Live bait fishing charter
Live bait fishing is the most effective technique for going after big fish: we use live bait — horse mackerel, mackerel or sardine — to lure the Costa del Sol's top predators, such as red porgy, dentex, grouper and the mighty amberjack. It's more action-packed and more of an adrenaline rush than bottom fishing, ideal if you want a catch you'll really remember. We keep the bait alive and present it right where the predators are; you just need to be ready for the strike.
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 Marbella:
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 Marina La Bajadilla in Marbella 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.
Marbella's marina is one of the most iconic spots on the Costa del Sol: a lively meeting point for locals and tourists right in the heart of the city. You'll find us at Marina La Bajadilla, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, with easy access by car, taxi or on foot.
Beyond your fishing trip, the marina is a destination in itself, with beachfront restaurants, nautical events and beach clubs. Find out more on the official Marbella marina website.
Booking a boat fishing trip in Marbella 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!
Real clients, real catches
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.
100% recommended. Great service, wonderful whether you're planning it with kids or without. An experience worth repeating. I recommend it to everyone.
An incredible experience from start to finish! Jaime and Arturo... super friendly, attentive and they explain everything with so much patience...
We had a fantastic time fishing with Jaime and Arturo. Great atmosphere, excellent guidance and we caught more than we expected...
Fantastic experience with Fishing Trips Marbella. Captain Arturo was very professional, friendly and knows the area perfectly. We spent a lovely day at sea, totally recommended.
I went with my family, we ate delicious fish and the experience was honestly fantastic. Highly recommend it 🥳🥳
Even though we didn't land a great catch, the day was still great. 100% recommended. Thanks to Arturo, who was attentive the whole time and made sure we had a proper chance to fish.
Arturo is truly exceptional: kind and professional, he made our trip perfect with his expert advice. Excellent catches and magnificent views. We loved the food on board!
We had a truly perfect fishing trip; the captain and his son know exactly where to go out at sea. We caught what we were after! Highly recommended.
FAQ
Get all your questions answered before booking your live bait fishing trip in Marbella. 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 the skipper's 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 the skipper 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.
