La Gomera is a small island situated off the coast of Africa. It’s part of Spain’s Canary Islands and is the third smallest of the archipelago’s eight main islands, belonging to the province of Tenerife. Volcanic in origin, it rises from the rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and its deep blue, inshore and offshore coastal waters form part of the migration routes for some of the largest pelagic fish on earth. As a result, the island is one of sportfishing’s best-kept secrets and gives travelling anglers a chance to fish for some of the most significant big game fish found anywhere in the world.
A true all-year-round fishery, it’s one of the best big game fishing destinations in Europe, both in terms of numbers and excellent average size, for Atlantic Blue Marlin and monster Bluefin Tuna, along with White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo and Albacore, to mention just a few.
With its fantastic weather, palm-filled green valleys, and stunning sandy beaches, coupled with the fact it’s only a short flight away from the UK, it’s easy to see why La Gomera is such a popular destination for travelling anglers, non-angling companions and families, looking for a short warm weather get-away.
La Gomera offers travelling anglers some of the best big-game fishing found anywhere in Europe and even the world. A wide array of species call the rich waters of the island home; however, two reign supreme: the Blue Marlin and Bluefin Tuna.
With the volcanic island at a strategic point in the Atlantic for both Blue and White Marlin, each May to around the end of October, these giant Billfish arrive in numbers on their migratory routes, following the large shoals of baitfish. With depths of up to 4000m, combined with the Canary Current, the mass of nutrients and food forced upwards towards the surface layers provide easy pickings for the big pelagics.
The fish found in the region are some of the largest found anywhere around the globe, and the destination has held numerous IGFA records for the species, two of which still stand to this day. Marlin weighing up to 1000lb are not unusual, and specimens of even more enormous proportions get landed each season.
As well as Marlin, over the past few years, the island has seen an enormous increase in the number of giant Bluefin Tuna, especially during their spring migration between the months of February and May. As a recreational fishery, it’s growing to be one of the most exciting in Europe, giving anglers a chance to target and catch Bluefin averaging 200lb but reaching weights of well over 600lb.
As well as Billfish, Blue and White Marlin, Tuna, Bluefin, Bigeye and Yellowfin, La Gomera is also famous for a range of other smaller species, including Dorado, Albacore, Spearfish, Makos and Wahoo. These can provide some excellent sport on days when the big pelagics may be less active.
Thanks to the island’s layout, the prevailing trade winds from the northeast and the best fishing found around the island’s southern end means that most coastal waters are often very calm and sheltered. As a result, most fishing gets done within the lee of the wind, often very close to the marina of San Sebastian. Wetting a line in the shadow of the islands’ mountains and valleys creates a picturesque backdrop for this great fishery, with Tenerife’s prominent volcanic peak, Teide, often in sight off in the distance to the east. A typical day fishing at La Gomera usually lasts eight hours, with a leisurely start to the day and lunch taken on the boat.
Typical Day:
Breakfast 8.00am
Depart the marina of San Sebastian at 9.30am
Lunch on board (Sandwiches, fruit and water)
Return to the marina of San Sebastian at 5.30pm
Evening Meal 8.30pm
The style of fishing used at La Gomera has evolved over the last few years, and the ‘old school’ method of big game trolling or ‘Dragging & Snagging’ delivered a low hook-up ratio and risked more foul hooked fish, so now the boats prefer to use a bait and switch technique. For those who don’t know, this involves teasing the fish to the back of the boat before pitching a dead bait to it – it’s an exciting way to fish and allows you to match the tackle to the fish, unlike when lure fishing.
Circle hooks have also been introduced, which have seen hook-up rates increase to around 90% and much less damage to the fish. This ethical way of fishing will typically hook the fish in the scissor of the jaw, which is much easier for catch and release.
Note: All tackle on the boat is included, and there’s a whole host of outfits to use from 130s, 80s, 50s and even a range of bait rods and reels, all in excellent condition
The boat and guides we use in La Gomera are some of the best in the region. The principles are a skilled crew, not only in controlling the vessels and finding the fish but also in catching them and guiding you through the process once you get hooked up – they’re also the only boat in the canaries using the unique technique of bait and switch fishing.
Our captain Valentin Navarro Garcia was born and raised on the Canary Islands and has had a lifelong experience at sea, including on commercial fishing boats and as a captain for other charter boats. He is one of the top-rated skippers and will do his utmost to make your trip the best.
Peter Petzer, our man on the ground, has an equally impressive CV and has fished most of the world’s fishing hotspots; he’s in charge of Team Bocinegro and has over fifty years of experience.
