Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

Big Game Fishing Adventures takes you out before sunrise, when the sea is cooler and the first tuna may be moving. On a good day, you could be fighting bluefin tuna, bonito, or mahi mahi from a private boat with skipper Sebastian, Jake, or Bas at the helm. The early start matters, and the crew aims to reach productive water quickly.

I like two things here: the quality fishing equipment is supplied, so you do not need to arrive as an expert, and the crew works directly with each person at the rod. I also like the option of having your catch prepared at a fine-dining restaurant, though you must arrange that extra in advance. The main drawback is simple: fishing is never guaranteed, and five adults can feel cramped when a large fish takes off.

Key points at a glance

• Sunrise start: Meet at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex at 6am, with other meeting times possible by arrangement.
• Private charter: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to five people, though four is the more comfortable limit.
• Big-fish potential: The crew targets species such as bluefin tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other game fish.
• Skipper-led instruction: Sebastian, Jake, and Bas have helped complete beginners handle powerful fish and use the tackle.
• Catch options: Some fish may be brought home, while large bluefin tuna have been caught and released. A cooked catch can be arranged for an extra charge.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Leaving Roland Marina at 6am

Your day begins at Roland Marina on ix-Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, a handy waterfront meeting point in Ta’ Xbiex. The scheduled start is 6am, which is early by holiday standards, but it is the right time for a serious fishing charter.

The boat heads out toward the fishing grounds as daylight comes up. That first run is part of the pleasure. Malta’s coast looks different from the water, and the quiet morning departure gives you a short stretch of open-sea scenery before the work begins.

I would treat the 6am meeting time as the best option, not an inconvenience. One outing had a tuna on by about 6:45am, followed by several more hookups before 10am. That kind of quick action is not promised, but reaching the fishing area early gives you a better chance of being ready when fish are feeding.

The company can arrange a different meeting time if needed. Ask about this before booking, since a later start could affect how long you spend fishing or how soon you reach the best water.

What the seven-hour charter is really like

The outing lasts about seven hours and returns to the same marina. This is not a quick introductory ride with a few casts. You spend a full morning and early afternoon on the sea, with time for the skipper to search for fish and adjust the plan.

The crew supplies the fishing tackle, bait, and other core equipment. That is useful if you are flying into Malta or simply do not want to pack specialist gear. Several people with little or no fishing background have been shown how to work the rod and manage a hard-running fish.

You should still understand what big-game fishing involves. When a large fish strikes, you may need to move around the boat, keep pressure on the line, and follow the skipper’s instructions quickly. It is exciting, but it can also be tiring. The boat becomes much less roomy when several people are fighting fish at once.

The operator accepts up to five people. I would choose four or fewer if you have a choice. The company itself advises this, and the reason makes sense: a big tuna can require room for the angler and crew to move around the deck.

Tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and the luck factor

The name points toward large fish, and tuna are the main attraction. Bluefin tuna have been hooked on these trips, including fish described as large enough to create a serious battle. Some have been released after being brought alongside the boat.

That possibility is a major reason to book. You might spend hours watching lines and waiting, then suddenly find yourself attached to a fish far stronger than anything you have handled from shore. The crew helps when the rod becomes difficult to control, but you still take part in the fight.

Bonito and mahi mahi are also part of the catch. One outing produced a bonito, while another included mahi mahi that could be taken home at no extra fee. The exact species and number of fish will depend on conditions, location, and luck.

This is where you need to set sensible expectations. One trip produced several tuna hookups but only one fish reached the boat, partly because the angler lost control during the fight. Another day produced only small fish near a fish farm, with no major catch. That is not a flaw unique to this company. It is the basic risk of fishing: good tackle and a capable skipper improve your odds, but they do not control the sea.

The best attitude is to value the process as well as the result. If you need a guaranteed meal or a guaranteed trophy photograph, this is the wrong activity. If you enjoy the suspense of waiting for a strike, the potential payoff is much greater.

The skippers make the difference

Sebastian, Jake, and Bas are the names most closely linked with the charter. Sebastian has helped first-timers learn the basics, filleted fish for people to take home, and handled days when someone became seasick. Jake is described as friendly and highly capable with the rod, while Bas is praised for keeping the day social and fun.

The crew’s role goes well beyond steering the boat. They choose fishing areas, prepare the equipment, explain how to handle the tackle, and step in when a fish becomes too strong or the angler needs help. That support matters most if this is your first time with heavy gear.

The family-run character of the business also comes through in the service. Communication has generally been easy, and the crew has adjusted arrangements at short notice on at least one occasion. Still, I would not rely on last-minute flexibility if your holiday schedule is tight. Contact the operator early and confirm the meeting time, boat, catch arrangements, and any food plans.

A boat suited to a small private group

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That gives you more control than a shared charter. You can ask questions freely, take turns at the rod, and avoid spending seven hours with strangers.

The boat and equipment have received strong praise for condition and quality. Safety has also been singled out as a positive part of the operation. The available information identifies the boat as a smaller vessel, and one unhappy outing found five adults plus the skipper too crowded when fishing beside a fish farm.

