creating a rich feeding ground. Water temperatures range from around 14°C in January to 24°C in August, which means the fish populations shift seasonally. You can fish every month, but the species you target will vary. The local skippers know the wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. A typical charter from Marbella Marina or Puerto Banús will take you to marks like the Río Verde or the waters off Cala del Faro. You can also head further west to the Strait for tuna and dolphins. The best part is that you do not need a licence on a charter boat because the skipper holds one. So you can just turn up and fish. For a full list of available boats, check our search page.

January to March: Winter species and deep-water fishing

In winter, the water is cold, around 14-16°C. The fish are less active, but you can still catch good table fish. The main species are sea bass (lubina), gilthead bream (dorada), and red mullet (salmonete). You will also find dogfish (mielga) and rays. The key is to fish deeper, around 30 to 50 metres, using bait like squid or sardines. January is the best month for sea bass around the rocky reefs near Cabopino and Marbella. February brings more bream into the shallower bays. March sees the first signs of spring, with water warming to 16°C, and you might start catching small mackerel. A good option is a half-day trip from Puerto Banús. Expect to pay from around EUR 300 for a private charter for up to 6 people. The boats are usually RIBs or smaller motor yachts with a skipper who provides all gear.

April to June: Spring transition and pelagic arrivals

April is a turning point. Water hits 18°C, and the first bonito (skipjack tuna) arrive from the Atlantic. You can also catch horse mackerel (jurel) and the first dorado (mahi-mahi) of the year. May is excellent for bluefin tuna, though the big ones come later. You will also see garfish (aguja) and scorpionfish (rascacio). June is prime time for amberjack (medregal) and the start of the red tuna season. The best technique is trolling with lures or live bait. Many charters from Estepona and Sotogrande target tuna in the Strait of Gibraltar. You might also spot dolphins and even whales. A full-day charter for tuna can cost from around EUR 800. If you want a specific boat type, catamarans are stable but slower, while RIBs are faster and better for covering ground. Check our blog for more on tuna fishing techniques.

July to September: Peak season for tuna, dorado, and marlin

These are the hottest months, with water up to 24°C. July is the peak for bluefin tuna, with fish weighing 100kg or more. You also get dorado, bonito, and the first swordfish of the season. August is the best month for marlin (blue and white) and sailfish, though they are rarer. September continues with tuna and dorado, plus the start of the red mullet run. The action is fast and furious. You will need a powerful motor yacht or a RIB to get out to the fishing grounds 20-30 nautical miles offshore. Many skippers use kite fishing or live baiting. The Strait of Gibraltar is the hotspot, but you can also fish off Benalmádena and Nerja. Expect to pay from around EUR 1,200 for a full-day tuna charter. If you want to combine fishing with a luxury experience, a superyacht charter is possible but price on request. Remember to book early because these months are busy.

October to December: Autumn and winter species return

As the water cools to 18-20°C in October, the pelagic fish move south. But you still get good catches of sea bass, bream, and snapper. October is excellent for red mullet and grouper (mero) around the reefs. November and December are quieter but good for dogfish, rays, and the occasional sea bass. The advantage of autumn is fewer crowds and lower prices. A half-day charter can cost from around EUR 250. You can also try night fishing for squid (calamar) using jigs. The ports of Cabopino and Marbella Marina are good for this. The weather is still mild, with temperatures around 20°C, so it is pleasant on the water. Just bring a jacket for the wind. Skippers will often take you to the same marks as summer, but you will fish deeper. If you are new to fishing, this is a good time to learn because the fish are less aggressive but still plentiful.

Month-by-month species calendar

Month	Target species	Best technique	Typical depth
January	Sea bass, gilthead bream, red mullet	Bottom fishing with bait	30-50m
February	Bream, dogfish, rays	Bottom fishing	20-40m
March	Mackerel, sea bass, bream	Trolling small lures	15-30m
April	Bonito, horse mackerel, dorado	Trolling with lures	10-25m
May	Bluefin tuna (small), amberjack, garfish	Trolling, live bait	15-40m
June	Bluefin tuna, amberjack, red tuna	Live bait, kite fishing	20-50m
July	Bluefin tuna, dorado, swordfish	Kite fishing, trolling	30-60m
August	Bluefin tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado	Kite fishing, live bait	30-70m
September	Tuna, dorado, red mullet, grouper	Trolling, bottom fishing	20-50m
October	Red mullet, grouper, sea bass, bream	Bottom fishing, jigging	25-45m
November	Sea bass, dogfish, rays, squid	Bottom fishing, night jigging	20-40m
December	Sea bass, bream, dogfish	Bottom fishing	30-50m

