Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

Big fish demand an early start. Big Game Fishing Adventures takes you from Roland Marina in Ta Xbiex for about seven hours of offshore fishing, with experienced skippers, quality gear, and a real chance at tuna, bonito, and mahi mahi. The private charter accepts up to five people, though four is a far more comfortable limit.

I like the strong local fishing knowledge offered by skippers such as Sebastian and Jake, along with the chance to handle the rod yourself instead of simply watching the crew work. I also like the option of having your catch prepared at a fine dining restaurant, an unusual extra that turns a fishing trip into a full food experience.

The main caution is that fishing is never guaranteed. One outing produced several tuna strikes, while another group spent much of the day near a fish farm and found the small RIB crowded with five adults. Clarify the boat, fishing plan, and restaurant option before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunrise departure: The recommended meeting time is 6:00 am, giving you the best chance of reaching productive water early.
• Private boat: Your group gets the activity to itself, with a maximum of five people and a recommended limit of four.
• Serious fishing gear: The charter supplies high-quality rods, tackle, bait, and other equipment.
• Possible big-game action: Tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other fish have been caught, although results depend on sea conditions and luck.
• Hands-on coaching: Skippers Sebastian and Jake help beginners fight fish and manage the equipment.
• Optional meal afterward: You can arrange to have a freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant, but you must request this in advance.

Leaving Roland Marina at 6:00 am

The day begins at Roland Marina, on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex. The recommended start is 6:00 am, and that early hour matters. You get moving while the water is calmer and reach the fishing area around sunrise, when activity may be better.

One account describes the first tuna arriving by about 6:45 am, followed by several more strikes before 10:00 am. That is not a promise of the same result, but it shows why an early start is part of the strategy rather than a needless inconvenience.

You should arrive ready to go. The charter is about seven hours, and the boat returns to the same marina at the end. The information provided does not list hotel pickup, so plan to make your own way to Roland Marina. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps, but you should still confirm the exact marina location and boarding instructions after booking.

The sunrise run is part of the pleasure. Malta’s coast looks different from the water, and the quiet first stretch gives the crew time to prepare lines and explain the plan. If you are new to fishing, use this period to ask how the gear works and what to do when a fish strikes.

Tackle, bait, and the first lesson

Big Game Adventures supplies the fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. Several outings have been praised for the condition of the boat and gear, and experienced anglers have particularly valued the safety setup and quality of the equipment.

That matters more than it may sound. Big fish are not caught with casual beach-fishing gear. When a tuna takes the line, you need equipment that can handle sustained pressure, plus a skipper who can adjust the boat and guide you through the fight.

Beginners are welcome. Sebastian has taught people with no previous boat-fishing experience, while Jake has helped guests manage difficult fights at the rod. The crew does not simply take over at the first sign of trouble. You are encouraged to bring the fish toward the boat, with help when the rod becomes tiring or the technique gets difficult.

The experience can be physically demanding. A large fish may pull hard for a long time, and you may need to move quickly around the boat. Wear shoes with a good grip, bring water, and avoid treating this as a passive sightseeing cruise.

Hunting tuna and other Malta fish

The main attraction is the chance to target big game, especially bluefin tuna. The available accounts include tuna strikes, bonito, and mahi mahi. Some bluefin were caught and released, while mahi mahi were sometimes taken home.

Do not book this as a guaranteed seafood supply. Fishing success can change from one day to the next. One group had several tuna hooked but brought only one aboard, partly because of mistakes made during the fight. Another outing produced little overall but still landed a good bonito.

That uncertainty is part of the sport, but it should be clear before you pay. The crew can take you to likely areas and use good gear, yet fish do not follow a schedule. Wind, water conditions, season, fish movement, and the decisions of other boats all affect the day.

The charter may also include time near fish farms or other fixed areas, depending on the day’s plan. One dissatisfied party expected continuous big-game fishing but spent much of the day tied to a rope beside a fish farm, catching only small fish on lures. That is a useful warning: ask exactly what fishing style is planned for your date.

What the seven-hour outing feels like

A seven-hour charter gives the crew time to travel, set up, fish, and adjust the plan. It is long enough for more than a quick attempt, but it also means you need to be comfortable in the sun and on a small boat.

The rhythm may be slow between strikes. Then, suddenly, everyone has a job. A rod bends, the skipper gives instructions, and you work to keep pressure on the fish without exhausting yourself too early. This change from waiting to intense action is one of the best parts of big-game fishing.

The scenery adds value even when the fish are quiet. You may see open sea, Malta’s shoreline from offshore, and, on some outings, dolphins. Still, this is not primarily a scenic cruise. If your ideal day means constant movement and guaranteed catches, you may find the waiting frustrating.

I would bring a hat, sunglasses, plenty of high-factor sun protection, and clothing that covers your shoulders. Malta’s sun is strong, and reflected light from the sea adds to the exposure. One practical tip from the outings is especially worth taking seriously: apply sunscreen before boarding and bring more for later.

Sea sickness is another consideration. At least one person became ill during an outing, although the crew helped by taking that person to a calmer area. The information does not specify whether medication is supplied, so handle your own preparation in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.

The boat and group size matter

The charter accepts as many as five people, but the operator recommends no more than four. I would follow that advice, especially if your group hopes to fight a large fish.

