Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

Malta’s best fishing days begin before sunrise. From Ta Xbiex, you head out around 6am with an experienced skipper, quality tackle, and a real chance of meeting hard-fighting fish. Tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and even dolphins have appeared on these trips, though no charter can promise a catch.

I like two things right away: the private format keeps the day focused on your group, and the skippers, including Sebastian and Jake, actively help you work the rod rather than simply pointing toward the water. I also like the option to have a suitable catch prepared at a restaurant afterward.

The main caution is space. Five people are allowed, but the operator recommends no more than four. A big tuna needs room, and a crowded boat can make a serious fight harder and less comfortable.

Key points to know before booking

• Early start: Meet at Roland Marina in Ta Xbiex at about 6am to reach the fishing grounds near sunrise.
• Private seven-hour trip: Only your group takes part, with the boat returning to the same marina.
• Best group size: Four people is the practical limit, even though five can be accepted.
• Strong crew support: Sebastian and Jake have helped first-time anglers handle powerful fish.
• Catch expectations vary: Some outings produce several tuna strikes, while others bring only smaller fish or a single bonito.
• Bluefin tuna are released: Other fish may be kept, filleted, or prepared at a restaurant, but ask about the rules for your catch in advance.

Leaving Ta Xbiex before sunrise

The day begins at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex. The listed meeting time is 6am, which is not a casual suggestion if you want the best chance of finding active fish. The crew can arrange a different meeting time, but the early departure gives you more hours on the water and puts you in position around sunrise.

That early light is part of the appeal. You leave the marina while Malta is still quiet, then watch the shoreline change as the boat reaches open water. The trip is not only about the moment a reel starts screaming. The ride, the changing light, and the anticipation all help make the morning feel like a proper sea adventure.

You should arrive ready to move quickly. Wear practical clothing, bring sun protection, and expect strong exposure once the boat is away from the shelter of the marina. One useful tip is to pack plenty of sunscreen. Malta’s sun can be fierce at sea, and the water reflects it from every direction.

The exact route and fishing grounds depend on conditions and the crew’s judgment. That is important: this is a working fishing trip, not a fixed sightseeing cruise with scheduled stops.

What seven hours on the water really means

The advertised duration is about seven hours, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point. That gives you a full morning and part of the afternoon on the water, rather than a short introduction to fishing.

The crew supplies fishing equipment and bait. Several outings have involved repeated tuna strikes in the morning, including one report of six tuna coming on between roughly 6:45am and 10am. That does not mean you should expect six fish on every trip. Fish move, weather changes, and even an excellent strike can end with the fish breaking free or the angler making a mistake.

That uncertainty is part of fishing. You may spend time waiting, watching the rods, and changing tactics. Then the mood can change in seconds. A tuna or bonito can turn a quiet stretch into a demanding physical contest.

If you are new to fishing, you are not expected to arrive with special skills. The skippers have shown beginners how to hold the rod, manage the fight, and bring fish toward the boat. Their hands-on help is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter instead of trying to manage large tackle alone.

Fighting tuna with Sebastian or Jake

The crew is central to the experience. Sebastian and Jake are the names most closely associated with these trips, and both have been praised for their handling of the boat, fishing ability, and friendly manner.

Sebastian has helped inexperienced anglers land fish, fillet catches, and deal with the practical side of taking fish home. Jake has assisted with large tuna and has allowed anglers to bring up their own catches when conditions and regulations permitted it. That matters because the satisfaction comes from doing the work yourself, with a steady hand nearby when the rod becomes difficult to control.

The crew also keeps the mood relaxed. Fishing can involve long periods of waiting, so friendly conversation and a good sense of humor count for something. At the same time, you should expect the skippers to take safety and boat handling seriously. One experienced angler specifically praised the condition of the boat, the equipment, and the attention to safety.

You are not simply hiring a boat and being left to figure things out. The crew chooses the area, sets up the equipment, watches the conditions, and helps during the fight. That support is especially valuable if you have never fished offshore.

Tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and the chance of dolphins

The target may be big game fish, especially giant bluefin tuna, but the catch is not guaranteed and the day can produce different species. Tuna strikes have been a highlight on several outings, while bonito and mahi mahi have also appeared.

Bluefin tuna require special care. Fish of this kind have been caught and released, and you should not assume that a large tuna will come home with you. Ask the skipper about current rules and the handling plan before the lines go out.

Other fish may be available to take home. In some cases, the crew has filleted fish so the anglers could eat them later. If you want to keep your catch, confirm what is permitted and how it will be handled on the day.

There is also a chance of seeing dolphins. That is not the main purpose of the charter, and it cannot be scheduled, but wildlife sightings can add a memorable moment during a quiet spell.

The boat and the space you will have

The charter accepts up to five people, but the operator recommends a maximum of four. I would take that advice seriously.

