Fishing trip in Malta: how to book, what to catch, honest verdict

Fishing in Malta: the context

Malta’s fishing culture is deeply woven into the islands’ identity. The luzzu — the iconic double-ended wooden boat painted in primary colours with the eye of Osiris on the bow — is the symbol of Maltese maritime heritage and was the working vessel of Maltese fishermen for centuries. Marsaxlokk, on Malta’s southeastern coast, remains an active fishing village where the Sunday market, the painted boats in the harbour, and the smell of the sea are all real rather than staged for tourists.

Recreational fishing trips in Malta operate against this genuine background. You’re not going on an artificial lake tour — you’re fishing in the same Mediterranean waters, from the same harbours, that Maltese fishermen have worked for generations.

What you can catch

Malta’s waters offer a diverse catch depending on the season:

Lampuka (dolphinfish / mahi-mahi): The most prized Maltese catch, available September–November when fish platforms (kannizzati) are deployed offshore. The lampuka season is celebrated in Maltese culture — the traditional lampuka pie is one of Malta’s great dishes.

Tuna (bluefin and yellowfin): Migratory tuna pass through Maltese waters in spring and autumn. High-end pelagic fishing trips target tuna specifically.

Amberjack and dentex (bream): Year-round catches on both hook-and-line and trolling rigs. Dentex (dott) is a Maltese favourite.

Swordfish: Rare but possible during open-sea trips in summer. Usually targeted with longlines rather than recreational tackle.

Mullet, sea bass, seabream, and wrasse: Inshore catches possible from the coast or within a few kilometres of shore.

Types of fishing trip available

Luzzu-based traditional fishing (Marsaxlokk)

The most authentic experience: departing from Marsaxlokk harbour on a traditional luzzu with a local fisherman. Small groups, handlines or rods, targeting inshore species. The fisherman knows the grounds — local knowledge beats GPS for reef fish.

Book the Marsaxlokk luzzu boat tour (fishing/sightseeing combination)

This is more of a boat experience than a competitive fishing session — ideal for those who want the cultural encounter and some line in the water rather than serious fish targeting.

Boat fishing trips (half-day)

The standard recreational fishing trip in Malta: 3–4 hours offshore, typically targeting bream, amberjack, and seasonal species with rod and reel. Multiple departure points (Sliema, Mellieha, Marsaxlokk). Group sizes typically 4–12 people.

Book the Marsaxlokk and Delimara coast boat trip including St Peter’s Pool

This boat trip combines coastal sightseeing (St Peter’s Pool, Delimara Point) with fishing stops — a good compromise for groups with mixed interests.

Full-day offshore fishing

For serious fishing enthusiasts, full-day trips head further offshore — sometimes 30–50 nautical miles from Malta — targeting tuna, swordfish, and large pelagics. These trips require commitment (7–8 hours at sea) and are weather-dependent. Expect to pay €100–150/person for a group full-day offshore trip.

Private charter fishing

The best option for a serious fishing focus. A private boat with a guide/skipper who knows the grounds, the tackle is rigged for target species, and the day is built around maximising fishing time rather than sightseeing. Prices start at €350–500 for a half-day private fishing charter.

Book the Malta west coast boat tour (Blue Grotto and fishing stops)

Season calendar for Malta fishing

Month	Best target species	Conditions
Jan–Feb	Dentex, wrasse (inshore)	Rough weather possible
Mar–Apr	Spring migration species	Improving
May–Jun	Bream, amberjack	Excellent
Jul–Aug	Bream, dorado (early lampuka)	Hot, calm, crowded
Sep–Oct	Lampuka, amberjack, tuna	Best months overall
Nov	Final lampuka season	Can be rough
Dec	Inshore only	Reduced trips

September and October are the peak months for recreational fishing in Malta — the lampuka are in, the weather is warm, and the sea is calmer than mid-summer.

The lampuka season: a cultural event

From September to November, the waters around Malta are dotted with floating fish platforms (kannizzati) — rafts of weighted bamboo and palm fronds that attract lampuka (dolphinfish). The fishermen who position these platforms guard their locations jealously. The lampuka caught here end up in Marsaxlokk’s restaurants, on Valletta market stalls, and in the traditional lampuka pie — a pastry filled with fish, olives, capers, spinach, and tomatoes.

Visiting Malta in October and eating a proper lampuka pie is one of the most authentic seasonal Maltese food experiences.

Marsaxlokk as a fishing base

Marsaxlokk is the natural home of Malta’s fishing culture. The village still launches working luzzu boats every morning. The Sunday fish market (famous but very crowded — see the Marsaxlokk fish market guide) gives you a sense of the daily catch.

For fishing trips, Marsaxlokk-based operators have the most authentic experience. The town itself is worth exploring — Azzopardi Fish Farm, the colourful boats in the bay, and the restaurants on the waterfront serving the freshest fish in Malta.

What to bring on a Malta fishing trip

• Seasickness prevention: Open-sea fishing, particularly on half-day and full-day trips, can mean rolling water. Take precautions if you’re at all susceptible.
• Sunscreen and hat: No shade on most fishing boats.
• Light warm layer: Early morning departures are cool even in summer.
• Cash: Some fishing operators prefer cash, particularly smaller luzzu-based trips.
• Licence requirements: As a tourist on an organised fishing trip, you typically don’t need a personal fishing licence — the trip operates under the operator’s licence. Confirm when booking.

Honest expectations

Fishing results are never guaranteed. Malta’s Mediterranean waters are productive but not as abundant as some tropical fishing destinations. On a typical half-day trip, you might catch 2–6 fish of varying species — or you might catch nothing. The fishermen are experienced and will use local knowledge to maximise catches, but the sea doesn’t always cooperate.

If catching fish matters greatly to you, choose September–October (lampuka season) and book a full-day rather than half-day trip. If the experience of being on a traditional Maltese boat matters more than the catch, any time of year in settled weather is fine.

Frequently asked questions about Malta fishing trips

What fishing licence do I need in Malta?

Tourists fishing on organised recreational fishing trips don’t typically need a personal licence — the trip operates under the operator’s commercial licence. If you’re planning to fish from shore independently, Malta does require a recreational fishing licence (available from the Department of Fisheries). Confirm with your specific operator before booking.

What’s the best time of year for fishing in Malta?

September–October for lampuka (dolphinfish). May–June and September–October more generally for bream and amberjack. Winter fishing is possible for inshore species but conditions are less reliable.

Can I take the fish home?

Generally no for international visitors — bringing fish across borders is subject to customs regulations. Most fishing trips either release the catch or offer to cook it locally (some Marsaxlokk operators have relationships with nearby restaurants).

Is fishing suitable for children?

Depending on the trip, yes. A shorter luzzu-based harbour fishing experience around Marsaxlokk is very accessible for children. Full-day offshore trips in rough conditions are not suitable for young children.

How far offshore do Malta fishing trips go?

Half-day trips typically stay within 5–15 nautical miles. Full-day pelagic trips for tuna can go 30–50 nautical miles offshore.

Is fishing in Malta sustainable?

Malta has faced criticism for overfishing in its tuna farming industry (Atlantic bluefin tuna fattening pens are a major business). Recreational fishing is generally low-impact, but some operators are more sustainability-conscious than others. If this matters to you, ask specifically about the operator’s practices.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20