Fishing in Malta: Licences and the Best Spots for International Anglers – Fishing Guide

Fishing License Malta – What You Really Need to Know

Here’s the good news first: You do NOT need a special fishing license for shore fishing in Malta. Yes, you heard that right. Just grab your gear and go. But—and this is important—once you’re fishing from a boat or want to target certain species, things get more complicated.

When Do You Need a Fishing License in Malta?

You’ll need an official license in the following cases: – Commercial fishing: When you want to sell your catch (not relevant for tourists anyway) – Certain protected species: For tuna and other quota fish – Special gear: Nets, traps, or other professional equipment For normal recreational fishing with a rod—whether you’re spinning, bottom fishing, or popping—sticking to the local rules is enough.

Malta Fishing Permit for Boat Owners

If you have your own boat or are chartering one, you’ll need: – Boat registration: The boat must be registered with the Malta Maritime Authority – VHF license: For marine radio communication – Valid insurance: At least third party coverage Most charter operators handle all the paperwork for you. Still, it’s wise to double-check—Ive seen tourists left at the dock because the insurance had expired.

How to Apply for a Malta Fishing License—If It’s Required

If you end up needing a license after all, head to the appropriate office in Valletta. The opening hours are… well, typically Maltese and flexible. Monday to Friday, 8:00–12:00, but don’t be surprised if the “system is down” by 11:30. Required documents: – Passport or EU ID card – Proof of accommodation in Malta – €25 fee (cash only, of course) – Two passport photos Pro tip: Go as early in the morning as possible. After 10 am it gets crowded, and the staff tends to get grumpy.

The Best Fishing Spots in Malta – From Hidden Gems to Famous Locations

After two intense years of fishing around Malta, I can confidently recommend the spots that really deliver. Forget about the usual “Top 10” tourist lists—here’s my honest take.

Fishing Spots for Beginners

Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Perfect for your first fishing day in Malta. The bays are sheltered, the seabed is sandy, and the fish are less shy than at the heavily fished spots. Expect smaller sea bream, mullet, and occasionally an octopus. Best times: Early morning or after 6 pm Bait: Shrimp, worms, small spinners Getting there: Bus 44 or 47, but allow extra time—Maltese buses run on their own schedule Sliema Promenade Sounds touristy? That’s because it is. But the stone wall offers surprisingly good fishing. The corners near the swimming platforms are particularly productive. Mostly smaller fish, but you’ll catch them consistently.

Insider Spots for Advanced Anglers

Wied iż-Żurrieq My absolute favorite for boat fishing. The steep cliffs mean deep water right off the coast. I caught my largest dentex here—one weighed in at over 4kg.

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq (White Rocks) A spot most guides won’t mention. The white limestone cliffs create dramatic contrast in the water and attract predatory fish. Spinning for barracuda is especially rewarding here. Caution: Getting to the good spots is steep and slippery. Sturdy footwear is a must!

Gozo – An Angler’s Paradise

Gozo is to anglers what Valletta is to culture tourists—an absolute must. The smaller sibling island has less boat traffic and even clearer water. Azure Window Area (formerly) Although the famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, the area around Dwejra is still a hotspot. The underwater landscape is spectacular and fish diversity is high. Marsalforn Bay My top tip for relaxed night fishing. The bay is well sheltered, there are restaurants nearby for breaks, and at night, big fish come much closer to the shore.

Tackle and Bait for Maltese Waters

The sea around Malta has its quirks, so your setup should match. After plenty of expensive trial and error, here’s what actually works—and what’s just a waste of money.

The Right Rod for Malta

For Shore Fishing: A medium spinning rod (2.70–3.00m, cast weight 15–40g) is your all-rounder. I use a Penn Battle III combo—it’s tough enough for the salty wind and strong enough for bigger fish. For Boat Fishing: You’ll need at least a heavy rod (cast weight 50–100g). The Mediterranean can be deceptive—a relaxing day can suddenly turn into a battle with a 10-kilo dentex.

Baits That Work in Malta

Forget about exotic artificial lures from the tackle shop—Mediterranean fish are keyed in on local prey: Live bait (best option): – Shrimp: The universal bait for sea bream and mullet – Sardines: Perfect for larger predators – Squid: Almost always works, especially at night – Worms: Ragworms are available at every tackle shop You can get live bait at Joes Fishing Tackle in Msida or Malta Angling Supplies in Valletta. Expect to pay €5–8 per portion—sounds pricey, but usually a portion will last the whole day.

