Marbella Fishing Season Species by Month: Catch Guide

The 30-second answer

Marbella fishing season runs year-round, but the species change with the water temperature. From January to March you target dentex and sea bass in cooler waters. April to June brings amberjack and bonito. July to September is peak for bluefin tuna and dorado. October to December sees a return of red snapper and grouper. You can book a charter with a licensed skipper through BoatHire24 any month and expect a decent catch.

January to March: cool water, big predators

Water temperature drops to 14-16 degrees C off the Costa del Sol in winter. That pushes the baitfish deeper, and the predators follow. Your main targets in this window are dentex, sea bass, and some early-season bluefish. Dentex can hit 10-15 kg and fight hard near rocky bottoms around Cabopino and the reefs off Marbella Marina. Sea bass are more common in the sandy areas off Estepona.

You want to fish slow. Use live bait or deep-jigging lures at 30-50 metres depth. Most charters from Puerto Banús will head out to the deeper grounds south of the port. The wind can be a factor in January and February, but the days are usually calm enough for a half-day trip. You can find available boats for fishing charters on our search page that are equipped for winter fishing with heaters in the cabin.

A typical winter catch might be 2-4 dentex in a morning session, plus some smaller sea bass. The action is not as fast as summer, but the quality is higher. If you want a relaxed trip with fewer tourists on the water, this is your season.

April to June: warming waters, fast action

April sees water temperatures climb to 17-19 degrees C. The baitfish schools start to form, and with them come the predators. Amberjack become active around the rocky pinnacles near Cala del Faro and the cliffs east of Marbella. Bonito also arrive in May, often in large schools that feed on the surface. You can spot them by the diving gannets.

Bonito are a blast on light tackle. They run fast and jump. Expect to land 5-10 fish in a session if you hit the right spot. Amberjack are heavier, up to 20 kg, and require more brawn. Most charters out of Sotogrande or Estepona will target both species in a single trip.

June is the transition month. The first bluefin tuna show up near the Strait of Gibraltar, and the dorado (mahi-mahi) start appearing around floating debris. Water temps hit 21-22 degrees C by late June. You can combine a fishing trip with a dolphin-watching excursion because the same currents bring pods of common dolphins into the area. Our blog has more details on combining wildlife with fishing.

July to September: peak season for big game

This is the prime window for Marbella fishing season species by month. Water temperature peaks at 24-26 degrees C. The bluefin tuna run hard from July through September, with fish from 30 kg up to 100 kg possible. The best grounds are 15-20 nautical miles south of Puerto Banús, near the underwater seamounts. You need a powerful motor yacht or a well-equipped fishing boat for these trips.

Dorado are thick in July and August. They school around weed lines and floating logs. You can catch 10-15 in a day, with average weights of 5-8 kg. They are spectacular jumpers and excellent eating. Also in season: wahoo, which appear in August around the deeper drop-offs off Benalmádena.

Skippers will often run half-day trips in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. Prices for a full-day bluefin charter start from around EUR 800 for a boat with a crew of two. You can also book a catamaran for a more comfortable experience with shade and a galley. Check the search page for options with fishing gear included.

One tip: book early. July and August are the busiest months on the Costa del Sol, and good skippers get snapped up weeks in advance. You can reserve through BoatHire24 with a deposit and pay the balance on the day.

October to December: autumn bounty

October water temperature drops to 20-22 degrees C, and the big tuna start to move south. But the fishing does not stop. Red snapper and grouper become active again on the rocky reefs. These are bottom-dwellers, so you will be fishing at 40-60 metres with heavy lead heads and cut bait. Grouper can exceed 15 kg and put up a stubborn fight.

November brings the first of the winter sea bass run. Schools of bass move into shallower waters around the river mouths, particularly the Río Verde near Marbella and the Guadiaro near Sotogrande. You can also catch pouting and whiting, which are smaller but good for a family trip.

December is quieter but still productive. The water is 15-17 degrees C, and the fish are less aggressive. You can still hook dentex and some late-season bonito if you find the right conditions. Many locals prefer this month because the crowds are gone and the coastline is peaceful. You can anchor off Estepona old town and fish in the lee of the harbour wall.

A half-day winter charter from Cabopino might cost from around EUR 400 for a boat that fits four people. Skippers provide all tackle and bait. You just show up with sunscreen and a jacket.

What you need to know about licences and skippers

In Spain, you need a recreational fishing licence if you fish from the shore or from a private boat. But here is the loophole: if you book a charter with a licensed skipper, the skipper holds a commercial fishing permit that covers everyone on board. So you do not need your own licence. Every charter on BoatHire24 includes a licensed skipper, which means you can fish legally without any paperwork.

