Expert Angling Advice: Navigating Estepona's Fishing Regulations, Hotspots, and Techniques
In response to the overwhelming interest from our community, we are thrilled to present 'The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Estepona: Regulations, Spots and Tips”, a meticulously curated resource designed to transform your fishing adventures in the sun-drenched waters of Estepona. Anchored by the profound expertise of Max Cignetti, Sur Estates' Director and an avid maritime enthusiast with over two decades of rich nautical heritage in Estepona, this guide is your gateway to mastering the art of fishing in this coveted Spanish locale.
Max, a member within the 'La Rada' Sport Fishing Association of Estepona, the Royal Yacht Club of Estepona, and a respected Yacht Captain member of the Royal Spanish Assembly of Yacht Captains (RAECY), also shines with a PADI Open Water certification, marking countless dives across Estepona's vibrant marine landscapes. His unbridled passion for the sea, coupled with an unwavering dedication to fishing excellence throughout the year, sets the stage for this comprehensive guide.
Embark on a journey with us as we delve into Estepona's rich fishing tapestry, guided by Max Cignetti's unparalleled insights. From uncovering the most bountiful fishing spots and mastering effective techniques to navigating the essential regulations that safeguard our marine ecosystems, this guide is tailored to elevate the fishing experience for enthusiasts at every level. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and bounty of Estepona's waters, as 'The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Estepona' promises to enrich your angling pursuits with wisdom, adventure, and unparalleled scenic beauty.
Regulations:
In Andalusia, recreational fishermen must obtain a valid license, which is issued by the competent regional authority. This license is a legal requirement for all fishing activities and comes in different classes to suit your preferred fishing method:
Shore Fishing License (Class 1): Ideal for those who enjoy fishing from the beautiful Andalusian coastline (including port structures, if determined by the authority), valid for three years.
Boat Fishing License (Class 2): Perfect for enthusiasts looking to fish from a vessel or floating devices, with or without mechanical propulsion. This includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc, with a three-year validity. It can also be practiced from vessels flagged in another European Union Member State.
Collective Boat License (Class 3): Designed for groups, this license's validity is tied to the boat's capacity and is valid for one year.
Underwater Fishing License (Class 4): For the adventurous spear fishers, authorizes you for recreational underwater fishing, which is done by swimming or diving freely without the use of breathing equipment, this license is also valid for one year.
At the time of writing this article, the tax amount for the issuance or renewal of the license is:
Class 1. Shore fishing license. 6.04 euros
Class 2. Individual boat fishing license. 12.03 euros
Class 3. Collective boat fishing license. 12.03 euros
Class 4. Underwater fishing license. 8.99 euros
How is fishing allowed in Estepona?
Each license permits the use of up to 2 fishing rods and a total of six hooks. Should you opt for artificial lures, each one is considered equivalent to one hook. There's a daily catch limit of 5 kilograms (or 4 kilograms gutted), though the possession of one piece of any species that exceeds the established weight limit is allowed. In the case of catching only cephalopods, the maximum limit is 6 pieces per license and day. The closed seasons and areas for species will be the same as those established for commercial fishing.
Are there specific marine species that cannot be legally fished in Estepona?
Yes, in Estepona, there are certain marine species that are off-limits for fishing to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems. These include:
Octopus: Known for their intelligence and ability to camouflage, octopuses are protected to ensure their population remains stable.
Sea Urchins: Essential for maintaining the balance of marine habitats, sea urchins are also protected.
Sea Anemones/Snakelocks Anemones: These colourful and unique creatures play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and are not to be disturbed.
Sea Cucumbers/Holothurians: Important for cleaning the sea floor, sea cucumbers help maintain the health of marine environments.
Bivalve Mollusks: These filter-feeders are vital for water quality and are protected to ensure their communities continue to thrive.
Other prohibited Species include: Crustaceans, Mollusks (except Squid and Cuttlefish), Thornback Ray, Pigeons, Bluefin Tuna, Jacks, Triggerfish, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Blue Shark, Basking Shark, Swordfish, Marlin, Dorado or Mahi-Mahi, Giant Manta Ray, Mobula, Bluefin Tuna, Blue Shark, Hammerhead or Cornuda Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Nailed Ray, Black Ray, Mediterranean Moray, Eel, Mottled Ray, Mosaic Ray, Rooster, Black Tremolina, Electric Ray, Guitar Fish, New Zealand Catshark, Basking Shark, Rough Ray, Spiny Dogfish, Angel Shark, Common Stingray.
It's important for anglers to respect these regulations to contribute to the conservation efforts in Estepona's marine areas.
Fishing from the shore in Estepona:
One of the best tips we can offer you as you embark on your fishing journey is to always consider the tides and wind conditions. Understanding these natural elements can significantly enhance your chances of a fruitful day out on the water.
Tides in Estepona:
When planning a fishing outing, understanding the timing and planning around tides is crucial for a successful catch. Tides, significantly influenced by the gravitational pull of both the moon and the sun, play a pivotal role in fishing. High tides occur on the side of the Earth facing the moon and on the opposite side, while low tides occur at the areas 90 degrees from these points. Fish activity, and consequently the best fishing opportunities, often peaks during the transition between high and low tides due to the movement of their food sources.
