Torrevieja Fishing - When to Go & What to Catch
23rd June 2023
Love fishing? Well, this could be just the place for you, if Torrevieja’s history as a prominent fishing town is anything to go by…
You see, the town’s historical connection to the Mediterranean Sea runs deep, in everything from the local food to the architecture. Spain is the second largest fishing market in all of Europe, after neighbouring Portugal – and Torrevieja’s seaside location makes it a prime spot.
The double whammy of fertile waters, teeming with diverse fish and crustaceans, plus the pink lake‘s huge natural salt reserves, made the town a commercial seafaring powerhouse. Ancient traders would sell salt-cured fish, and the fishing industry was a major source of income right up to the 20th century.
Today, fishing is still done commercially, but it primarily serves the local community and restaurants. The selection of seafood on offer at local restaurants, and available for purchase at the Mercado Central La Plasa, is simply superb.
Bass, sardines, squid, shellfish – they’re all bountiful in these rich waters. A simple meal of sardines and steamed potatoes is cheap but oh-so-cheerful (if your only experience of sardines is from a can, set your expectations to “stunned!”).
But there’s a whole other side to fishing in Torrevieja: fishing trips! If you’re an experienced angler, you can get a licence and go it alone – or you can join a guided fishing trip to experience the best the area has to offer.
Read more – Things To Do in Torrevieja: The Ultimate Guide
The sea, the spray, that tantalising tug on the line… It’s all here. In this post, we’ll tell you what you can expect, where (and when) the best fishing is, and outline some of the top-rated fishing trips in Torrevieja.
Fishing in Torrevieja – what to expect
Sea fishing
By far, the most popular type of sport and leisure fishing in Torrevieja is sea fishing. And with pristine Mediterranean waters, it’s not hard to see why. Big game fish are common, like tuna, marlin, sailfish and other large, toothy predators. Even sharks and rays. Species include:
- Barracuda
- Swordfish
- Grouper
- Dorado
- Skate
- Bass
- Gurnard
- Sabre Fish
- Bonito
- Dog Fish
- Conger eel
- Moray eel
Be aware though, all endangered and protected species – like the European sea sturgeon and European eel – carry strict limits on them to protect their numbers. To keep within the law, it’s recommended that amateurs and less experienced anglers take guided tours with local experts who can identify and report on any protected animals caught.
Common fish can be caught and kept for cooking, provided they’re over the minimum size for population growth – or returned to the water if you’re just fishing for sport. And while the variety is truly mind-boggling, what you’ll catch depends on the season you’re here. We’ll cover that shortly.
Inland fishing in local lakes
Freshwater fishing in Torrevieja isn’t quite as popular – so it’s often a lot more relaxing and can be cheaper, too. It might be a better experience if you’re more interested in chilling out than getting an adrenaline rush. The bulk of the fishing action happens around a 15-minute drive from Torrevieja, at Lake Pedrera (a.k.a. Torremendo Lake).
The lake is enormous, and although the water is beautiful, swimming is prohibited (because it also acts as a reservoir), but fishing is widely practised. The most popular fish caught in the lake include carp, catfish and zander. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rarer species, like black bass. Again, this can be highly seasonal, so be careful when you choose to travel to Torrevieja for fishing.
When to go fishing in Torrevieja
The best months for sea fishing in Torrevieja are June, July and August. Highlights include the big bluefin tuna which pass along this stretch of coastline as they swim the Mediterranean – and pose a huge challenge to even the most hardened of sea fishers.
Read more – When is the BEST time to visit Torrevieja?
That said, the waters are rich with species throughout the year, so you can expect to catch snapper, mackerel and bream, as well as larger game fish. The locals will know, so get chatting to anyone you see with a rod for tips on what’s out there.
It never really gets cold here, but the waters retain the temperature of the preceding season long into the next. Cool waters and warm sun make for a potent mix, and the waters are especially fertile from spring to summer – this goes for lake fishing, too.
Torrevieja fishing trips: top rated
Tours are plentiful, giving you access to boats, rods, line, tackle, bait – and everything you could possibly need for a day’s sea fishing. Licences are also included (we’ll cover this more in a moment). For both amateurs or seasoned pros, a guided trip is a good bet, as you get to tailor the experience while getting an all-inclusive service.
Here are the top-rated fishing experiences in and around Torrevieja:
Sunset Experience
Operating year-round, this private fishing boat charter is so popular, it’s almost always fully booked. If you want the best experience, fishing alongside national fishing champions as your guides – then this is the fishing trip for you.
Charter Santa Cruz
A little further away in La Manga, Charter Santa Cruz is another popular fishing excursion provider. It’s so good, even locals from Torrevieja use it and rate it highly!
Torrevieja fishing licences
If you decide to go fishing solo, and not as part of a fishing trip in Torrevieja, you’ll need to get a fishing licence. This can be tricky, but it’s doable. Fishing in the area is carefully controlled, and licences are not available on a short-term basis (valid for 1 or 3 years). Shore fishing licences are around €20 and boat licences are a little more, and Spain now requires licences for inland fishing, too.
Fishing licence application information – Torrevieja.
How ever you choose to do it, fishing in Torrevieja is going to be a memory you’ll cherish forever. And if you need a place to stay, look no further!
Book Your Holiday Apartment at Los Locos Beach
Looking for a place to unwind after landing a few monster fish? Book your stay in one of our holiday accommodation in Torrevieja, and enjoy a comfortable beachside apartment when you come fishing in Torrevieja.