The skipper will also know the local marks and the best bait for the day. They will have the boat equipped with rods, reels, and terminal tackle. Some boats have live-bait tanks for catching mackerel or sardines on the spot. You should ask when booking whether live bait is included or if you need to buy it separately.

Departure ports matter for fishing grounds. From Puerto Banús you can reach the deep tuna grounds quickly. From Estepona you are closer to the Strait of Gibraltar and the dolphin-rich waters. From Benalmádena you have easy access to the reefs off the Costa del Sol. Each port has its advantages. You can filter by port on the search page to find the best option for your target species.

Best bait and tackle for each season

Winter (Jan-Mar): Live mackerel or squid for dentex and sea bass. Use 30-50 lb braid with a 60 lb leader. Deep-jigging with slow-pitch jigs works well in 30-50 metres.

Spring (Apr-Jun): For bonito, use small feathers or spoons trolled at 6-8 knots. For amberjack, live bait or poppers. Medium-heavy spinning gear, 20-30 lb.

Summer (Jul-Sep): Bluefin tuna require 80-130 lb stand-up gear with lever-drag reels. Dorado can be taken on lighter tackle, 15-25 lb, with ballyhoo or lures. Wahoo need wire leaders to prevent bite-offs.

Autumn (Oct-Dec): Red snapper and grouper need heavy bottom gear, 50-80 lb, with cut bait or whole squid. Sea bass can be taken on light jigs or live shrimp in the shallows.

Your skipper will have all this gear. You do not need to bring anything except a hat, sunglasses, and motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to queasiness.

Booking tips for fishing charters on the Costa del Sol

Book through BoatHire24 to compare boats and skippers across all ports. Prices vary by boat size, duration, and season. A half-day (4 hour) trip on a RIB for up to 6 people starts from around EUR 500 in low season and EUR 700 in high season. A full-day (8 hour) trip on a motor yacht for bluefin tuna can be EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,000.

Look for boats that list "fishing gear included" and "catch and release" if you prefer that. Some charters let you keep your catch; others release everything. Ask before booking. Also check the cancellation policy: most require 48 hours notice for a full refund.

If you are staying in Marbella, the marina at Puerto Banús is the most convenient departure point. For a quieter day, try Cabopino or Estepona. The fishing is good from all ports, but the travel time to the best grounds varies.

Common questions

What is the best month for big bluefin tuna in Marbella?
August and September are the peak months. Water temperatures are highest and the tuna are feeding heavily before their migration. You need a full-day charter.

Do I need a fishing licence for a charter in Marbella?
No. The skipper holds a commercial permit that covers all passengers. You can fish legally without your own licence.

What is the cheapest type of fishing boat to rent?
A RIB or speedboat with a skipper is the most affordable option. Half-day trips start from around EUR 500 for up to 6 people.

Can I fish from a catamaran?
Yes, some catamarans are equipped for trolling for dorado and bonito. They are more stable and comfortable for groups or families.

What fish can I catch in winter in Marbella?
Dentex, sea bass, and some bluefish. The action is slower but the quality is high.

Is catch and release common?
Many skippers practice catch and release, especially for bluefin tuna. You can keep your catch on some charters if you ask in advance.

How far offshore do you go for fishing?
For tuna, 15-20 nautical miles. For inshore species like dentex, 5-10 nautical miles. The skipper chooses based on conditions and targets.

What should I bring on a fishing charter?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket, and any food or drink you want. The boat provides all tackle and bait.

Puerto Banús vs Estepona: which port for which species

Puerto Banús is the most famous marina on the Costa del Sol, and it gives you fast access to the deep waters south of Marbella. From here, you can reach the tuna grounds in about 30-40 minutes at 20 knots. The downside is the crowds and the higher mooring fees, which get passed on to charter prices. A half-day trip from Puerto Banús might cost from around EUR 600 for a RIB, compared to EUR 500 from Estepona.

Estepona is quieter and closer to the Strait of Gibraltar. That means you can target the migratory species earlier in the season. The waters off Estepona are also richer in plankton, which attracts baitfish and then the predators. If you want amberjack in April or bonito in May, Estepona is a better bet. The port itself is a working fishing port, so the charter skippers there have generations of local knowledge. You can walk from the harbour wall into Estepona old town for lunch after your trip.

For a family trip targeting smaller species like sea bass and pouting, Cabopino is ideal. It is a small, sandy-bottomed marina east of Marbella with easy access to the reefs. The boats there tend to be smaller and cheaper, and the whole vibe is more relaxed. You can combine a half-day fishing trip with a beach afternoon at Cabopino beach, which is one of the few nudist-friendly beaches in the area.

