Mediterranean fishing

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Boatbore

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I wonder if anyone has any good advice. I am lucky enough to keep my boat in the South of France and my 11 year old son is very keen to do more fishing. At the moment he fishes off the back of the boat when we are anchored and does catch quite a lot more than I ever did doing the same along the South Coast about 35 years ago ! However, he is keen to try and do some more serious fishing and I do know that plenty of people locally are catching Tuna further offshore..... and I am certainly willing to spend a few day 10 or 15 miles offshore having a go. I have been game fishing several times whilst on holiday but there is always someone onhand with the right kit and the local knowledge to be in the right places.... would anyone have any advice on a book or some other way to accumulate a little more expert knowledge on fishing mediterranean waters, beyond simply trolling along the changes of contour and temperature that I can see on the sonar. All advice gratefully received.
 
Boatbore said:
I wonder if anyone has any good advice. I am lucky enough to keep my boat in the South of France and my 11 year old son is very keen to do more fishing. At the moment he fishes off the back of the boat when we are anchored and does catch quite a lot more than I ever did doing the same along the South Coast about 35 years ago ! However, he is keen to try and do some more serious fishing and I do know that plenty of people locally are catching Tuna further offshore..... and I am certainly willing to spend a few day 10 or 15 miles offshore having a go. I have been game fishing several times whilst on holiday but there is always someone onhand with the right kit and the local knowledge to be in the right places.... would anyone have any advice on a book or some other way to accumulate a little more expert knowledge on fishing mediterranean waters, beyond simply trolling along the changes of contour and temperature that I can see on the sonar. All advice gratefully received.
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you may find this site helpful... use google translate:
http://pescaencostabrava.blogspot.com/
 
You don't say where you are but if nearby you should ask in the Guido shop in Antibes. On the main road that runs around the port, roughly opposite quays 4-5-6 of Port Vauban. Near the Lighthouse pub (ex Outback pub). They specialise in gear/advice in this sort of fishing and the shopkeeper is a prizewinner
 
Thanks to both. All advice gratefully received. I am in the St Tropez area but Antibes not far away and I can drop in next time we're there.
 
There are a couple of charter boats operating big game fishing trips out from some of the more touristy ports.

The key fish you are likely to encounter would be Blue Shark and school Bluefin Tuna.

The Blue Shark are easy to catch, but rather messy in that you need plenty of fish blood and guts in the water to attract them.
Easy in the Med, but look for a minimum water temperature of 17 degrees and set the boat to drift just along the area where there is a marked temperature change. It's this temperature change that will bring in the plankton, which brings the bait fish which brings the sharks.

Find the temperature change and simply set the boat to drift. Mash up plenty of fish and blood, add bran and fish oil to make it last longer. Chuck this lot in an onion sack and let the juicy bits drift off in the current. Use balloons blown up to the size of toilet ballcocks as floats and using several rods set wire shark traces with mackerel (or other oily fish) baits at differing depths. For example Rod 1 at 80 feet depth, 80 yards from the boat, Rod 2 at 60 feet depth 60 yards from the boat. Set rods all the way back to the boat until the last one is literally hanging about 15 feet under the boat, right by the boat.
Expect to wait for the first run, but you'll know when it happens. Set the reels to (almost) freespool and the ratchet on. After the first run put the reel in gear and hold the rod high, as the fish takes off for a second time, bow the rod towards it and as the line tightens lean back into the fish and enjoy the fight. The only rod not in freespool should be the one right by the boat. Leave that in gear, but in a very secure rod holder.
Expect fish in the 30lb to 150lb bracket. They are good fun on medium light weight fishing rods, but these are sport fish and should be returned as quickly as you can to the water. Ideally don't take them out of the water at all as they will trash a boat and themselves by thrashing around if in inexperienced hands.

The Tuna will be the smaller school Bluefin which will be typically 30lb to 50lb, but with some going up to a 100lb or so. There are some real monster Bluefin in the Med (the world record is1496lb) with my own personal best being 343lb, but these are like hens teeth now. These school Bluefin are young stock that haven't yet been corralled up by the so called "fish farms". Using 30lb class gear you'll have great fun with them when you finally hook them, but you may wait a while. That said, when you do you could hook two or three at the same time.
You are already doing the right things. Look for drop offs and temperature changes. Look for birds working the surface.
You could be fishing anywhere from ten miles offshore to 60 though so keep hunting.
Big Rapala style plugs, Bonito lures and skirted lures will all catch Bluefin and a selection from lures running on the surface to some deep divers (even fished off downriggers set up to 100' deep) are worth running.
You may also get Albacore and Skipjack in amongst the catch, but it's Bluefin that is the prize target. It's very hit and miss fishing, but if you do catch, whilst they are fabulous to eat, remember they are also an endangered species so limit yourselves to what you take.

Tight lines... not too tight.
 
Many thanks again for the expert information. It would be fantastic to catch a tuna. I have bought some kit (at least half the fun !) and am looking forward to giving it a try. Plenty of people have suggested looking for some local knowledge as well for locations and particulalrly succesful baits, lures and stuff.
 
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