Artificial Lures for Active Fishing

Spoons and spinners: Silver and white are best—they imitate local sardines Soft plastics: Natural colors, 8–12cm Poppers: For surface fishing barracuda and bonito

Fishing Tackle Shops in Malta – Where to Buy?

• Joes Fishing Tackle, Msida: The classic, a bit pricey but expert advice
• Malta Angling Supplies, Valletta: Cheapest prices, huge selection
• Gozo Fishing Centre, Victoria: Fishing on Gozo? Saves you hauling your gear over
• Decathlon, San Ġwann: Totally fine and affordable for basic equipment

Pro tip: Buy your hooks a size up compared to what you’d use elsewhere. Maltese fish have tougher mouths due to their calcareous diet.

Boat Fishing vs Shore Fishing – Which Is Worth It and When?

I get this question all the time, and the honest answer is: it depends. Both methods make sense in Malta, but your success depends a lot on your goals and budget.

Shore Fishing in Malta – The Relaxed Way

Advantages: – Free (apart from tackle and bait) – Flexible hours—fish whenever you want – No seasickness – Perfect for chill sessions with friends Disadvantages: – Generally smaller fish – Limited spots, especially crowded in summer – Some species (tuna, swordfish) out of reach The best shore fishing is usually early morning or late evening. Between 11 am and 4 pm you can forget it—too crowded, too hot, fish move to deeper water.

Boat Fishing in Malta – Serious Pursuit

Charter Fishing Malta is the standard for tourists, but locals use it too. Most charters depart from Grand Harbour in Valletta or Marsaxlokk. What a good charter should offer: – Professional gear (rods, reels, bait) – Experienced captain with GPS marks for the best spots – Safety equipment and first aid – Sometimes drinks and a light snack

Own Boat vs Charter – Which Pays Off?

I did the math, since I considered buying a small boat myself. If you do 10–15 trips per year, chartering is definitely the better deal. The maintenance costs (berth, servicing, insurance) eat up your budget quickly in Malta. Charters I can recommend: – Reel Deal Fishing: Professional, fair prices, great equipment – Offshore Fishing Malta: Specializes in big game fishing – Nautilus Charters: Smaller groups, personal service Always book directly with the operator, not via booking platforms. You’ll save 15–20% in fees and often get better terms.

Cost of Fishing in Malta – The Honest Overview

Let’s be real: Fishing in Malta can be seriously expensive—or surprisingly affordable, depending on your approach. Here’s my honest cost breakdown after two years of hardcore fishing.

One-Time Setup Costs

Basic gear (shore fishing): – Solid spinning rod: €80–150 – Good reel: €60–120 – Tackle box with basic kit: €40–60 – Total: €180–330 That’s enough to get you started. You can start cheaper (Decathlon sells sets from €50), but you’ll soon regret it when your gear breaks.

Ongoing Costs Per Fishing Day

Shore fishing: – Bait: €5–8 – Transport (bus): €1.50 – Snacks/drinks: €5–10 – Total: €11.50–19.50 per day Boat fishing (charter): – Half-day charter: €45–65 – Tip for the crew: €5–10 – Extra drinks/food: €10–15 – Total: €60–90 per day

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Parking: Always an issue in Malta. The best fishing spots rarely have free parking. Expect €2–5 per day, especially in Sliema or Valletta. Tackle loss: The rocky Mediterranean bottoms eat lures and hooks. I lose on average 3–4 rigs per session—about €5 extra per day. License fees: If required, €25 one-off, plus your trip to Valletta (bus fare, lost time).

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Gear shopping: – Buy hooks and weights in bulk – Importing from Germany is worth it for bigger orders (Moritz, Frankonia ship to Malta) – Order lures from AliExpress—takes three weeks but costs 70% less Transport: – Buy a Tallinja Card (bus pass): €21 for 7 days unlimited – Use car-sharing apps (GoTo Malta, eCabs) – Prefer spots within walking distance Bait strategies: – Hit up fish markets (Marsaxlokk) early: fresh sardines for €2–3/kg – Catch your own squid (nighttime with a flashlight, totally legal) – Collect ragworms at tide pools

Fishing Rules and Closed Seasons – So You Stay Out of Trouble

Malta takes marine conservation seriously, and as an angler, so should you. The rules are fair, but are strictly enforced. I’ve seen tourists hit with hefty fines for keeping undersized fish.