That point deserves attention. Four people should give you a better balance between price and deck space. Five may work for a group that mainly wants the day at sea, but it could feel tight during a large-fish battle. Ask which boat will be used when booking, especially if your group has five adults.

The boat is not described as a luxury yacht. Think practical fishing platform rather than a polished sightseeing vessel. You are paying for access to the fishing grounds, tackle, crew time, and the chance at a substantial catch.

The catch, cooking, and release arrangements

A useful feature is the chance to have a freshly caught fish cooked at a fine-dining restaurant. This is an extra, not part of the standard $65 price, and you need to tell the operator ahead of time if you want to arrange it.

That detail can turn a successful fishing morning into a full food experience. It also avoids confusion after the boat returns. Ask exactly which fish can be cooked, where the restaurant is, what the extra cost is, and how the catch will be handled.

Some fish may be taken home. Mahi mahi has been brought back without an extra charge on one outing, and Sebastian has filleted fish for home use. Large bluefin tuna have also been released. The rules and arrangements may vary by species and circumstances, so confirm the plan before you set out.

Do not assume every fish will come back with you. The sensible approach is to ask about catch-and-release practice and the legal or practical limits for the species being targeted.

Sun, seasickness, and what to bring

The Malta sun is strong, and the reflective sea gives you little shade from the glare. Bring plenty of high-factor sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your shoulders. Reapply sunscreen during the day, even if the morning starts cool.

Seasickness is possible. One person needed help after becoming unwell, and the crew assisted by taking that person back toward calmer conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, speak with a medical professional about preparation before the trip and tell the skipper early if you feel bad.

Wear clothing you can move in and do not mind getting wet or fishy. The supplied equipment means you do not need specialist tackle, but you should still protect your phone and camera. Keep expectations practical: this is an active day on a working fishing boat, not a passive cruise.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though the physical effort of handling a large fish means you should consider your own strength and mobility.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 for roughly seven hours, this looks like a strong price for a private charter, particularly if several people share the cost. The fee includes the boat, crew, fishing equipment, and bait, according to the supplied details. That makes it much better value than paying separately for transport, tackle rental, and a short sea trip.

The value depends heavily on your group size. Four people sharing the booking get a good balance of personal attention, space, and cost. Two people pay more per person, but they also receive more time at the rod and more room on deck.

The price does not buy a guaranteed tuna. It buys a serious attempt, experienced guidance, and a full day built around fishing rather than a quick tourist activity. If you judge value only by pounds of fish, you may be disappointed on a slow day. If you count the private boat, sunrise departure, sea time, instruction, and possibility of a hard fight, the price is attractive.

Check the cost of the restaurant option before you commit to it. The cooking service is an appealing add-on, but the total cost will be higher than the advertised charter price.

Who should book this Malta fishing charter?

This trip suits a small group of friends, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants to try big-game fishing without owning equipment. Beginners are welcome, and the skippers provide hands-on help rather than expecting you to arrive with technical skills.

Experienced anglers should also find plenty to like. The boat, tackle, local fishing knowledge, and chance of tuna action give the day more substance than a basic coastal fishing trip. The early start is especially worthwhile for people who want the best shot at active fish.

I would be cautious about booking for five adults if everyone expects to fight large fish. The company accepts five, but four is the better choice for comfort and safe movement.

This is less suitable for someone who dislikes early mornings, struggles with boat motion, or needs a guaranteed catch. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a relaxed sightseeing cruise. Fishing is the focus, and the day can include long quiet stretches.

Booking details and cancellation terms

The meeting point is Roland Marina, ix-Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta. The activity ends back there, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. Since the trip depends on good weather, the operator may cancel in poor conditions and offer another date or a full refund.

That policy is fair for a sea trip, but leave some flexibility in your Malta schedule. If the charter is one of the main reasons for your visit, avoid placing it on your final morning.

My verdict: book it if the fishing matters more than certainty

I would book Big Game Fishing Adventures if you want a small, private Malta charter with a real chance of tuna and direct help from the skipper. The strongest points are the early departure, solid equipment, personal instruction, and the possibility of turning your catch into a restaurant meal.

Go in knowing that even a well-run charter can have a quiet day. Choose four people rather than five when possible, confirm the boat and cooking plan in advance, and pack serious sun protection. If you can accept the uncertainty of fishing, $65 offers a lot of time on the water and a memorable shot at a powerful fish.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

It starts at Roland Marina on ix-Xatt Ta’ Xbiex in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

What time does the charter begin?

The scheduled start time is 6:00am. A different meeting time may be arranged with the company.

How long does the fishing trip last?

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

Is this a private fishing trip?

Yes. This is a private activity, so only your own group participates.

How many people can join?

The boat accepts up to five people. The operator recommends no more than four because larger fish require room for people to move around.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The company supplies fishing gear and bait for the charter.

What fish might I catch?

The charter targets big game fish and deep-sea species. Fish mentioned in the supplied details include tuna, bluefin tuna, bonito, and mahi mahi.

Can I have my catch cooked?

Yes, you can request cooking at a fine-dining restaurant for an extra charge. You must tell the company in advance.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can receive a different date or a full refund if the charter is canceled because of poor weather. You may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, but cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.