Live bait fishing charter
Live bait fishing is the most effective way to target big fish: we bait up with live horse mackerel, mackerel or sardines to tempt the Costa del Sol's top predators, such as red porgy, dentex, grouper and the powerful amberjack. It brings more action and more adrenaline than bottom fishing, and it's the go-to choice if you're after a trophy catch worth telling stories about. We keep the bait lively and place it right where the predators hunt; you just need to hold on when it strikes.
Officially sponsored by Yamaha
What will you catch?
With live bait we go after the most sought-after fish in the Mediterranean: red porgy, XXL red porgy, dentex, grouper, pollack and the spectacular amberjack. These are predators driven by their hunting instinct, so when they go for the bait, it's a fight to remember. Our skipper knows where they move depending on the season and the area — it isn't luck, it's knowing the waters.
Live bait fishing means using a small, live fish — horse mackerel, mackerel or sardine — as bait, instead of dead bait or artificial lures. The idea is simple but very effective: we give the predator exactly what it naturally hunts.
On board we have a live well with running water so the bait stays fresh and lively for the whole trip — lively, well-moving bait is what really attracts big fish such as red porgy, dentex, grouper or amberjack. The skipper catches and looks after the bait, and presents it at the exact spot where he knows the predators are moving, depending on the area and the time of year.
It's a more active style than bottom fishing: the live fish keeps moving in the water, which triggers attack-style bites — the predator doesn't nibble, it strikes. That's why it's the go-to technique for anyone who wants not just to fish, but to enjoy a real fight on the rod.
You don't need a fishing licence of your own. The trip runs under the boat's and the skipper's professional licence, so you can come along without any paperwork — just turn up at the marina.
On every trip you'll also be with our skipper, your local fishing guide in Málaga:
No fishing gear — rods, reels, live bait and all the tackle are included. We just recommend comfortable clothes, non-slip shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and something warm if you're on an early-morning trip.
Yes, whether you've fished before or it's your first time. It is a bit more active than bottom fishing — the bites are sharper and the fight can last a while — so if you're after more adrenaline and a bigger catch, this is your technique. The skipper guides you all the way, from how to hold the rod to how to keep up the fight when something big bites.
We set off from El Candado marina in Málaga and head to the Costa del Sol fishing grounds where the big predators gather — areas with current, shoals and rocky structures that our skipper knows well. You don't need to know where to fish: we choose the exact spot on the day, depending on sea conditions and the time of year.
El Candado marina, in the east of Málaga (El Palo), is a quiet, easy-to-reach marina just minutes from the city centre. You'll find us at El Candado Marina, 29018 Málaga, with easy access by car, taxi or on foot.
Beyond your fishing trip, the El Palo and Pedregalejo area is known for its beach bars and seafront restaurants, perfect to round off the day.
Booking a boat fishing trip in Málaga is quick and easy. Charter your fishing boat with a skipper in just a few minutes.
Tell us what kind of fishing you're after and we'll tailor it to you.
Techniques, what to bring and what to expect from your fishing day.
Your ideal date confirmed. No hidden costs.
Step aboard and live an adventure you won't forget.
Are you on vacation in Costa del Sol and looking for a different, fun and authentic plan? We take you out to sea to live an unforgettable fishing experience, no previous experience is necessary. Just bring your desire to have fun... we take care of the rest!
Read what other anglers say, then book your trip directly with us. Same boat, same skipper, no middleman.
With our mini crash-course, you can fish like a pro too. This is how our clients fish.
An incredible experience from start to finish! Jaime and Arturo, who run the trips, are lovely: super friendly, attentive and they explain everything with great patience, whether you already know a bit about fishing or it's your first time. We had a beautiful trip along the coast and they helped us at every moment so we could make the most of it. It was a fantastic day, ideal to enjoy as a family and break the routine with a different, fun and very well organised experience. We'll definitely be back!
A spectacular experience from start to finish. We went on a fishing trip in Málaga and it was a great choice: a very well-kept boat, an amazing atmosphere and 10/10 treatment from the crew. You can tell they know the area perfectly, they enjoy what they do and they take care of every detail so you have a special day at sea. Ideal whether you already love fishing or want a different experience with friends or family. I'd definitely do it again and recommend it 100%.