How to choose the right fishing charter for the season

Your choice of boat depends on the species you target. For tuna and pelagic fish in summer, you need a fast boat with a deep V hull, like a RIB or a sport fishing motor yacht. These boats can handle the 20-30 nautical mile run to the Strait. For bottom fishing in winter, a smaller motor yacht or a catamaran is fine, as you stay closer to shore. Most charters include rods, reels, and bait, but check with the skipper. Prices vary: a half-day inshore trip from Puerto Banús costs from around EUR 300; a full-day offshore tuna charter from Estepona costs from around EUR 1,000. If you want a luxury experience, a superyacht with a fishing package is available but price on request. Always confirm the boat's speed and range, especially for summer tuna trips. You can compare options on our search page.

Local hotspots for each season

The Costa del Sol has several key fishing areas. For winter sea bass and bream, try the rocky reefs off Cabopino and Marbella. The Río Verde estuary is also good for bass. In spring, the waters off Cala del Faro and Estepona hold bonito and mackerel. Summer tuna fishing is best in the Strait of Gibraltar, departing from Sotogrande or Estepona. You can also head east from Benalmádena towards Nerja for dorado and marlin. Autumn red mullet and grouper are found around the wrecks near Marbella Marina. The skippers know these spots intimately. They also monitor water temperature and bird activity to find fish. If you want to see dolphins, the Strait is your best bet year-round. For a unique experience, try a night fishing trip for squid from Cabopino. The local ports all have good facilities, including cleaning stations and nearby restaurants that will cook your catch.

Tips for a successful fishing trip on the Costa del Sol

First, book with a licensed skipper. All charters on BoatHire24 include one, so you are covered. Second, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker. The sun is strong even in winter, and the wind can be chilly. Third, communicate your target species to the skipper. They can adjust the plan. Fourth, be flexible. If the tuna are not biting, you can switch to bottom fishing. Fifth, respect size and bag limits. The local regulations protect stocks. For example, you cannot keep bluefin tuna under 115cm. Skippers will advise. Sixth, consider a half-day trip if you are new. It is cheaper and less tiring. Seventh, tip the crew if you have a good day. They work hard. Finally, check the weather forecast. The Mediterranean can get choppy with a levante wind. But most days are calm. For more tips, read our blog.

Common questions

What is the best month for big tuna on the Costa del Sol? July and August are best for bluefin tuna over 100kg. June also has good catches. Book early.

Can I fish without a licence on a charter boat? Yes. The skipper holds a commercial licence, so you do not need your own. Just turn up.

What is the cheapest time to book a fishing charter? Winter months (November to February) are cheapest, with half-day trips from around EUR 250.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear? No. All charters provide rods, reels, and bait. But you can bring your own if you prefer.

What fish can I catch in April on the Costa del Sol? April is good for bonito, horse mackerel, and the first dorado. Water warms to 18°C.

Are there any fish I cannot keep? Yes. Bluefin tuna has a minimum size of 115cm. Some species like grouper have bag limits. Skipper will advise.

Where is the best place to fish from a charter boat? The Strait of Gibraltar for tuna, and the reefs off Cabopino for bream and sea bass. Depends on season.

What to expect from a fishing charter in each port

The departure port changes your fishing options. Puerto Banús is the busiest and most glamorous, but the fishing grounds are a 15-minute run to the west. You will target the same species as from Marbella Marina, but you pay a premium for the location. A half-day charter from Puerto Banús costs from around EUR 350. Marbella Marina is cheaper and closer to the Río Verde estuary, which is excellent for sea bass in winter. Cabopino is the quietest port, with easy access to the rocky reefs that hold bream and red mullet. Estepona and Sotogrande are the best for tuna because they are closer to the Strait of Gibraltar. A full-day tuna charter from Sotogrande can cost from around EUR 1,000, but you save 30 minutes of travel time each way. Benalmádena is further east and good for dorado and marlin in late summer. Choose your port based on your target species and budget. Our search page lets you filter by port and boat type.

