Strait of Gibraltar

Tarifa, Andalusia, Spain · Saltwater · Advanced

Bluefin tuna funnel through the narrow strait between Europe and Africa on their spawning migration. Strong currents and huge fish make this one of the most demanding tuna fisheries anywhere.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: boat

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY: recreational bluefin tuna fishing in Spain is permitted in one form only — pesca sin muerte, fishing without killing. Recreational and sporting competitions or events aimed at killing bluefin are prohibited outright. AUTHORISATION: beyond the general recreational sea fishing licence, a specific bluefin authorisation is required, applied for through PescaREC, the free mobile app published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The authorisation must be aboard the vessel while fishing. SEASON: the recreational fishery set for 2026 opens on 16 June and closes on 14 October, or earlier if the quota is used up — PescaREC shows the real-time open or closed status of the fishery. REPORTING: prior notice of arrival and a declaration are both mandatory, and the declaration must be filed within 24 hours of finishing, covering released fish as well as retained ones. FOREIGN-FLAGGED BOATS: an authorisation issued to a non-Spanish flagged vessel permits catch and release only — retaining or landing bluefin is prohibited under any circumstance. In practice this makes a licensed charter out of the Strait ports the normal route. The terms are reset each year by a resolution of the Secretaría General de Pesca published in the BOE, so check the current one before booking.

Access information source

Species

  • bluefin tuna
  • albacore
  • amberjack

Best times to fish

  • Bluefin run (Apr-Jul)
  • Between levante wind spells
  • Slack current

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Heavy stand-up outfit (50-130lb)
  • Trolling lures and live bait rigs
  • Fighting harness
  • Sun protection

Optional

  • Licensed charter
  • Seasickness tablets
  • Camera

Regulations and requirements

  • Recreational sea fishing licence from the autonomous community required — usually free
  • Since March 2026 sea anglers must report catches through the PescaREC app
  • Bluefin tuna is quota-managed and requires a specific authorisation — largely catch-and-release

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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