Moreover, the most opportune times to fish from the coast are at sunrise or sunset. During these times, the combination of changing light conditions and tidal movements creates ideal conditions for fish to feed, increasing your chances of a good catch. Always consider the day's tides, and for more precise planning, consult a tide table before heading out. Remember, the key to a fruitful fishing trip lies in syncing with the natural rhythms of the tides and taking advantage of the enhanced fish activity at dawn and dusk.
Winds in Estepona:
When considering wind for fishing from the shore, its strength and direction are crucial. A moderate wind is ideal as strong winds can scare fish and calm winds make them less likely to bite due to clear water and bright light. The most common winds in Estepona are Levante and Poniente.
The Levante, an easterly wind, is preferred by anglers as it pushes water and food toward the shore, increasing the chances of fish biting. This wind, coming from where the sun rises, typically results in more fishermen at the beaches.
On the other hand, the Poniente, a westerly wind where the sun sets, drives water and nutrients inward, resulting in turbid waters and a higher chance of finding fish at the seabed rather than the surface.
Best beaches to fish in Estepona:
Spanning from the east to the west, Estepona boasts a remarkable 23 kilometres of diverse beaches. These beaches vary in composition, with some featuring sandy bottoms while others are characterized by stony terrains. The variety in the beach environments directly influences the types of fish available, making certain locations more favourable for specific fishing activities.
For enthusiasts of surfcasting, Estepona offers prime spots such as Playa de Guadalmansa, notably near the mouth of the Guadalmansa River, along with Playa del Velerín, Playa de Arroyo Vaquero, and Playa de Bahía Dorada. These beaches are preferred for their optimal conditions that cater to surfcasting techniques.
Furthermore, El Padrón beach emerges as a premier destination for squid fishing, particularly during the months of November and December. During this period, anglers have the opportunity to catch some of the largest specimens, making it a sought-after location for those targeting squid all the way until the end of spring; we normally carry this type of fishing with Spin fishing.
Selecting the Perfect Bait: Shoreline Fishing Secrets in Estepona
For surfcasting, we highly recommend several types of bait that have proven effective in our experiences. Razorfish, readily available in most fish shops or supermarkets, serves as an excellent choice. Small crabs, another favored bait, can be conveniently found along the quay of Estepona port or purchased from fishing supply stores. Additionally, sardines, worms, and pieces of squid round out our list of preferred baits, each offering unique advantages in attracting fish.
When it comes to spin fishing, our preference leans towards lures in vibrant, eye-catching colors. Based on the water's hue on any given fishing day, we find that lures in green, yellow, and pink are particularly effective. However, the key to success lies in experimentation; varying your lure selection during the fishing process can significantly enhance your chances of a fruitful catch.
Fishes in Estepona:
Some of the most common fish species in the waters of Estepona to fish from the coast are: mackerel, jacks, squid, cuttlefish, wrasse, white bream, red bream, fork beard, black sea bream, red porgy, gilt-head bream, croaker, sea bass, grouper, etc.
Estepona's Prime Fishing Seasons from the shore (A Local Secret):
An old local adage suggests that the prime months for shore fishing in Estepona are those Spanish-named months without an 'r' in them, namely: Mayo (May), Junio (June), Julio (July), and Agosto (August).
Sea Fishing in Estepona: Techniques for Bottom Fishing and Trolling
Bottom Fishing:
Estepona's coastal waters offer an array of prime locations for bottom fishing, particularly known for their rich seabed structures, including large underwater rocks and stone outcrops. Among the renowned fishing spots, 'El Barco Hundido,' situated approximately 2 nautical miles directly off the entrance to Estepona port, stands out. Another notable area, 'Placer de las Bóvedas,' can be found 4.5 nautical miles offshore, featuring a depth of 40 meters at its peak, stretching over 1 kilometer in length and 500 meters in width. Additionally, the area in front of Playa de Arroyo Vaquero, with a depth of 30 meters, is favored during autumn for targeting Golden Snappers using hermit crabs as bait. Typically, our bottom fishing endeavors are conducted at depths ranging from 80 to 120 meters, with preferred baits including squids, sardines, and live bait.
Trolling:
For trolling enthusiasts, the waters around Estepona present optimal conditions with recommended speeds ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 miles per hour and depths between 5 and 20 meters. Noteworthy catches in these areas include sea bass, white tuna, and mackerel, showcasing the area's rich marine biodiversity.
It's important to note that the fishing season for red tuna is typically brief, lasting a week or less, usually between the last week of May and the first few weeks of June. While many anglers head to the Strait of Gibraltar during this period, Estepona's coastal waters, ranging from 1 to 5 miles from the shore, also offer excellent opportunities for catching this prized species.
Estepona's diverse fishing spots cater to various techniques and preferences, making it a coveted destination for both seasoned and novice anglers seeking the thrill of the catch in the Mediterranean's azure waters.
From Sur Estates, we urge everyone who engages in recreational marine fishing in Andalusia to familiarize themselves with Decree 205/2023, dated August 29, which regulates recreational marine fishing in the inland waters of the Andalusian Autonomous Community.