The boat, Bocinegro II, is a newly refurbished big game fishing vessel and is perfect for negotiating the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a Hatteras 38, complete with a Tuna Tower and a whole host of essential electronics, and it’s rigged and ready to fish right now!
To find out more about the boat, accommodation and fantastic big game fishing on offer in La Gomera, visit our YouTube channel.
The accommodation for your holiday to La Gomera is as incredible as the fishing and is situated on a cliff overlooking the open ocean and Spain’s highest mountain Teide.
The Bocinegro Townhouse is one of six homes divided between two buildings with a shared pool and garden area in the middle. The house has a spacious outdoor space where you can relax and cook using the Weber BBQ and a private pool with a shower and bathroom for the community of the six homes.
The house features three bedrooms with twin beds, which can be separated in two of the rooms, while the main big bedroom offers two extra beds if required. There are two bathrooms with showers, and all bed linen and towels are included. There is a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, freezer, and everything needed for cooking inside.
Extra Activities
One of the popular things about La Gomera is the range of activities and sightseeing opportunities for families and non-angling companions. The island is well known for its beauty and unique flora, as well as excellent possibilities for hiking and biking, and it’s also rich in culture.
With daily flights from most European locations, you can easily extend your stay and experience more of the stunning island and its natural attractions, a couple which are well worth a visit include:
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Tenerife South
On arrival, you will make your way outside the terminal building, where you will take a taxi to Los Cristianos Ferry Terminal (taxi not included). Alternatively, a kiosk at the airport will be more than happy to help you book a taxi. Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you will make your way through the building to the waiting area. The ferry crossing takes around 45 – 60 minutes.
Once you have arrived on the island of La Gomera, take a taxi to The Parador Hotel (taxi not included).
Overnight accommodation: The Parador Hotel (Twin room) B/B
You will meet your captain at the Marina for your full 8 hours fishing onboard our Big Game boat at the pre-agreed time. Our guides will let you get as involved as you wish; why not have a go at rigging the lines or sit back and relax. The main target will be Blue Marlin; however, they get the odd Dorado, so make sure you stay alert as you never know when the rod may go off.
Overnight accommodation: The Parador Hotel (Twin room) B/B
Our boat is a fish catching machine and has been fishing these waters for years, and there is not much the crew do not know. They will take great care of you and try their hardest to make your dreams come true. With all Big Game fishing, especially Marlin fishing can be a waiting game, but when that rod does go off, and the reel is screaming, you will need to have your wits about you as you will need to be prepared straight away to ensure no fish is lost. If there is more than one person on the boat, always ensure you know who’s turn on the rod before the bite happens.
Overnight accommodation: The Parador Hotel (Twin room) B/B
Once you have checked out of your hotel at around lunchtime, take a taxi for your short transfer back to the Port of San Sebastian for your ferry crossing back to Los Cristianos (taxi not included). Once the ferry arrives at Los Cristianos, make your way out of the ferry port and take a taxi back to Tenerife South Airport.
Depart Tenerife
Arrive Home
The season runs from All Year.
Season: April to November
Peak: May to September
Weight: 200lb to 1200lb
Average Weight: 500lb
Season: April to November
Peak: June to October
Weight: 50lb to 150lb
Average Weight: 80lb
Season: June to November
Peak: July to November
Weight: 50lb to 300lb
Average Weight: 200lb
Season: April to November
Peak: May to July
Weight: 50lb to 500lb
Average Weight: 200lb
Season: February to May
Peak: March to April
Weight: 75lb to 800lb
Average Weight: 200lb
If your group size is smaller or larger than the standard two people then please contact a member of the Sportquest team who will be more than happy to work out a new up to date price.
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/02/2024 | 29/02/2024 | 4 | £2,504 | Enquire Now |
| 01/03/2024 | 31/03/2024 | 4 | £2,504 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2024 | 30/04/2024 | 4 | £2,604 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2024 | 31/05/2024 | 4 | £2,604 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 4 | £2,654 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 4 | £2,704 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 31/08/2024 | 4 | £2,704 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 4 | £2,604 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2024 | 31/10/2024 | 4 | £2,554 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Just a quick note to thank Paul for organising our stag do at the last minute. The accommodation was a little on the quiet side but a quick taxi trip in to town solved that. Plenty of bars and restaurants
The fishing boat and crew were spot on and tried very hard all day. We managed a few fish but nothing massive.
