Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

The real draw here is the chance to chase giant bluefin tuna from a private boat off Malta, with skipper Sebastian or Jake handling the boat and helping you manage the gear. Early departures put you on the water around sunrise, when the first action can come quickly.

I like two things in particular: the crew lets you take part in the fight instead of simply watching, and the boat carries serious fishing equipment rather than basic holiday gear. I also like the option of having your catch cooked at a fine-dining restaurant, though you must arrange that extra in advance.

The main caution is simple: fishing is fishing. Some outings produce several tuna strikes, while others bring only smaller fish or a bonito. Five people can board, but four is the sensible limit if you want room to move when a large fish runs.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunrise start: The suggested meeting time is 6am at Roland Marina in Ta Xbiex, giving you the best chance of reaching fishing grounds early.
• Real big-game targets: Tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other fish are possible, with several accounts describing bluefin tuna being caught and released.
• Hands-on instruction: Skippers Sebastian and Jake help beginners handle the rod, fight fish, and bring the catch aboard.
• Private boat: Only your own group joins the charter, with a maximum of five people.
• Four is better than five: The boat can accept five, but the operator says four offers more working room.
• Seven hours at sea: The trip lasts about seven hours and returns to the same marina.

Sunrise from Ta Xbiex Marina

Your day begins at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, with the suggested meeting time set for 6am. That is early by holiday standards, but it matters here. The crew aims to reach productive water near sunrise, and one outing had its first tuna hooked by about 6:45am.

You can ask about a different meeting time, since the company offers some flexibility. Still, I would treat 6am as the smart choice if catching fish is your main goal. A later start may suit your schedule, but it could reduce the time spent fishing in the morning conditions the crew recommends.

The charter ends back at the same meeting point. You will need to make your own way to Ta Xbiex, but the marina is near public transportation. Bring your mobile ticket and allow time to find the correct marina location before departure.

What seven hours on the boat really means

This is not a quick harbor outing. About seven hours gives the skipper time to travel out, set up the gear, work several areas, and stay with the action when fish are active. It also means you should prepare for a full day under the Maltese sun.

The day may begin with the boat heading toward fishing grounds while the crew prepares rods, bait, and tackle. Once the lines are working, the pace can change quickly. One account describes six tuna strikes between roughly 6:45am and 10am, with one fish finally brought aboard after several missed chances. That is a useful reminder that hooking a fish and landing it are two different jobs.

When a large fish takes the bait, you will need to move carefully and follow the skipper’s directions. The crew helps you use the equipment, but the fight still requires effort. This is part of the appeal for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise, though it may be tiring for someone expecting a relaxed boat ride.

The trip can also be quiet. Fish do not follow a schedule, and even a well-run charter cannot promise a catch. The crew’s job is to improve your odds with good equipment, local knowledge, and careful timing, not to guarantee tuna on the deck.

Big fish, small fish, and the value of the fight

Big Game Adventures focuses on serious saltwater fishing, with bluefin tuna among the main targets. Other fish mentioned include bonito and mahi mahi. Some outings have produced several large tuna, while another produced a bonito after a slower day.

Several accounts describe giant bluefin being released. That matters when you are considering this trip as a fishing experience rather than a way to bring home a large quantity of meat. The crew can still let you bring up certain fish, and one account describes mahi mahi being taken home without an added fee. Ask the skipper on the day what applies to your catch.

You may also see wildlife while moving between spots. Dolphins were seen on at least one outing, but this is an incidental possibility, not a promised part of the charter. The main focus remains fishing.

For beginners, the range of possible fish is useful. You do not need years of experience to take part. Jake and Sebastian have helped first-time fishers handle the rod, and the crew stays close when the fight becomes difficult. For experienced anglers, the value lies more in the boat, tackle, bait, and access to local fishing areas.

Sebastian, Jake, and the hands-on crew

The crew receives especially strong praise for friendliness, patience, and practical skill. Sebastian is described as a local fisherman who knows the surrounding waters, while Jake is repeatedly singled out for helping people through their first serious fish fight.

That support changes the character of the trip. You are not simply handed a rod and left alone. The skipper can show you how to fish, help when the rod becomes hard to control, and guide you through the final moments near the boat.

The family-run nature of the business also appears to shape the service. The tone is informal, with conversation, music, and an effort to keep the day social as well as focused on fish. If you prefer a quiet, highly formal charter, this may feel relaxed rather than polished. If you want a crew that talks with you and keeps the mood moving during slow periods, it should suit you well.

Communication before the trip is important. One person arranged a charter at short notice, while another account points to confusion about the exact fishing plan and boat capacity. Confirm the departure time, expected boat, group size, target style, and any food arrangement before you go.

Boat space and group size

The charter accepts up to five people, but the operator recommends no more than four. That advice is worth taking seriously. Fighting a large fish may require you to shift position quickly, and several people moving around a compact boat can make the deck feel crowded.