A great experience. We were complete beginners, and Arturo was not only a great teacher with endless patience, he was also brilliant with my 14-year-old son. We had a great day and caught quite a lot. Arturo has a lot of experience and we can't wait to go back. We went out with them again some time later and the experience couldn't have been better. As always, Arturo is a real star.
Yesterday we spent the afternoon fishing with them and it was a wonderful experience. It was our son's birthday present, but it turned out to be a gift for all four of us. The boat trip, learning to fish and taking home our dinner (and the next day's lunch!). And they were super nice. A highly recommended experience.
We were a group of friends and booked a fishing trip with Fishing Trips Málaga. We only have positive things to say, it was an amazing day of fishing!!! You can tell Jaime and Arturo are top-level anglers!! No doubt about it, on our next visit to Málaga WE'LL BE BACK!! 🙌❤️
We went as a couple and it was great. We caught loads and had a lot of fun. Arturo is a great guy, the boat had everything, drinks, food and the rods all set up. A 10 for them!!
The best fishing experience in central Málaga. We spent two magnificent days: one focused on bigger fish and another with the little ones, who had an absolute blast! 100% recommended and we'll definitely be back this year. The best fishing experience with no doubt, the only one in Málaga centre.
A wonderful family day!! We went with our 3-year-old and had a great time. Thanks so much, Jaime!! Can't wait to come back.
A wonderful experience with Jaime and Arturo! We had an incredible afternoon of fishing! Helpful and very accommodating! Totally recommended! Thanks guys!!
Totally recommended!!! Very friendly, with plenty of knowledge about fishing and the area. We had a great time and lots of catches!!! We'll be back soon!!!
An incredible experience, my son and I loved it. Spending the day at sea with good people and even better professionals was a real pleasure. We'll be back to enjoy it again. Thank you Fishing Trips, 100% recommended.
Thanks to our friends at Fishing Trips Málaga, it was a day we'll always remember. Best wishes to Jaime, who was our guide on this action-packed day.
Fishing Trips Málaga was an excellent activity! Definitely one to repeat. Friendly and very professional. Highly recommended for families, friends or couples. Super fun!
It was a wonderful experience with Jaime and Arturo. Super friendly, pleasant and great at explaining everything. Can't wait to do it again.
We had a great family day on the fishing trip boat, the little ones had a fantastic time. I'd definitely do it again.
An unforgettable experience! The two guys are super friendly and attentive. They look after you the whole time and teach you really well. A real pleasure of a trip!
We had a really fun fishing trip, super friendly and pleasant treatment. Highly recommended!!! Thanks to our friends at Fishing Trips Málaga.
A highly recommended experience with a fun, family atmosphere. We'll 100% be back!
An incredible experience with friends. Great service and great people. We'll definitely be back.
Excellent service, we had a superb day of fishing. I'll do it again as soon as I can. Thanks again!!
FAQ
Get all your questions answered before booking your live bait fishing trip in Málaga. If you have any questions about the trips, the boat or the species, get in touch.
We use horse mackerel, mackerel and sardine, caught the same day and kept in an on-board live well with constant water flow, so they're fresh and lively when it's time to fish. Lively bait is the key to this technique — you don't need to bring anything, we take care of the whole process.
The trip is private: the boat is just for your group and is never shared with people you don't know. It's just you, up to 6 people, so the experience and our attention are all yours from start to finish.
You can take your catch home if you like, always respecting the legal minimum size for each species. If you prefer, we can also release it back into the sea in good condition — you decide on the day, and the skipper will advise you based on what you've caught.
The most common catches are red porgy, XXL red porgy, dentex, grouper, pollack and amberjack — some of the most prized and hardest-to-catch predators in the Mediterranean. As the technique targets big fish, catches tend to be larger than with other styles.
A maximum of 6 people per trip, so we can look after the whole group properly and everyone gets their turn on the rod when a fish bites.
We offer two time slots: 7:30am or 4:00pm. You can choose the one that best suits your day when you book via WhatsApp.