A big tuna fight requires room to move around the boat. Five adults can make the deck feel tight, particularly on a smaller RIB. One outing with five adults was described as cramped, and the operator later indicated that a larger boat would be used for a future booking.

Ask which boat you will be using. The equipment and skipper may be excellent, but comfort depends heavily on the vessel assigned to your group. Four people should give you a better balance between cost and elbow room. For five, confirm that the larger boat is available rather than assuming it.

The private format is a clear advantage. You are not sharing the day with strangers, and your group can discuss its preferred timing and fishing goals with the crew. This suits families, friends, couples, and small groups celebrating a special occasion.

The boat is not described as luxurious. Think practical fishing platform rather than floating lounge. Space is used for rods, tackle, bait, and fish, so comfort is closely tied to group size.

The skippers make the difference

Sebastian and Jake receive the strongest praise for this experience. They are described as capable skippers, skilled fishermen, and friendly company during a long day at sea.

That combination matters. A captain needs to manage the boat safely, find workable fishing areas, keep the equipment ready, and help you when a fish takes the line. A friendly attitude makes the waiting periods easier, too. Music, conversation, and a relaxed mood have helped make the outing enjoyable even when the catch was limited.

Sebastian has also filleted fish for people who wanted to take their catch home. Jake has allowed guests to bring in their own fish and helped them through the process. If you are interested in keeping a legal catch, ask what can be taken home on your date and what preparation is included.

The crew’s experience does not remove the need for clear communication. One disappointing day came from mismatched expectations about the type of fishing and the size of the boat. Tell the company what you want before the trip: big-game trolling, general fishing, a catch-and-release focus, or the restaurant meal.

Cooking your catch at a restaurant

Big Game Adventures offers an unusual add-on: your freshly caught fish can be cooked at a fine dining restaurant. This is not included automatically, and you need to request it in advance.

The idea is appealing. You catch the fish, return to shore, and finish the day with a meal made from that catch. It gives the outing a strong Malta flavor and can make a special occasion feel complete.

Do not assume every fish will be suitable for this option or that the restaurant cost is part of the $65 price. The available details call it an extra, but do not state the additional fee, restaurant name, menu, or exact process. Ask those questions before booking.

If you would rather take fish home, the crew has filleted catches for some groups. Again, confirm what species and quantities can be kept. Bluefin tuna caught on these outings have been released in some cases, so a memorable fight may end with a photograph rather than a fillet.

Is $65 good value?

At $65, the charter looks attractive for a private seven-hour fishing outing, particularly if the price covers the boat, crew, equipment, and bait. A full day on the water with a private group can cost much more elsewhere, so this is a competitive starting price.

But you should confirm what the published amount includes. The restaurant meal is an extra, and no details are given here about drinks, food, hotel pickup, licenses, or fish cleaning. Do not build your budget around services that have not been confirmed.

The value is strongest if you care about the experience, not just the number of fish brought home. You are paying for the boat, the skipper’s ability to find productive water, the equipment, instruction, and the chance to fight a serious fish.

If you catch nothing, the price will feel less satisfying. That is the unavoidable risk of fishing. The charter cannot control the sea, and even several tuna strikes may result in only one fish reaching the boat. I would book it for the thrill of the attempt, with a catch treated as a welcome bonus.

The published score is 4.9 out of 5, with 95 percent recommending the activity across 19 ratings. That points to strong satisfaction overall, but the less positive account is useful because it highlights the exact questions you should ask about boat size and fishing location.

Who should book this charter?

This trip suits you if you want hands-on fishing rather than a standard Malta sightseeing cruise. It is a good fit for experienced anglers, but beginners can take part because the crew provides instruction and helps during the fight.

It also works well as a gift. One outing was booked for a boyfriend and included a successful catch and release of a large tuna. The private format lets you share the day with people you know, which is helpful when the boat is small and the schedule is long.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, strong sun, motion on the water, or long periods without action. Five adults may also find the smaller boat too tight. For the best experience, I would choose a group of four or fewer and confirm the vessel before paying.

The charter is also weather dependent. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can take another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the 6:00 am start to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

Final verdict: book it for the fight, not the guarantee

I would recommend Big Game Fishing Adventures to anyone who wants a serious, personal fishing day from Ta Xbiex. The best features are clear: capable skippers such as Sebastian and Jake, good equipment, beginner-friendly coaching, a private boat, and a real chance at tuna or bonito.

Book with realistic expectations. Fishing can be thrilling, but the sea decides the score. Keep your group to four if possible, ask which boat you will use, confirm the planned fishing method, and arrange the restaurant meal before the morning of the trip.

At $65 for roughly seven hours, it offers strong value when the aim is time on the water and a genuine shot at big fish. If you need guaranteed catches or a spacious, polished cruise boat, choose another activity. If you want a hands-on Malta adventure and can enjoy the waiting between the strikes, this charter is worth serious consideration.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start and finish?

It starts at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the charter start?

The recommended start time is 6:00 am. The company can arrange a different meeting time when possible, but the early departure gives you the best chance of reaching the fishing area at a productive time.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

Up to five people can board, but no more than four is recommended because the boat can become crowded during large-fish fights.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include tuna, bonito, and mahi mahi. Fishing results are not guaranteed, and some bluefin tuna are caught and released.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The charter provides fishing gear, bait, and equipment for the outing.

Can my catch be cooked at a restaurant?

Yes, you can request to have freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant. This is an extra option and must be arranged in advance.