Reviewed · MALTA

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

★ 5.0 · 19 reviews From $65 Operated by Big Game Fishing Adventures · Bookable on Viator
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The main draw here is the chance to chase large tuna and other hard-fighting fish from a private boat off Malta. Sebastian and Jake run the trips with a hands-on approach, so you do not need years of fishing experience to take part. You may spend time trolling, waiting for a strike, and then working quickly when a fish takes the bait.

I like the strong early start, since one trip had tuna action before 7am, and I like the practical help from the crew when a fish is too much for one person to handle. The option to have a legal catch cooked at a fine dining restaurant is also unusual, but you must arrange this extra in advance.

The main caution is space. Five people are allowed, but the company itself recommends no more than four because a large fish can require fast movement around the boat. Fishing is never guaranteed either, and one outing produced only small fish near a fish farm.

Key points

  • Early 6am departure: Reaching the fishing grounds around sunrise may give you the best chance of finding active fish.
  • Private boat for up to five: Your group gets the boat to itself, though four people is a more comfortable limit when fighting large fish.
  • Tuna, bonito, and mahi mahi: Previous catches have included giant bluefin tuna, bonito, tuna, and mahi mahi.
  • Experienced skippers: Sebastian and Jake provide instruction, handle the equipment, and help you work a fish to the boat.
  • Catch preparation option: Ask in advance if you want a freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant.
  • Weather matters: Poor sea conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting out from Ta Xbiex at 6am

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta - Setting out from Ta Xbiex at 6am

Your day begins at Roland Marina, on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex. The listed meeting time is 6am, though the company says it can arrange another time to suit your schedule. Still, I would choose the early departure if fishing is your main goal. One successful outing reached the fishing area around sunrise and had its first tuna on by about 6:45am.

Ta Xbiex is a practical starting point for a private boat trip. You return to the same marina after roughly seven hours, so you are not left arranging a second pickup at the end. The activity is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify a particular bus stop, parking arrangement, or hotel transfer. Confirm those points before you go.

The first part of the trip is the run out from the marina. This is when the crew can explain the plan, show you the tackle, and make sure you understand how to use the equipment. The boat is described as well maintained, with good fishing gear and bait. That matters more than glossy promises. A powerful fish can expose poor tackle very quickly.

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Quality gear and practical help on the boat

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta - Quality gear and practical help on the boat

Big-game fishing is physical, and the equipment makes a real difference. The company supplies the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you do not need to bring a full kit from home. The crew also helps you when the rod becomes difficult to control, which is especially useful if this is your first boat-fishing trip.

You may be asked to move around the boat while a fish changes direction. That is why the suggested maximum of four people makes sense. Five can book, but the deck may feel cramped when someone is battling a large tuna and the rest of the group needs to stay clear.

The crew members most often identified by name are Sebastian and Jake. They are described as friendly, capable skippers who explain the fishing process rather than simply handing you a rod. Beginners have been shown how to fish, while experienced anglers have appreciated the condition of the boat and the attention given to safety.

That mix suits a group with different skill levels. One person can be a serious angler, another can be trying fishing for the first time, and both can take part. You should not expect a formal lesson with a fixed classroom-style program. The instruction happens naturally as the boat moves and the fishing begins.

Chasing tuna, bonito, and other strong fish

The focus is big-game fishing, with tuna among the main targets. The available catch reports include giant bluefin tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and smaller fish caught on lures. A particularly active morning produced six tuna strikes between about 6:45am and 10am, although only one fish was brought aboard. That is a useful reminder: a strike is exciting, but landing a large fish is a separate challenge.

A tuna can run hard and force you to work the rod for some time. The crew may need to coach you through the fight and help prevent mistakes near the boat. One account openly described losing several fish through user error, which is not a criticism of the operator. It shows how demanding this kind of fishing can be.

You might also see dolphins. That is not promised as part of every trip, but it has added a memorable bonus to some outings. The open water, changing light, and chance of seeing wildlife give the day more variety than simply sitting beside a rod.

Still, you should book this as a fishing trip, not as a guaranteed catch-and-cook excursion. One day produced little action apart from small fish near a fish farm, while another group caught several large tuna and released them. Sea conditions, fish movement, timing, and technique all affect the result.

What a seven-hour itinerary feels like

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta - What a seven-hour itinerary feels like

The seven-hour length gives the crew time to reach fishing grounds, set up, fish several areas, and respond to changing conditions. You are not limited to a quick harbor outing. The early hours may offer the most action, but the rest of the trip allows time to keep trying if the first location is quiet.

The schedule is not described as a series of fixed stops. Instead, expect a day built around the fish. You leave Ta Xbiex, travel to the chosen area, set out the equipment, and wait for activity. If the fish are not cooperating, the crew may adjust the plan, although the exact movements are not provided.

