FISHING IN THE ALGARVE

Shore Fishing (Pesca Apeada)

Shore fishing is the most accessible form of fishing in the Algarve and doesn't require a boat. You can fish from beaches, rocky shores, cliffs, and designated harbour areas.

Boat Fishing (Pesca Embarcada)

Boat fishing opens up a wider range of species and techniques. The Algarve offers various options from short reef trips to full-day deep sea adventures.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing trips typically last 3-4 hours and target fish over nearshore reefs at depths of 15-40 metres. This is ideal for beginners and families. Light tackle is used with natural baits like squid, octopus, and sardines. Target species include sea bream, grouper, mackerel, and sea bass.

Beach Fishing (Surfcasting)

Beach fishing in the Algarve is particularly productive during rougher sea conditions, especially in autumn and winter months. Longer casting rods (4-5 metres) are commonly used to reach beyond the breaking waves. Best beaches for fishing include:

Praia de Faro and Praia de Olhão

Praia da Fuseta and Praia da Ilha da Culatra

Praia da Ilha de Tavira

Praia de Alvor and Praia de Armação de Pêra

Praia dos Salgados

Big Game Fishing

The Algarve has earned an international reputation for big game fishing. Blue marlin, white marlin, and bluefin tuna are the prized targets. The region holds IGFA world records, with a record marlin caught off Tavira. Peak season runs from June to October, with July being particularly productive for bluefin tuna as they return from Mediterranean spawning grounds.

Rock and Cliff Fishing

The Algarve's dramatic coastline offers excellent rock fishing opportunities. This method requires caution due to exposed locations and changing tides. Prime locations include:

Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) – southwestern tip of Europe

Praia da Rocha – dramatic rock formations

Praia do Carvoeiro – accessible rocky shores

Costa Vicentina – the wild west coast

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing ventures further offshore to depths of 100-800 metres, targeting larger predatory species. Trips typically last 6-10 hours. Popular departure points include Vilamoura Marina, Portimão, Lagos, Albufeira Marina, Olhão, and Tavira.

Freshwater Fishing (Pesca em Águas Interiores)

While the Algarve is primarily known for sea fishing, several reservoirs and rivers offer freshwater opportunities. Key locations include:

Barragem de Odiáxere – carp, black bass, and pike near Lagos.

Barragem do Arade – various species near Silves.

Ria de Alvor – estuary fishing at the river mouth.

Ria Formosa Natural Park – rich estuary ecosystem.

Alqueva Reservoir (nearby) – Europe's largest artificial lake with carp, bass, and catfish.

Inshore and Reef Species

Sea Bream (Dourada/Sargo) – the most popular inshore species, found year-round.

European Sea Bass (Robalo) – prized for both sport and table, best February-April.

Grouper (Garoupa/Mero) – reef dwellers, excellent fighters.

Mackerel (Cavala) – abundant schooling fish, great bait.

Conger Eel (Congro) – powerful fighters, especially at night.

Dentex (Dentão) – challenging predator found on deeper reefs.

Sole (Linguado) – bottom feeders prized for eating.

Offshore and Big Game Species

Blue Marlin (Espadim Azul) – the ultimate trophy fish, up to 300+ kg.

White Marlin (Espadim Branco) – smaller but spectacular fighters.

Bluefin Tuna (Atum Rabilho) – powerful fish, peak in July, 100-400 kg specimens.

Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna – available April-June.

Swordfish (Espadarte) – deep water giants, best March-April and August-September.

Mahi Mahi (Dorado) – fast and colourful, summer visitors.

Blue Shark (Tintureira) – common, often catch-and-release.

Mako Shark – less common, spectacular sport fish.

Freshwater Species

Largemouth Bass (Achigã) – introduced species, season July-March.

Common Carp (Carpa) – popular specimen fishing, can exceed 20 kg.

Barbel (Barbo) – native species, excellent fighters.

Pike (Lúcio) – present in some waters, less common.

Recipes 

Grilled Bass with Lemon and Herb Sauce

Achigã Frito "à Pescador" 

 Carpa Assada no Forno (Estilo Mediterrânico)

Carpa Frita com Molho de Escabeche 

Season

Spring: Mar-May

Summer: Jun-Aug

Autumn: Sep-Nov

Winter: Dec-Feb

Best Species

Sea bass (peak), sea bream, tuna arrival, swordfish 

Bluefin tuna (July), marlin, mahi mahi, sharks 

Marlin (continues), tuna, bream, grouper, bass arriving 

Sea bream, conger eel, grouper, sea bass (Feb) 

Conditions

Water: 16-19°C. Increasing activity. Good visibility.

Water: 20-23°C. Peak offshore season. Calm seas. Beach restrictions in effect. 

Water: 18-21°C. Excellent all-round fishing. Fewer crowds.

Water: 15-17°C. Best shore fishing. Rougher seas bring fish closer.

Licence Types

Shore Fishing Licence (Licença Apeada): For fishing from beaches, rocks, and harbour walls.

Boat Fishing Licence (Licença Embarcada): For fishing from any vessel, includes shore fishing.