How to choose the right boat for your fishing trip

Not all boats on BoatHire24 are built for fishing. A luxury motor yacht with a flybridge and teak decks might look appealing, but the crew may not have the right gear or the knowledge of the best marks. You want a boat that is purpose-built or at least well-equipped for fishing. Look for boats that list rod holders, a live-bait tank, a fishfinder, and a fighting chair. The best fishing boats are usually the older, workmanlike RIBs and centre-console boats that have been doing this for years.

RIB boats are fast and stable, and they can get you to the grounds quickly. They are also cheaper. But they have limited shade and no toilet, so a full-day trip can be uncomfortable in the July heat. A motor yacht with a cabin gives you air conditioning, a galley, and a proper head. That extra comfort costs more, but it makes a full-day bluefin charter bearable. Catamarans are the most stable platform for fishing, and they have plenty of deck space for a group. You can troll for dorado from a catamaran without worrying about seasickness.

When you book through BoatHire24, you can filter by boat type and amenities. Check the photos for rod holders and a fighting chair. If in doubt, message the skipper through the platform and ask what gear they provide. Most will send you a list of rods and reels they have on board.

Water temperature and fish behaviour: the science bit

Fish are cold-blooded, so their metabolism and activity levels depend directly on water temperature. When the water is 14-16 degrees C in winter, fish like dentex and sea bass are sluggish and feed less often. That is why you need to fish slow and use live bait. As the water warms to 18-20 degrees C in spring, the fish become more active and start feeding aggressively to build up energy for spawning. This is when you get the fast bonito action.

At 22-26 degrees C in summer, the big pelagics like bluefin tuna and dorado are in full feeding mode. They need to consume huge amounts of calories to sustain their high-speed lifestyle. A bluefin tuna can eat up to 5% of its body weight per day. That is why summer fishing is so productive. The fish are constantly on the move, searching for baitfish schools, and they will hit almost anything that looks like a meal.

In autumn, as the water cools back to 20 degrees C, the tuna start their migration south, but the bottom-dwellers like grouper and red snapper become active again. They prefer the cooler water and will move into shallower reefs to feed. The key is to match your fishing technique to the water temperature. Your skipper will check the sea surface temperature charts every morning to decide where to go.

What happens on a typical fishing charter day

You arrive at the marina 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. The skipper greets you at the boat and does a safety briefing. You stow your gear in the cabin or under the seats. The boat leaves the harbour and heads out at cruising speed. For a tuna trip, that means 20-30 minutes of travel time. For inshore species, it might be 10 minutes.

Once on the grounds, the skipper sets up the rods. If you are trolling, they will deploy lures or baits from outriggers and the boat will move at 6-8 knots. When a fish hits, the rod bends and the reel screams. You grab the rod and fight the fish. The skipper will coach you on when to reel and when to let the fish run. For bottom fishing, the skipper anchors or drifts over a reef and you drop your bait down. You wait for the bite, set the hook, and haul it up.

At the end of the trip, the skipper cleans any fish you want to keep. You can take it to a local restaurant in Puerto Banús or Estepona and they will cook it for you for a small fee. Some charters include a ceviche or sashimi snack made from your catch. That is a nice touch on a summer day.

Cost breakdown: what you actually pay for

The price you see on BoatHire24 includes the boat, the skipper, fuel, and basic fishing gear. It does not usually include food and drink, though some charters provide water and soft drinks. You should bring your own lunch or ask the skipper if they can arrange a catering option. For a half-day trip, you probably do not need food, just water and snacks.

Gratuity is not included. The standard is 10-15% of the charter price if you had a good day. Skippers work hard and rely on tips. If you catch a big tuna, consider tipping more. The skipper will also appreciate a cold beer at the end of the trip, but that is optional.

Fuel surcharges can apply in high season when fuel prices spike. Ask before booking. Some charters include fuel in the price; others add a surcharge if you travel more than a certain distance. For a bluefin tuna trip that goes 20 miles offshore, the fuel cost can be significant, so check the fine print.

Related guides

• Fishing Season in Marbella: Target Species by Month
• Fishing Trip Marbella: Catch Tuna & More
• Fishing Season on the Costa del Sol: Key Species
• Fishing Species Costa del Sol by Month: Complete Calendar
• Start a Boat Rental Business in Marbella: 2026 Owner's Guide
• List Your Yacht in Marbella: Charter Management & Earnings

Own a boat? List your boat & earn.