Chasing Sea Bass: Coastal Angling adventures in Mallorca

Fishing for sea bass off the coast of Mallorca is an exciting and challenging activity, particularly suitable for keen anglers. The sea bass (lat. Dicentrarchus labrax) is a powerful predatory fish found in the coastal waters around the Balearic Islands.

Best times and places to fish

The best time to catch sea bass in Mallorca is in autumn and winter, especially from October to February. During this period, the fish migrate to waters closer to the coast, where they feed in harbour areas, estuaries and seagrass beds.

The north and east coasts of the island are particularly productive, as this is where most of the ports are located and the coast is the easiest to fish.

The fishes are mostly between 30 and 40 centimeters, but they grow over a meter in length and can reach more than 8 Kilo.

How and what to use

There are several methods for catching sea bass off the coast of Mallorca:

• Spinning: Fishing with artificial lures such as plugs, stickbaits or soft bait is very popular. Seabass are aggressive predators and respond well to moving lures.

• Surf fishing: From sandy beaches or rocky areas, natural baits such as pieces of squid, sardines or prawns can be used successfully. A fine rig with a fluorocarbon leader should be used, as the fish often bite cautiously.

  
  

• Fly-fishing: Experienced fly-fishers have a good chance of catching bass with streamers in the quiet coves of Mallorca. White-blue or white-green in 5 centimetres is a good choice.

  
  

• Live-Baiting: The easiest and most relaxed of the techniques. With a live mullet or a small bream of about 10 centimeters. A leader of 1,50 meter and a small triple hook. Infront a small weight of 60 grams. Livebaiting is not allowed in nature reserves.

Equipment and tactics

A medium-heavy rod between 2.40 and 3.00 metres long with a casting weight of 10-40 grams is recommended for spinning. A 3000 to 4000 fixed spool reel with braided line (approx. 0.10-0.15 mm) ensures precise lure control.

For natural baits, choose a stable ground rig with light lead to present the bait as naturally as possible. If you prefer to fish with small stickbaits and poppers, the rod should be between 2.00 and 2.40 metres. It should also have a fast action. The leader should be flourocarbon, no thicker than 0.24mm.

The best chances of success are in the early hours of the morning or at dusk, when sea bass are most active feeding. But they can be caught during the whole night.

Conservation and legislation

You should also comply with local fishing regulations. The minimum size for sea bass is 25 cm and 43 cm in nature reserves. From 13 February 2025, only one fish per person per day may be taken. Fishing is prohibited in some nature reserves. It is therefore advisable to check the current regulations before fishing and to follow sustainable fishing practices.

In conclusion

Fishing for sea bass in Mallorca is a rewarding challenge for anglers. Whether using artificial or natural bait, with the right equipment, at the right time and in the right place, you can achieve impressive catches.

Are fun to catch and delicious in the kitchen