Large fish are not passive catches. When one turns suddenly, the angler may need to shift position while another person clears a line or helps with the landing. On a smaller RIB, five adults plus the skipper can feel cramped, especially during a long fight.

One disappointing outing involved five adults on a crowded RIB, with the group spending much of the day near a fish farm and catching only small fish on lures. The company acknowledged the communication problem and said a larger boat would be used for a future trip. That response is useful, but it also shows why you should confirm the boat type, planned fishing style, and group size before paying.

For four people or fewer, the private setup should give you a better chance to rotate through the fishing positions. If your group includes several large adults, or if everyone wants to fish at the same time, ask about the boat’s available deck space.

The catch-and-cook option

One unusual feature is the chance to have a suitable catch cooked at a fine-dining restaurant afterward. This is not automatically included, and you need to request it in advance.

For a special occasion, this can turn a fishing trip into a full food experience. You catch the fish, return to Ta Xbiex, and then enjoy it prepared professionally rather than trying to clean and cook it at your accommodation.

Do not treat this as a guaranteed meal. The restaurant option depends on the catch, the applicable rules, and advance arrangements. A past communication mistake involved barbecue plans that had not been organized clearly. If the cooking option matters to you, confirm the restaurant, extra cost, type of fish accepted, and timing before departure.

The simpler alternative is to ask the crew to fillet an eligible catch for you to take home. That has been done for mahi mahi and other fish. Again, the skipper must confirm what can be kept.

Is $65 good value?

At $65, the charter offers a full private outing with a boat, crew, fishing equipment, bait, and roughly seven hours at sea. For a group sharing the booking, that can be strong value, especially if you divide the cost among four people.

The value is not measured only by the number of fish in the cooler. You are paying for access to offshore waters, the crew’s local experience, the gear needed for large fish, and help when the equipment becomes difficult to manage. A day with several tuna strikes can feel like a bargain. A slow day still gives you a private boat outing, but it may feel expensive if your only goal is bringing home dinner.

Check the extras before booking. The restaurant preparation is an additional arrangement, and the listing does not state that meals, hotel transfers, or transport beyond the marina are included. You meet at Roland Marina and return there, so plan your own way to and from Ta Xbiex.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend it to a small group of friends, couples, families with older children, and first-time anglers who want an active day rather than a passive boat ride.

It is particularly suitable if you:

• Want a private trip instead of sharing with strangers
• Are interested in tuna and other offshore fish
• Prefer personal instruction from the skipper
• Are comfortable with an early start and several hours in the sun
• Want the possibility of taking home an eligible catch
• Like the idea of arranging a restaurant meal afterward

It may not suit you if you need a predictable sightseeing schedule, dislike open-water movement, or expect a guaranteed catch. It is also not ideal for a group of five adults who all want plenty of room during a large-fish fight.

The charter can work for beginners, but it is still a physical activity. Holding a powerful fish requires effort, and you may spend time standing, shifting position, and following instructions quickly.

Weather, flexibility, and cancellation

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Since the meeting time is early, pay attention to the local cut-off time rather than waiting until the morning of the trip.

The operator can arrange flexible meeting times, but 6am is the recommended start. If you choose a later departure, ask how that affects the fishing plan and time on the water.

Practical advice for your morning

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and clothing that can handle spray and fish handling. The supplied information confirms the fishing gear and bait, but it does not promise food or drinks, so check what you need to bring before setting out.

Keep your phone protected from salt water. You may want photographs of the catch, but the fishing itself requires attention, especially when a large fish takes the line.

If you suffer from seasickness, plan carefully. One angler became unwell during a trip, and the crew helped by returning toward calmer water. That is encouraging, but it is sensible to take your usual precautions and tell the skipper early if you start feeling sick.

Finally, discuss the day’s expectations before leaving the marina. Ask what species are in season, which fish may be kept, whether the boat is a RIB, and how many people will be aboard. Clear communication is especially important if you want a barbecue or restaurant meal.

Should you book Big Game Fishing Adventures?

Book this charter if you want a small, active fishing trip with capable crew support and a genuine chance of hooking powerful fish. The private format, quality equipment, and help from Sebastian or Jake make it accessible to beginners while still giving experienced anglers something to work for.

I would book for four people or fewer, confirm the boat and fishing plan in advance, and treat the catch as a bonus rather than a promise. If you are happy with that outlook, $65 buys a substantial day on Malta’s water and the possibility of a memorable tuna fight. If you need guaranteed fish, lots of room, or a fixed sightseeing route, choose a different kind of boat trip.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

The charter starts at Roland Marina, Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

What time does the trip start?

The recommended start time is 6am. A different meeting time may be arranged, but the early departure is suggested to improve your chance of reaching the fishing area around sunrise.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join?

Up to five people can join, but the operator recommends no more than four because the boat can feel crowded when fighting large fish.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The charter provides fishing equipment and bait.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Some fish may be kept and filleted, but large bluefin tuna have been released. Ask the skipper about current rules and which catch may be taken home.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.