How water temperature drives the fishing calendar

The Costa del Sol water temperature varies by about 10 degrees Celsius across the year. This is the single biggest factor in which species are present. In January, the water is around 14 degrees. Sea bass and bream are cold-water fish that thrive at this temperature. As the water warms to 18 degrees in April, pelagic fish like bonito and mackerel arrive from the Atlantic. At 20 degrees in May, bluefin tuna start appearing. At 24 degrees in August, you get marlin and sailfish. The key is that each species has a preferred temperature range. Skippers use sea surface temperature charts to find the right water. A difference of just one degree can mean the difference between a good day and a blank. If you book a charter in October, when the water drops back to 20 degrees, you lose the tuna but gain the autumn grouper run. This is why the month-by-month calendar matters. For more on how skippers use temperature data, read our blog on fishing techniques.

Boat types for different fishing styles

Not all boats are equal for fishing. A RIB or speedboat is fast and agile, ideal for trolling for tuna. You can cover 30 nautical miles in under an hour. But they are wet and bumpy in choppy conditions. A motor yacht offers more comfort and shade, better for families or bottom fishing. A catamaran is stable and spacious, good for groups who want to fish and relax. But it is slower, so not ideal for chasing tuna. For bluefin tuna in summer, you want a boat with at least 300 horsepower and a deep V hull. For winter bottom fishing, a 20-foot RIB is fine. Prices reflect the boat type. A RIB charter for half a day costs from around EUR 300. A motor yacht for the same time costs from around EUR 500. A superyacht with a fishing package is price on request. The key is to match the boat to the target species. If you book a slow catamaran for a tuna trip, you will waste time getting to the grounds. Always ask the skipper about the boat's speed and range.

Cost breakdown by season and species

Fishing charter prices on the Costa del Sol vary by season, duration, and target species. In winter (November to February), a half-day inshore trip costs from around EUR 250. This covers bottom fishing for sea bass and bream. In spring (March to May), a half-day trip for bonito and mackerel costs from around EUR 300. A full-day trip for amberjack or small tuna costs from around EUR 600. In summer (June to September), a full-day tuna charter costs from around EUR 1,000, and can go up to EUR 1,500 for a top-end boat. A superyacht with a full crew and fishing gear is price on request. Additional costs include fuel surcharges, which can add 10-20 percent for long runs to the Strait. Some charters include lunch and drinks. Others charge extra. Always confirm what is included before booking. The cheapest time to fish is November to February, but you will not catch tuna. The most expensive is July and August, but you have the best chance of a trophy fish. Book through BoatHire24 to compare prices.

Night fishing for squid and sea bass

Night fishing is a unique option on the Costa del Sol, especially in autumn and winter. The target is squid (calamar) and sea bass. Squid are attracted to lights, so skippers use underwater LED lights to draw them to the boat. You jig with small lures or use a squid rig. It is a relaxing way to fish, with the lights reflecting off the water and the coast lit up in the distance. The best months are October to December. A night trip from Cabopino or Marbella Marina costs from around EUR 250 for a half-night. You can also catch sea bass at night around the rocky reefs. They feed aggressively after dark. The advantage of night fishing is that the water is calm and the crowds are gone. You also get to keep your catch for the next day's meal. Squid is excellent fried or grilled. Some charters offer a night fishing package with dinner included. Check with the skipper for availability. It is a great option if you want a different experience from the standard day trip.

How to prepare for a fishing charter

Preparation makes the difference between a good day and a great one. First, eat a light breakfast. Seasickness is common, and a full stomach makes it worse. Second, take motion sickness medication an hour before departure if you are prone to it. Third, dress in layers. The morning can be cold, even in summer. A windproof jacket is essential. Fourth, bring sunglasses with a polarised lens. They reduce glare and help you see fish in the water. Fifth, bring a camera or phone in a waterproof case. You will want photos of your catch. Sixth, bring cash for the tip. Ten to twenty percent of the charter fee is standard. Seventh, communicate with the skipper. Tell them what you want to catch and your experience level. They will adjust the plan. Eighth, be patient. Fishing involves waiting. Enjoy the scenery. The Costa del Sol has views of La Concha mountain and the coast. Ninth, follow the skipper's instructions. They know the boat and the fish. Finally, respect the environment. Take your rubbish home. For more tips, read our blog on fishing etiquette.

Related guides

• Fishing Season on the Costa del Sol: Key Species
• Fishing Charter Costa del Sol: Deep Sea Guide
• Fishing Season Costa del Sol: Best Months
• Dolphin Species in Costa del Sol: What You Might See
• Boat Rental Estepona Port: Affordable Charters
• Luxury Catamaran Rental Marbella: Premium Comfort on the Sea

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