This flexible format is good for anglers who enjoy the uncertainty of fishing. It is less suitable if you need a tightly timed sightseeing program. The activity ends back at Roland Marina, so allow extra time afterward rather than booking an immediate appointment elsewhere.

A long day at sea also brings simple practical concerns. Bring plenty of sun protection. One account specifically warned that the UV exposure around Malta can be intense, even when the air feels comfortable. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water are sensible choices. Seasickness is another possibility, and one participant became unwell during a trip. The supplied details do not state whether medication is available on board, so bring anything you normally use.

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The catch, release, and dining option

The handling of the catch depends on the fish and the arrangements made with the crew. Several large bluefin tuna were released after being caught. Mahi mahi and other fish have also been taken home, and Sebastian has filleted fish so the group could eat it later.

If you want your catch prepared at a fine dining restaurant, tell Big Game Adventures in advance. This is an extra, not an automatic part of the $65 price. The operator once offered compensation after a barbecue arrangement was missed because it had not been requested early enough, but you should not rely on that kind of correction. Confirm the cooking plan, added cost, and restaurant details before the trip.

This option can turn the fishing day into a meal, but it is not guaranteed that you will catch a fish suitable for the kitchen. Conservation rules and the crew’s advice should guide what is kept or released. Ask about the plan before lines go in, particularly if your group cares more about catching and releasing than bringing home dinner.

Is $65 a good value?

At $65 for about seven hours, the price looks attractive for a private fishing activity, particularly if several people share the booking. You get the boat for your own group, fishing equipment, bait, and crew assistance. The value is strongest for people who want a real attempt at big-game fishing without buying specialist equipment.

The price needs a little context. The fine dining preparation is an extra, and the supplied information does not list hotel transport, food, drinks, or personal fishing licenses as included items. It also does not spell out the boat model or the exact fuel range. Ask about these points if they affect your budget.

For five people, the per-person cost is low, but the boat may feel crowded when a large fish is hooked. Four people gives you more room and may make the day more comfortable. For two or three people, the private format should feel more spacious, though the cost per person will be higher.

The real value depends on what you want from the day. If you need a guaranteed fish, the price cannot remove the uncertainty of the sea. If you value expert help, private use of the boat, and a serious chance at powerful fish, $65 is a reasonable entry point based on the details provided.

Who should book this Malta fishing charter?

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta - Who should book this Malta fishing charter?

This trip suits first-time anglers because the crew helps with the rod, explains what to do, and stays involved during the fight. You do not need to arrive with specialist knowledge. It also suits experienced fishers who want local skippers, quality tackle, and a private outing rather than a shared boat.

Couples and small groups should find the format easiest. It can work as a birthday or special occasion gift, especially if one person loves fishing and the other is simply curious. The option to take home or cook a catch adds a personal touch when arrangements are made clearly.

I would hesitate to recommend it to a group of five adults who all expect plenty of room. The company allows five, but its own advice points to four as the practical limit. I would also be cautious if your main aim is a relaxed cruise. Fishing requires patience, and much of the seven hours may involve waiting for the right moment.

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That gives you more control than a shared charter, but it also means the day’s energy depends on your own group. A quiet, patient group can enjoy the waiting. A group that needs constant activity may find the slow periods long.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience accepts mobile tickets, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the activity involves being on a boat for about seven hours and handling strong fish, so consider your comfort at sea.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. If poor weather forces the company to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Because weather affects the trip, keep your schedule flexible. Do not plan a costly, nonrefundable activity immediately afterward. Confirm the meeting time if you request something other than 6am, and confirm the restaurant option well before departure.

Should you book Big Game Fishing Adventures?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, private attempt at tuna fishing with a crew that works directly with beginners and experienced anglers. Sebastian and Jake are the key names to request, the 6am start gives you the best shot at early action, and four people is the sensible group size.

Skip it if you need guaranteed catches, a roomy boat for five adults, or a fully explained food package included in the base price. The sea can be slow, and a large fish may still get away.

For the right group, this is a lively, hands-on Malta outing with real uncertainty and real rewards. Go prepared for sun, patience, and a strong fish that may test both you and the tackle.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

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

What time does the fishing trip begin?

The standard start time is 6am. The company says another meeting time may be arranged to suit your schedule.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing charter lasts approximately seven hours and finishes back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

Up to five people can book the boat. The company recommends no more than four because fighting large fish can require quick movement and extra room.

What fish might I catch?

The fishing targets include big-game fish and deep-sea fish. Catch details provided include tuna, giant bluefin tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and smaller fish caught on lures.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The company says it provides quality fishing equipment and bait for the trip.

Can my catch be cooked at a restaurant?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

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