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Big game fishing in Sardinia: bluefin tuna, amberjack and dentex off Alghero

Deep blue water a few miles from the coast, a boat built for big fish and the most sought-after species of the Mediterranean. A guide to big game fishing in North-West Sardinia.

Fishing rods set for trolling at sunset on the open sea off Sardinia

Off the north-west coast of Sardinia the seabed drops quickly into deep water. Here, a few miles from Alghero, the Mediterranean shows its wildest side: currents rich in baitfish, underwater canyons and some of the most sought-after species for big game anglers.

If you dream of the moment the reel starts to scream and a bluefin tuna takes line, North-West Sardinia is one of the places in the Mediterranean where that dream can come true.

Why Alghero for big game fishing

Alghero has a direct airport, a historic old town and a coastline of cliffs that drops into deep water close to the shore. This means less time travelling to the fishing grounds and more time with the lines in the water.

We start from Alghero and organise everything around the fishing: transfers from the airport, accommodation in town and the days at sea. You land, and the next morning you are on board.

Target species: bluefin tuna, amberjack, dentex and more

Bluefin tuna is the queen of the Mediterranean and the most sought-after fish. It is a regulated fishery: we take care of the permits, and every catch respects the seasons, quotas and rules in force, with release where required.

A bluefin tuna at the surface, alongside the boat
A bluefin tuna at the surface, alongside the boat

Amberjack and dentex are the classic targets on the reefs and drop-offs, with live bait, slow trolling and jigging. Depending on the season and the area there are also groupers, dorado, little tunny and swordfish on dedicated trips where permitted.

A big amberjack caught on a fishing day in Sardinia
A big amberjack caught on a fishing day in Sardinia

Techniques: trolling, live bait, jigging and drifting

Every day is planned around the target species, the season and the sea. Trolling with lures for pelagic fish, slow trolling with live bait for amberjack and dentex, vertical and deep jigging on the drop-offs, drifting and popping for tuna when they are feeding at the surface. Day, night and offshore trips depend on the technique, the season and the permits.

A dentex, one of the most sought-after fish on Sardinian reefs
A dentex, one of the most sought-after fish on Sardinian reefs

The boat and the day on board

You fish on a boat built for big game, with full big game tackle and an experienced crew who know these waters. A day lasts about 8 hours, up to 10 when conditions allow, with lunch on board.

A red porgy brought on board in the waters of Sardinia
A red porgy brought on board in the waters of Sardinia

We keep the groups small, with a maximum of 4 anglers, so that everyone has a real chance at a good fish. The price is all inclusive and is on request, because it depends on the programme, the season and the number of days.

Best season for big game fishing in Sardinia

Spring and summer are the peak for tuna and pelagic fish, while amberjack and dentex can be targeted for much of the year. Autumn and winter are excellent for jigging on the drop-offs. Every season has its fish: tell us when you would like to come and we will tell you what to expect.

Catches: honest expectations

No one can guarantee catches at sea. Some days the action starts within minutes, other days it takes hours of searching. What we can promise is the right boat, the right crew and the best fishing grounds for the season. Where required, fishing is strictly catch and release.

Smiles on board after a big grouper in Sardinia
Smiles on board after a big grouper in Sardinia

More than fishing

Your stay can include hotels in Alghero, private transfers, photos and videos of your catches with drone and GoPro, filleting on board where the law allows and even a chef on board. Every year in late May and early June you can also combine fishing with the Girotonno in Carloforte, the famous bluefin tuna festival.

Prefer fly fishing, spinning and black bass? Discover fly fishing and spinning in South-West Sardinia.

Frequently asked questions about big game fishing in Sardinia

Where can you go big game fishing in Sardinia?

Alghero, on the north-west coast, is one of the best areas thanks to deep water close to the coast and a direct airport.

Can you catch bluefin tuna in Sardinia?

Yes. Bluefin tuna is present in Sardinian waters. It is a regulated fishery, with seasons, quotas and permits, and release where required.

How many anglers can fish on board?

We take a maximum of 4 anglers per boat, so that everyone has a real chance at a good fish.

How much does a big game fishing day in Sardinia cost?

The price is all inclusive and on request. Write to us on WhatsApp at +39 389 341 6165 and we will send you a proposal for your dates.

Itineraries and activities depend on conditions and availability. Current prices and reservation details are listed on our experience pages.