Open-Sea Fishing with a Captain, Alicante
In Alicante, paid open-sea fishing trips are organized on a motorboat or yacht with a captain. Anglers target small tuna — albacore and bonito — as well as mackerel, sea bass, horse mackerel, and other fish. Outings are also available from Valencia, Benidorm, and Torrevieja.
What This Is
Sea fishing in Alicante requires heading into open water — this is standard practice among local anglers. From shore, people fish near rocks, beaches, and breakwaters, but large pelagic fish stay farther from the coast. That is why a motorboat or yacht with a captain is used for trophy fishing. The skipper steers the vessel; the client fishes.
When Is the Best Time to Go
The best time for sea fishing on the Costa Blanca is from May to November. The peak of shore fishing falls in autumn, from September to November. In spring and summer, from May to September, the water warms from +20 °C in May to +25–27 °C in July and August, and pelagic species are actively caught in open water. In autumn, the water holds at +22…+25 °C, and fish feed before winter. In winter, from December to April, shore fishing is less active due to cooler water, but it is possible on calm, sunny days. Organized sea tours with captains are available year-round.
What Tackle Is Used
The fishing method determines the tackle. From shore and beaches, surf casting is used: telescopic or two-piece rods 3.9 to 4.5 meters long with a casting weight of 100–200 grams — these are needed for long casts through the surf. Near rocks and in ports, spinning rods 2.4–3.0 meters long with a casting weight of 10–30 grams are used for predatory fish with wobblers and soft lures. Light float rods 5–6 meters long also work there. From a boat, boat rods 2.1–2.7 meters long are used — stiffer and more sensitive, rated for sinkers up to 150–300 grams.
What Tackle Is on Board
The main line for spinning and light fishing is braided line 0.14–0.20 mm in diameter: it provides high sensitivity to bites. For surf casting from shore, monofilament line 0.25–0.35 mm is used, often with a shock leader made of thicker line or fluorocarbon — it stretches better in the waves. Leaders are always made of fluorocarbon 0.18–0.28 mm in diameter: Mediterranean water is clear, fish are cautious, and fluorocarbon is invisible in the water and resistant to shellfish on rocks.
What's Included in the Price
The charter includes a license, tackle, lures, bait, and drinks. Some tours provide light snacks and food on board. A private charter on an 8-meter yacht adds a shower, toilet, and cabin, with a possible swimming stop. When booking an official charter, the boat's license covers all passengers — no separate permit is needed. The skipper's briefing is included in group tours.
What Fish Species Are Caught
In the waters of the Costa Blanca, small tuna — albacore and bonito — are caught, along with mackerel, sea bass, and horse mackerel. When trolling and bottom fishing, barracuda, mackerel, dentex, squid, and cuttlefish are taken. In open water during the season, anglers hunt large bluefin tuna and mahi-mahi. From shore near Cabo de las Huertas, dorada, sea bass, and sea bream bite.
Where We Operate
Fishing is organized from Alicante, Valencia, Benidorm, and Torrevieja in the Valencia region. Outings head into the open Mediterranean along the Costa Blanca coast. From shore, people fish at Cape Cabo de las Huertas, San Juan Beach, El Campello, and Santa Pola. Terms for other departure points are coordinated separately.
Pricing
A group tour starts at €120 per person. A turnkey private boat rental is about €500–685. A private boat for 5 hours starts at $685 per boat. Some offers start at €100. The final amount depends on the format, duration, and number of participants. In high season from May to November, demand is higher, so it is worth booking in advance. Prepayment terms and payment methods are confirmed at the time of booking.
This Is a Good Fit For
— Beginners who need a group tour with tackle and briefing.
— Groups of up to 4–5 people who need a private boat rental.
— Those who want to combine trolling and bottom fishing in a single outing.
— Families with children if the format includes a comfortable yacht.
— Experienced anglers who need a full day in open water after large fish.
This May Not Be a Good Fit For
— Groups larger than 5 people for private rental — boat capacity is limited.
— Those who want to fish from shore without a license — independent fishing requires a permit.
— Fishing inside the commercial port of Alicante — this is prohibited.
— Fishing in beach zones during the swimming season — restrictions apply.
— Outings on days when weather does not permit the chosen fishing method.
What to Confirm Before Booking
Confirm which format you need — a group tour with per-person pricing or a private boat rental. Ask which tackle will be prepared for the chosen fishing method — surf casting, spinning, or boat fishing. Find out whether the license is included in the charter price or must be arranged independently for shore fishing. Discuss in advance whether food, drinks, and a swimming stop are available on board. Confirm the departure point and the cancellation rules in case of bad weather. If you are going in high season from May to November, book in advance.
How to Book
Submit a request through the listing form, specifying the departure city, month of travel, number of participants, and the selected format. You will receive a confirmation and cost estimate in response. The company will contact you to coordinate the vessel, tackle, and departure time.