Fishing Mallorca: Top Spots & When to Go
Fishing License Information
When planning your fishing adventure in Mallorca, please note that a fishing license is mandatory for all recreational fishing activities. This license is issued by the Balearic government and can be conveniently obtained online.
You can get your fishing license from the official Balearic government website here: www.caib.es
Why Mallorca is an angler’s playground
The island’s mix of sheltered bays, sheer limestone headlands and deep offshore trenches means you can switch from float-fishing for mullet in the morning to jigging 50 m drop-offs by lunch, all within an hour’s drive. A coastal licence is mandatory (see "## Essential Fishing License Information" above for details on obtaining it), but once that’s sorted you’ve got year-round access to seabream, dentex, grouper and—just a few miles out—bluefin tuna and swordfish.
North-Coast Classics
Coastal Town: Port de Pollença is a charming town that serves as a perfect base for fishing trips in this area. With a picturesque marina and plenty of local amenities, it's an ideal starting point for anglers.
East-Side Reefs & Canyons
Cala Ratjada – Rocky points for dentex and amberjack; good winter bottom fishing.
Coastal Town: Cala Ratjada offers excellent access to the eastern fishing grounds. Known for its vibrant harbor, it's a great place to embark on a fishing adventure.
Cala Ratjada is renowned for its picturesque coastline and excellent fishing opportunities.
Southern Gems
Porto Colom/Porto Cristo → “Ses Mamelles” seamount – Productive June–September albacore run.
Coastal Town: Colònia de Sant Jordi is a quaint coastal town from which you can take off to explore the southern fishing gems. It's known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
Off Island: Cabrera Archipelago National Park – Permit-only; exceptional autumn mahi-mahi around FADs and floating palm fronds.
Isla Cabrera, Illes Balears, Spain
West & Southwest Reserves
Coastal Town: Sant Elm is a beautiful town that offers easy access to the reserves of Sa Dragonera and the surrounding waters. It's an excellent base for those looking to fish in the western waters of Mallorca.
Seasonal Species Calendar
| Species | High Season | Where to look | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefin tuna | May – Oct (peak Jul–Aug) | Deep edges north of Formentor; Ibiza Channel | Troll or chum over 500–2000 m depths |
| Albacore (longfin) | Jun – Sep | “Ses Mamelles” seamount, east of Porto Colom | Migratory schools; fast-troll feathers |
| Mahi-mahi / Dorado | Sep – Nov | Floating debris, Cabrera & Palma offshore buoys | Frenetic surface action on poppers |
| Swordfish | Nov – Feb (deep-drop) & May – Oct (troll) | Offshore canyons SE of Cala Figuera | Night deep-dropping effective in winter |
| Dentex | Apr–May & Oct–Dec (catchable all year) | Rocky reefs 40–120 m, Malgrats, Formentor | Live-bait jigged squid very effective |
| Amberjack | Year-round (biggest Sep–Nov) | Wrecks & pinnacles off Port d’Andratx, Dragonera | Vertical jigging and live bonito |
| Barracuda | All year (best Mar–May) | Dragonera, Palma breakwaters | Early-morning plugs along shadows |
| Grouper & Scorpionfish | All year | Marine-reserve walls, 30–80 m | Jig close to structure; use descender for releases |
Quick Tips & Regulations
- Licences & permits – A Balearic recreational licence is mandatory (see "## Essential Fishing License Information" above for details on obtaining it). Cabrera and all marine reserves require extra authorisation and gear limits (check the Govern Balear portal before you go).
- No-take zones – Respect the integral areas of Sa Dragonera, El Toro, Malgrats, Cabrera and the northern sector of Cap de Formentor. Fines are steep.
- Catch-and-release – Strongly encouraged for bluefin tuna, dentex over 70 cm and all groupers in reserve buffer zones to maintain healthy stocks.
Whether you prefer shore spinning at dawn in Palma, jigging dentex off the Malgrats plateau or chasing late-summer bluefins north of Formentor, Mallorca offers a year-round menu for every style of angler. Tight lines!
Mentioned in This Guide
Explore all the locations mentioned in this guide on the map below.
Sant Elm
07159 Sant Elm, Balearic Islands, Spain
Port de Pollença
Port de Pollença, Balearic Islands, Spain
Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
Isla Cabrera, Illes Balears, Spain
Cala Ratjada
07590 Cala Ratjada, Balearic Islands, Spain
Colònia de Sant Jordi
Colònia de Sant Jordi, Illes Balears, Spain
Portocolom