If you are booking for five adults, ask which boat will be used and how much room there will be for active fishing. A past account described five adults finding a smaller boat cramped, while the company responded by offering a larger boat for a future booking. That does not mean every five-person trip will be uncomfortable, but it does show why group size should be discussed ahead of time.

For two, three, or four people, you should have a better balance between cost, personal space, and time on the rods. Since this is a private activity, you are not sharing the boat with strangers. That makes it easier to set the day’s rhythm around your group, but it also means your own party fills the available space.

Equipment, safety, and comfort at sea

The operator supplies the fishing gear and bait. Accounts describe the rods and equipment as high quality, and one experienced angler specifically praised the condition of the boat, the tackle, and the safety arrangements.

That is important for big-game fishing. Heavy fish place far more strain on equipment than a simple coastal catch, and dependable gear gives you a better chance of turning a strike into a landed fish. It also reduces the need for you to bring specialist equipment from home.

The skippers are described as experienced seamen as well as capable fishers. Safety guidance still matters, especially when you are moving around a boat with a bent rod and a powerful fish on the line. Listen closely, keep your footing, and do not rush the crew during the final lift.

Sun protection is essential. The Maltese sun can feel strong on the water, where there is little shade and plenty of reflected light. Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your shoulders. You may also want water and any personal medication you need during seven hours at sea.

Sea sickness is another practical consideration. One account describes a passenger feeling unwell, with the crew helping by returning toward shore. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before departure and tell the skipper early rather than waiting until you feel bad.

The optional restaurant finish

Big Game Adventures offers an unusual extra: you can arrange for a freshly caught fish to be cooked at a fine-dining restaurant. This is not automatically included, so you need to tell the company in advance if you want to use the option.

The arrangement can make the day feel like a complete food-and-fishing outing, especially if your group wants to sit down together after time at sea. It is also a good reason to clarify which fish can be kept, how much the restaurant extra costs, and where the meal will take place.

Do not assume that every large fish will become dinner. Bluefin tuna catches described on the trip were released, and the rules or arrangements can differ by species and circumstance. Treat the restaurant meal as an optional possibility, not a guaranteed part of the seven-hour price.

Is $65 good value?

At $65, this is an appealing price for a private seven-hour fishing charter, especially if two to four people share the booking. You get the boat, crew, fishing equipment, bait, and instruction in one package. For a first-time fisher, that avoids the cost and hassle of arranging tackle separately.

The value depends on what you expect. If you want a guaranteed tuna, $65 cannot buy certainty. If you measure value by time on the water, access to a private crew, and the chance to fight a powerful fish, the price is attractive.

Check what is not included before paying for extras. The restaurant cooking option is additional, and any personal food, drinks, transport to the marina, or other costs should be confirmed directly. The price is strongest for a small group that wants an active morning and understands that the catch is never guaranteed.

A 4.9 rating from 19 ratings and a 95 percent recommendation figure suggest a strong record, but the mixed fishing outcome remains important. Most people will remember the crew and the action, yet one outing involved small fish and a cramped boat after a misunderstanding about the plan. Good communication before departure is the best way to protect the value of your booking.

Who should book this charter?

I would choose this for an active couple, a small family, or a group of friends who want a private day on the water. It works particularly well when one person is an experienced angler and the others are beginners, since the skippers can teach you while still targeting serious fish.

It is also a good choice for a birthday, gift, or special holiday day. One booking made as a present for a boyfriend ended with a large tuna caught and released, which shows how memorable the central moment can be even when the fish does not come home.

I would be more cautious if you dislike early starts, strong sun, motion on the sea, or uncertain results. Five adults may find the boat restrictive, and a slow day is always possible. Ask detailed questions if your priority is a particular target species, a larger boat, or a cooked catch.

Should you book Big Game Adventures?

Book it if you want a hands-on private fishing trip with a real chance at tuna and other strong fish, and if you can accept that nature controls the final score. Sebastian and Jake appear to be the main strength, particularly for first-time fishers who want help without being pushed aside.

For the best chance of a good day, book four people or fewer, request the 6am start, confirm the boat and target style, and arrange the restaurant option before departure. Pack serious sun protection and prepare for motion on the water.

The sensible verdict is positive, with one clear condition: book this for the fishing experience, not a guaranteed haul. If a tuna strikes early, you may have a thrilling Malta story. If the sea is quiet, the crew, boat time, and chance to learn still need to carry the day.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

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

What time does the charter begin?

The suggested start time is 6am. The company can arrange a different meeting time if needed.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The charter lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Roland Marina in Ta’ Xbiex.

How many people can join?

Up to five people can board, but the operator recommends no more than four because the boat can feel crowded during a large fish fight.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the charter.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include giant bluefin tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other sea fish. A catch is not guaranteed.

Can the fish be cooked after the trip?

You can request to have a freshly caught fish cooked at a fine-dining restaurant, but this is an extra and must be arranged in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.