As winter gives way to spring bigger fish such as tuna, bonito, wahoo and albacore can be found in the waters around Lanzarote once more. Creating the ideal conditions for a day out sport fishing.
You could be forgiven for thinking that as Lanzarote is a island all of the locals will be natural and proficient fishermen, casting off lines for fun from the beaches and rocks and catching fresh fish every day for cena (dinner).
But in fact that could not be further from the truth. As the Lanzaroteños precedents on the island were an ancient aboriginal island race called the Guanche. Who were apparently regarded as rather poor fisherman – surviving instead on a staple diet of gofio, goat and rabbit – all of which still crop up regularly on traditional island menus to this day.
And whilst Lanzarote was once home to one of the biggest fishing fleets in the Canary Islands, the vast majority of these nets were cast 70 miles away off the coast of the Western Sahara. Where conditions for commercial fishing are far more conducive.
But thankfully the waters around Lanzarote are still ideal for sport fishing. With the islands south-eastern coast in particular providing the perfect hunting ground for both the serious and amateur angler alike. Where the waters are estimated to be populated by more than 350 species of fish. With 1,200 different types of invertebrates having been recorded in the waters of the Canary Islands.
The bulk of the sport fishing excursions on the island depart from either the Old Town harbour area in Puerto del Carmen or the luxury marina of Puerto Calero – which is just a further five minutes drive away along the coastline. Where in both locations visitors can find a number of highly professional and experienced sports fishing skippers. With boats that are bedecked with all of the latest fishing gadgetry and equipment.
Amongst the best known operators on the island is the highly experienced team at Sport Fishing Lanzarote. Who have been active in the waters around Lanzarote since the 1990´s and who have pioneered shark and aquatic big game excursions on the island with their four strong fleet of fishing vessels.
Their fleet includes the 16.5 metre Katfish, which has been purpose built for bottom fishing in Atlantic waters and which is equipped with top of the range rods and reels from the likes of manafucaters such as Penn Senator and Shimano. Along with radar, sonar and a highly proficient crew. And the Margarita II – which is the big game fishing flagship vessel, measuring 16 metres with a breadth of 4 metres, so providing ample room for anglers and spectatators alike.
Guests can expect to encounter a wide variety of aquatic big game – such as wahoo, marlin and the big daddy of the tuna family, the Bluefin. Which can weigh in at anything up to a whopping 1,000 lbs (450 kilos).
From around early April onwards these species are further augmented by the arrival of hammerhead sharks, amberjacks and dorada in the waters around Lanzarote.
A typical days fishing starts with a departure at around 08.30 with a return time of approximately 15:00. With prices starting from €85 for an angler and €40 for a spectator. A cost which includes a light lunch, soft drinks or beers, use of all equipment and collection and return from your accommodation in any of the three main resorts on the island.
This cost can be reduced even further by booking these excursions through Sport Fishing Lanzarote´s recommended booking agents Aquatickets – who are currently offering discounts of 10%.
Private charters can also be arranged – which are ideal for larger groups. And these start at €600 – depending on the vessel required, duration of the day and the number of guests in the party.
