Best Time to Go Fishing in Gran Canaria: Month by Month

Short answer: the best time to go fishing in Gran Canaria for blue marlin is June to September, with the first fish in May and the last ones in October. Tuna arrive from mid-April and peak from May to August, giant bluefin pass the island in spring, and bottom fishing for snapper, amberjack, barracuda and bonito works every month of the year. There is no real closed season: you just target different fish.

This calendar is based on what we have actually caught on Fish On! since 2013, fishing out of the Port of Pasito Blanco on the south coast. Every season is a little different, so we link to our own fishing reports along the way, so you can see what happened in past years.

Gran Canaria fishing calendar

Winter: December to March

Winter is bottom fishing season. Close to the coast and over the reef we catch barracuda, Atlantic bonito, snapper, amberjack, breams and moray eels. It is the calmest and most relaxed kind of fishing, which makes it a good choice for families with children from 6 years old and for anyone who has never fished before. Our winter 2023 report is a typical example: barracuda and bonito every day, while we wait for the tuna.

In some years the tuna show up early. In February and March 2016 we caught around 50 tuna, and that same March our first bigeye of 45 kilos. Do not count on it, but keep an eye on our reports if you are coming in late winter.

Gran Canaria is famous for its mild winters, so the air is still pleasant, but the Atlantic is cooler and the swell can be bigger. Bring a light jacket for the morning.

Spring: April and May

Spring is when the island wakes up for big game. Tuna arrive from mid-April: bigeye, albacore and skipjack, and in some years giant bluefin passing on their migration. We have released bluefin between 300 and 700 pounds in March, April and May, and they fight harder than a marlin. In April 2019 a good run of bigeye tuna opened the season.

The first blue marlin usually turn up in May. In 2015 we released our first blue on 15 May. If you want tuna and a chance of an early marlin with fewer boats on the water, late May is a great time to come.

Summer: June to September, the blue marlin season

This is what most big game anglers come for. From June the Atlantic blue marlin settle around the south of Gran Canaria, and the deep water starts only about 20 minutes from Pasito Blanco. In a good month the numbers can be remarkable: in June 2016 we went trolling for 20 days and released 14 blue marlin and a spearfish.

Fish range from small blues of under 300 pounds to real giants. In 2018 we finished the season with 17 blue marlin released, including one of 850 pounds and four over 600. All marlin are released. Summer also brings dorado (mahi mahi), wahoo and white marlin, and the tuna are still around in June, July and August.

July and August are the busiest months on the island. Shared trips fill quickly, so book a few weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. September is often quieter on land and excellent at sea.

Our guides to marlin fishing in Gran Canaria and to the blue marlin explain how a marlin day works on board.

Autumn: October and November

October is the last month for trolling. There are still marlin, albacore and wahoo, and the water is warm after the summer. By November the big game season is over and we go back to the reef. Our end of season report from November 2018 sums up a full year of marlin and tuna.

Which trip to book in each season

• December to March: private bottom fishing (6 hours) or the shared trip, which will fish the reef.
• April and May: a shared full day or a private 6-hour big game trip for tuna and the first marlin.
• June to September: a private big game day or the 9-hour full day, to spend the maximum time on the marlin grounds.
• October and November: big game in October, reef fishing from November.

Prices for every option are in our guide to how much a fishing trip costs in Gran Canaria.

Weather, sea and time of day

The south of Gran Canaria is the sunniest and most sheltered part of the island, which is one reason Pasito Blanco is such a good base. Trade winds blow most of the year, mostly from the north-east, and the south coast sits in their lee. Still, the captain checks the forecast every day. If the sea is not safe, he cancels and you choose another day or a full refund.

Most trips leave at 9:00. Shared and 6-hour trips are back at 15:00. The 4-hour private trip can be in the morning or the afternoon, and afternoons are popular in summer with families staying in Maspalomas and Meloneras.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to catch a blue marlin in Gran Canaria?

June to September are the most reliable months, and September is often the best of all. The season opens in May and ends in October.

Can you fish in Gran Canaria in winter?

Yes. From December to March the fishing is mainly bottom fishing over the reef and near the coast, for barracuda, bonito, snapper and amberjack. It is calm and good fun, especially with children.

When is tuna season in Gran Canaria?

Tuna arrive from mid-April and the best months are May to August. Giant bluefin pass the island in spring, and some years we catch bigeye and albacore as early as February or March.

Is there a closed season for fishing in Gran Canaria?

No. Charters fish all year round, and the season only changes which species you target.

Ready to choose your day? See the live booking calendar with real seats left, or ask us on WhatsApp what is biting this week.