Bay of Biscay Sea Fishing: Tuna, Pargos & Family-Friendly Angling from San Sebastián
Head offshore from San Sebastián for a hands-on sea-fishing trip in the Bay of Biscay—trolling for tuna, spinning for surface strikes, and bottom fishing for pargos. Small boat, local skipper, big Atlantic moods.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
The sea can be much colder and windier than the shore; bring a windproof jacket and a warm mid-layer even on summer mornings.
Bring motion-sickness medication
Bay of Biscay swells can be brief but sharp—take medication before you board if you're prone to seasickness.
Non-slip shoes only
The deck gets wet; closed, grippy soles reduce slips—no flip-flops or smooth-soled sneakers.
Protect from sun and spray
High SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a brimmed hat keep eyes and skin safe during long stints casting or waiting.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Mouth of Urumea estuary for scenic shoreline views on the way out
- •Small coastal reefs near Getaria that attract pargos and provide good shallow-reef fishing
Wildlife
- •Common dolphins
- •Gannets and shearwaters
Conservation Note
Skippers often follow local regulations on minimum sizes and protected species; practicing catch-and-release for non-targets helps maintain stocks.
Basque coastal communities have fished these waters for centuries; traditional techniques evolved around seasonal migrations like tuna runs.
Photographer's Notes
- • Bow for action shots of fish and spray
- • Portside when approaching reefs to capture coastal profile
What to Bring
Windproof/foul-weather jacketEssential
Blocks spray and wind during cool mornings and fast rides.
Non-slip deck shoesEssential
Provides secure footing on wet, moving decks.
Polarized sunglasses & sunscreenEssential
Reduces glare and protects skin during long exposure on the water.
Motion-sickness medicine
Useful for anyone prone to seasickness on Atlantic swells.
Common Questions
Do I need to have fishing experience to join?
No—trips are suitable for beginners; the skipper will show basic techniques and help with tackle.
What species can I expect to catch?
Common targets include tuna in summer, pargos (snapper-like species), seabream, and occasional amberjack; dolphins are often seen but not targeted.
Is fishing gear provided?
Yes—fishing rods and basic tackle are included; bring personal gloves if you prefer.
Can children join the trip?
Yes—bottom fishing is especially family-friendly, but minors should be supervised and wear life jackets provided by the operator.
What happens in bad weather?
The operator monitors conditions closely and will cancel on safety grounds; full refunds are offered if canceled 24 hours before departure or due to bad weather.
How much sea time and where do you fish?
Trips are about five hours and stay within reachable productive grounds off Gipuzkoa; precise spots vary by season and skipper judgment.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Basic mobility required—standing and reeling intermittently is the norm; suitable for most fitness levels.
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