Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A sport fishing trip in Tenerife is a boat charter with a skipper, shared or private, for recreational fishing close to the coast or in deep water. The waters around the islands reach great depths a short distance from the coast, which makes big-game fishing possible without long crossings.
It is an activity regulated by the Canary Islands Government: the boat needs a specific licence, and there are rules on species, sizes and catches. This page helps you choose a type of fishing and check the essentials.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Recreational fishing trip on a boat with a skipper |
| Formats | Inshore or bottom fishing; big-game trolling |
| Format | Shared or private |
| Duration | From a few hours to a full day. Depends on the provider |
| Usual ports | Ports in the south and west, such as Puerto Colón or Los Gigantes |
| Licence | The commercial boat needs a collective first-class licence |
| Catches | They cannot be sold; there are size limits, quotas and protected species |
| Price | Depends on the type of fishing, the duration and the boat |
Types of fishing
| Format | What it is | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore or bottom fishing | Close to the coast, with rod and bait | Beginners, families, short trips |
| Big-game fishing (trolling) | In deep water, trailing lures for tuna and other large fish | Anglers looking for big catches |
| Catch and release | Fish are released after being caught | Anyone who puts conservation first |
| Private charter | A boat just for your group | Groups or celebrations |
Licence: what the rules say
According to the Canary Islands Government, collective recreational fishing from boats commercially dedicated to this activity requires a collective first-class licence. Individual licences are divided into three classes by type (from a boat with trolling, underwater and from the surface).
Ask the provider whether its collective licence covers the participants or whether you need to apply for an individual one.
Some species, such as bluefin tuna, have their own catch regime requiring specific authorisations. The skipper should know it.
What happens
- Meeting at the port and explanation of the equipment.
- Sailing to the fishing area.
- Fishing with the boat’s equipment and help from the crew.
- Catch, release or keep according to the rules and the boat’s policy.
- Return to port.
Who it suits
- Anglers who want to try big-game fishing.
- Beginners looking for a first guided trip.
- Groups of friends or families with older children.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone prone to motion sickness: in open water the boat moves.
- Anyone who wants to keep everything they catch: there are minimum sizes, quotas and protected species; many boats practise release.
- Anyone looking for nature without fishing: consider whale watching or a private boat.
How to choose well
- Which type: inshore or big-game?
- Does the boat have a collective first-class licence?
- Does that licence cover the participants?
- What equipment is included? Rods, reels, bait, lures.
- What happens to the catch? Released, shared out, or can you take it?
- How many people fish at once?
- Duration and departure time?
- What happens if the sea is too rough to go out?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper and crew | Included | Fishing experience |
| Fishing equipment | Included | Type according to the fishing |
| Bait and lures | Included | — |
| Licence | The boat’s collective licence | Whether it covers participants |
| Drinks and food | In some offers | What it includes |
Basic rules
- Catches from recreational fishing cannot be sold, under the rules.
- There are minimum sizes, quotas, closed seasons and protected areas that the skipper must respect.
- Recreational fishing boats must keep minimum distances from professional boats that are fishing.
Safety
- Life jackets for everyone.
- Be careful with hooks and lures.
- In big-game fishing, always follow the skipper’s instructions when fighting a fish.
- Sun protection: you spend many hours in the sun.
Weather and season
- Sea conditions decide whether the trip goes ahead, especially for big-game fishing.
- The presence of tuna and other pelagic species varies through the year. Ask the provider what to expect on your date.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: the type of fishing, the duration, the size of the boat and the format all vary.
- Inshore or big-game fishing.
- Duration.
- Shared or private.
- Equipment and extras.
What to bring
- Sun protection, a cap and polarised sunglasses.
- Comfortable clothes and a windbreaker.
- Non-slip shoes.
- Water and something to eat if not included.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Private boat without fishing | Private boat in Tenerife |
| Seeing cetaceans | Whale and dolphin watching |
| Exploring the seabed | Try dive |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to fish on a charter?
The commercial boat needs a collective first-class licence. Ask whether it covers the participants.
What can you catch?
It depends on the type and the season: coastal species close to the shore, and tuna or other pelagic fish on big-game trips.
Can I keep what I catch?
Only within the size limits, quotas and permitted species. Many boats practise catch and release.
Can the catch be sold?
No. Recreational fishing has no commercial purpose.
Do I need experience?
Not for inshore fishing. The crew explains the equipment.
Can children come?
Yes, on short inshore trips, depending on the provider.
How long does it last?
From a few hours to a full day, depending on the type of fishing.