Why Mallorca

The largest Balearic Island, situated off the coast of Spain, is surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters. Mallorca is a popular destination for travelers, locals, and those seeking a permanent vacation due to its rich culture, majestic mountains, picturesque coves, charming vineyards, and rugged beaches. The stunning beaches stretch for miles until the pristine white sand meets the stunning Balearic Sea. Mallorca is situated in the deep waters of the Mediterranean, which is renowned for its remarkable fishing destinations. The experience is simply incredible, with an abundance of fish species found in these waters. For centuries, fishing has been a vital part of the island's economy, with the Mediterranean Sea providing a wealth of marine life including bluefin tuna, dentex, mahi mahi, amberjack, grouper, and octopus. Many traditional fishing methods, such as using nets and longlines, are still practiced today by local fishermen who continue to uphold the island's fishing traditions. Mallorca is considered one of the top destinations for bluefin tuna fishing in the Mediterranean. The island's warm waters and strong currents provide the perfect environment for bluefin tuna to thrive, making it an ideal location to catch this prized fish. The bluefin tuna season in Mallorca typically runs from May to July, and during this time, the waters are teeming with tuna, attracting fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

Our family fishing fleet prides itself on using only artisanal methods to catch Bluefin tuna. We firmly believe that line and pole fishing is the most sustainable way to fish, as it has minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem and reduces bycatch. In addition, we hold a special license to fish in Cabrera, where only 20 boats are allowed to fish, ensuring that the tuna population in the area is not overfished.

Our fleet uses the Japanese IKEJIME method to slaughter the fish, which not only ensures superior quality meat but also minimises the suffering of the fish and prevents stress from affecting the meat. Afterward, the tuna is stored in ultra-freezers at -60ºC degrees to maintain its colour, flavour, and texture. Overall, we firmly believe that artisanal fishing line and pole method, is the most responsible and sustainable way to catch Bluefin tuna.

Meet Toni, the king of the sea and Mallorca's best bluefin fisherman! His enthusiasm for deep sea and big game fishing is as infectious as his expertise is renowned. Fishing runs in his blood, following in the footsteps of his distinguished father and grandfather, who were both captains on the island. Toni's impressive track record includes winning both the Spanish and Balearic fishing championships. This year alone, he has already caught over 110 bluefins, his best season yet, including a record-breaking catch weighing over 723lbs! Says Alistair.

Alistair - I’m not a fisherman but I can tell you that helping land a bluefin onto the deck of Toni’s boat was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. The precursor was several monotonous hours cruising around looking at the sonar (is that what you call it?), casting casting casting, tossing in a few more sardines and listening to a very well-informed commentator regularly advise “they call it fishing, not catching”. I am well aware that not catching is part of the very essence of fishing, but not being a fisherman, living it seemed a bit less obvious than being aware of it. Fortunately, the weather was fantastic and the companionship excellent. We might have had a few beers too.

Eventually, towards the end of the day, WOW! BITE! GET A GRIP!. I was offered the rod but others were more entitled. Jeremy had a giant smile just about covering his nervousness that he might just fail to bring it in. He clenched his teeth. He clenched everything. 10 minutes of letting loose, slowing, bringing back, over and over until that poor fish knew the fight was up. AND STILL HE THRASHED. Came close to the boat. See him properly now. Oh my profanities deleted. What a fish! How on earth does that get up here? Well, he did, through a handy little hatch I hadn’t noticed before. GET OUT OF THE WAY! Cry a little tear for me. Two minutes later, he was stilled. WHAT A BEAST. Minutes later he was ikejimed and chilled. I will never forget this experience.