Minimum Sizes in Malta – What You Can Keep

Always have this table handy—printed or as a screenshot on your phone. The Fisheries Control Unit does regular checks, especially at popular spots and on weekends.

Malta Fishing Regulations – What’s Banned

Strictly forbidden: – Catching sea turtles (heavy fines and even jail possible) – Nets or traps without a license – Fishing in marine protected areas (MPA) – Spearfishing without a diving license – Fishing during storm warnings You’ll recognize marine protected areas by yellow buoys. The most important MPAs: – Il-Majjistral Nature Park (west coast) – Parts of Blue Lagoon on Comino – Filfla Island (complete fishing ban)

Controls and Fines – What to Expect

The Fisheries Control Unit is active and well-equipped. Officers usually speak fluent English and are generally fair, but strict. Common checks: – Weekends at popular spots (Golden Bay, Marsaxlokk) – At night at well-known night fishing places – Random boat checks offshore Typical fines: – Undersized fish: €50–200 per fish – Fishing in a MPA: €200–500 – Boat without registration: €300–1,000 Pro tip: Be cooperative and honest. Maltese officers appreciate respect and truthfulness. If you try to cheat or get aggressive, you’ll get the maximum penalty.

Catch & Release – Voluntary but Sensible

There’s no mandatory catch & release yet in Malta, but I strongly recommend it for large specimens. Stocks are recovering slowly, and every big spawning fish helps. How to release properly: – Take a quick photo for your memories – Return the fish immediately (don’t hold it for minutes for selfies) – For deep-water catches: have an expert deflate the swim bladder Many charter captains already practice selective catch & release and will explain the method.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing in Malta

Do I need a fishing license for Malta?

No, you don’t need a special license for normal recreational rod fishing in Malta—neither for shore fishing nor regular boat fishing. Only commercial fishing or targeting certain protected species requires a license.

Which fish can I catch in Malta?

The most common catches are sea bream (gilt-head bream), dentex, mullet, barracuda, and various tuna species. In deeper waters, you’ll also find grouper, bonito, and occasionally swordfish or marlin.

When is the best time to fish in Malta?

The best season runs from April to October, with peak times in May–June and September–October. Early morning (5–9 am) and late evening (6–10 pm) are most productive. Little happens midday (11–4 pm).

How much does a fishing charter cost in Malta?

Half-day charters (4 hours) cost €45–65 per person, full-day trips €85–120. Deep sea fishing for large species like tuna or marlin runs €150–250 per person. Prices vary depending on season and boat size.

Where can I buy tackle in Malta?

Top shops are Joe’s Fishing Tackle in Msida (best advice), Malta Angling Supplies in Valletta (cheapest prices), and Decathlon in San Ġwann for basic gear. On Gozo, you’ve got the Gozo Fishing Centre in Victoria.

Are there fishing bans in Malta?

Yes, fishing is forbidden in marine protected areas (MPAs), marked by yellow buoys. There are also minimum sizes for various species and closed seasons for some, such as grouper (April–July) or tuna (October–March).

Can I bring my own fishing gear to Malta?

Yes, you can easily bring your fishing gear to Malta. When flying, put hooks and sharp items in checked baggage. Lures and rods are usually allowed in carry-on.

Which baits work best in Maltese waters?

Live bait such as shrimp, sardines, and squid are most effective. For artificials, silver spoons, natural-colored soft plastics (8–12cm), and poppers for surface fishing. Ragworms are the universal bait for smaller species.

Is night fishing allowed in Malta?

Yes, night fishing is generally allowed and can be very productive, as big fish come closer to shore at night. Marsalforn Bay on Gozo and sheltered bays like Golden Bay are great for night sessions.

Do I need to report my catches in Malta?

No, as a recreational angler you don’t need to report your catches. Just respect daily limits (e.g., max 5 sea bream, 2 dentex) and stick to minimum sizes. Commercial fishing has its own strict rules and reporting obligations.