Underwater Fishing Licence: For spearfishing

General Recreational Licence: Covers all methods.

Licence Duration and Costs

Daily licence: €5 (commonly provided on charter boats).

Monthly licence: Approximately €10-12

Annual licence: €12.30-20.50 depending on type and residency.

Exemptions

Children under 14 years old (when accompanied by licensed adult).

Hand fishing without rod and tackle

Participants in international sport fishing championships (with proof).

How to Obtain a Licence

Online via BMar Portal: Visit www.bmar.pt, create an account, and apply online. Processing takes 2-5 days.

Multibanco ATM: Select 'Pagamento de Serviços' > 'Pagamento ao Estado' > 'Licença de Pesca Lúdica' (Portuguese residents only).

In Person: DRAP Algarve offices in Tavira, Olhão, or Portimão.

Charter Boats: Most fishing charters include or can provide daily licences.

General Rules

Maximum 2 rods per licence (can hold multiple licences for 4 rods).

Night fishing is prohibited in freshwater

Fishing from beaches is prohibited when bathers are present.

On licenced beaches (May-October), fishing prohibited from sunrise to sunset.

Fishing is prohibited in most harbours (Ferragudo being a notable exception).

Nets, traps, and commercial methods are prohibited for recreational anglers.

Protected Areas

Special restrictions apply in protected areas including the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Ria Formosa Natural Park, and the Marine Natural Park Pedra do Valado. Always check local regulations before fishing in these areas.

Catch Limits and Closed Seasons

Portugal enforces minimum size limits and bag limits for various species. Some species have closed seasons during spawning. Responsible anglers are increasingly practising catch-and-release, particularly for big game species. Many charter operators now operate catch-and-release policies for sharks and billfish.

Shore Fishing Equipment

Surfcasting rod: 4-5 metre rod for long distance casting.

Spinning rod: 2.4-3 metre medium action for lure fishing.

Reels: Large capacity fixed spool (5000-8000) for surfcasting.

Line: 0.30-0.40mm monofilament or braided for distance.

Hooks: Sizes 1-4/0 depending on target species.

Weights: Grip leads 100-200g for holding in current.

Learn how to tie fishing knots with digital resources: Animated Knots by Grog App 

"Fishing Knots" (Android/iOS) 

YouTube (Recommended Channels): 

Fishing Secrets or Fishing and Tips 

Popular Baits

Squid (Lula): Versatile, stays on hook well.

Sardines: Excellent for most species, cheap and available.

Octopus: Tough bait that lasts well.

Ragworm/Lugworm: Traditional bait for bream

Live bait: Small fish for larger predators.

The 3 Essential Knots: 

Palomar Knot: The strongest and easiest knot for tying hooks and swivels. 

Uni Knot (or Universal Knot): Useful for almost everything (joining lines, tying to the reel, etc.). 

Blood Knot (or Double Uni Knot): Essential for joining two lines of different thicknesses. 

Dica Extra: Lembra-te de lubrificar sempre o nó (com um pouco de saliva ou água) antes de o apertar. Isso evita que a fricção queime e enfraqueça a linha.

Where to Buy Tackle

Fishing tackle shops can be found in most Algarve towns. Major centres include Faro, Olhão, Portimão, Lagos, and Albufeira. Many shops also sell live and frozen bait. Decathlon stores in the region offer budget-friendly equipment.

Main Specialty Stores 

 Loja Tudopesca (Parchal/Lagoa)

Nauticmar (Lagos)

ALGARVEPESCA (Quarteira)

Decathlon  

Aprender a fazer nós presencialmente no Algarve:

FOR-MAR (Olhão e Portimão)

Associação Naval do Guadiana (V. R. Sto António)

Fly Fishing Algarve (Escola da Pluma)

Main Departure Points

Vilamoura Marina: Largest marina, wide selection of charters.

Portimão: Major fishing port, excellent access to offshore grounds.

Lagos: Historic fishing town, west coast access.

Albufeira Marina: Popular tourist centre with various options.

Olhão: Traditional fishing town, eastern Algarve.

Tavira: Record marlin destination, eastern Algarve.

What's Usually Included

All fishing tackle and equipment

Bait and lures

Fishing licence (usually)

Expert captain and crew

Safety equipment

Some trips include snacks and drinks

Online Booking 

GetMyBoat

 Yumping

Best Practices

Check the weather and tides: Use Windguru or similar apps for sea conditions.

Fish early or late: Dawn and dusk are typically most productive.

Respect local fishermen: Give space and learn from their knowledge.

Use fresh bait: Local fish markets sell excellent bait at low prices.

Try chumming: Sardine paste attracts fish effectively.

Consider catch and release: Help preserve fish stocks for future generations.

Safety Considerations

Wear appropriate footwear when rock fishing.

Be aware of tides and wave patterns on exposed rocks.

Use high-factor sunscreen – the Algarve sun is intense.

Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.

Tell someone where you're fishing if alone.

Take seasickness medication before boat trips if prone.

Take your mobile phone fully charged. with you.