The only moan is that the taxi to the ferry port and the other side was a little expensive but thats nothing to do with you. We felt we should of been made aware of the price
All in all we had a great trip
Thanks
Thanks Stuart i shall pass on your kind words to Paul who is off guiding in Norway. We do now offer two different hotels, one that is quiet and has stunning views over the marina and one that is in town and much nearer the bars and restaurant
Glad you got on with the skipper and crew, they are one of the best on the Island
We understand about the Taxi and we now inform people that they will have to pay for the Taxi and that we can not include it in the price
Once again thank you for your feed back and i shall mention it to Paul
Regards
Peter
Fishing was great, Jason + crew are excellent and incredibly experienced with some of the best kit + boat and great hosts on the boat (definitely recommend him).
There was a trousers for dinner policy at the hotel which seemed strange, as it was't a posh hotel. I did't take any trousers, so we had to eat out. We did not mind as there was good places in town. Food on the boat was good.
Hi Henry, thanks for your feedback form. Some very useful tips for future travellers especially about the trousers at dinner policy which we were unaware of.
We get such good feedback from anglers who fish with Jason.
Hopefully you will our services again for any future trips.
All the best
Paul
Fishing out of La Gomera on July 24 & 25.
First day no fish or takes (no fish caught on other boats either).
Second day two blue marlin caught. The first was estimated at 600lb and the second at 800lb. Both fish went deep and took off large quantities of line, the first one down to the backing. They took approx 30 and 45 mins respectively to bring to the boat. It was like a double gym session: I was exhausted. I prayed (successfully) that we wouldn't have any further takes.
Both fish were tagged, revived and successfully swam away. The boat crew were excellent: skipper was Mark Lee, originally from Sunderland.
I also had a dorado.
I will send photos separately.
Mr Ball sorry I missed you when you popped in the office but what a couple of days fishing you had.
A 600lb and 800lb Blue Marlin fish of a lifetime, I bet that was a real fantastic fight and one you will not forget for a while.
Also thanks for the pictures we have put them on our company Facebook page.
Just like to thank you for using our services and hope that you will consider us again for any future fishing trips.
Kind Regards Peter
I fished with Bocinegro in August and had a great time . Great captain and crew.
State of the art equipment and fantastic fishing.
Caught 3 big blue marlin in 4 days bait and switch fishing.
We a had many more chances.
Liked it so much we are going back in a few weeks
3 Blues in only 4 days fishing, no body could complain about that. The boat and crew really do push the boundaries to make sure our customers get on to fish.
They look after everyone so well.
Thanks of the review.
Thanks guys for organising a great holiday. Brilliant fishing and great boat and crew. Recommend for a short cheap getaway
Thank you Gary for your kind words. We aim to please
Regards
Peter
I cant recommend Team Bocinegro enough – if you fancy some serious Bait & Switch Marlin J’s your man. (And if you’ve had enough of the cold & rain in February he’s worth a call to see if the Tuna are biting! – take the wife, stay at the Parador and earn some brownie points!
Great review and we agree a great destination to take the wife.
Kind Regards
We just wanted to send in our feed back and hopefully help others when travelling to La Gomera:
Firstly, we had a great time but the fishing was poor due to the weather. On our first day out we had to come back in after 3 hours of fishing due to strong winds and was not offered any refunds. i understand that the guys have wages etc to pay but maybe a half day at the end would of been nice.
Secondly, the Hotel we stayed in was fantastic, but was not very child friendly very small pool and no other activities. We did mention this to Paul on our return and he had said that you have other hotels in La Gomera that are more suitable for families
Apart from the above we were very happy with the rest of the holiday and the travelling went very smoothly. The paper work we received from day 1 all was very professional and we would be more than happy to use you again
Thanks the Moore family
Hi Lisa
Thank you for your feedback it is very important for us to receive every ones feedback as we try very hard to act where we can on fixing any issues
Unfortunately if the captain of the boat decides that the weather is good enough to go out and then turns bad that you will not receive any refund. I can kind of understand the reasons for this as he is there to catch you fish and will try and do this at any cost, unfortunately the winds did pick up again and after steaming out to the fishing grounds and trolling for a little while he has used a lot of fuel and still had to pay for his crews wages.
In relation to the Hotel not being child friendly, we now do offer a family package to La Gomera with the hotel being in the main part of La Gomera with big swimming pools and activities for children so this will not happen again
I hope this has helped and you may wish to visit La Gomera once again
Regards
Paul
Hi Mel, thanks for your help putting this together at such short notice. Us old boys owe you a drink as we all caught fish and were more than happy with everything. Top marks Sportquest Holidays you have gained your selves four keen anglers for the rest of our angling lives
Thanks, Roy, David, Charles and Ian
Hello Roy, David, Charles and Ian
That was my pleasure, you were so happy every time we spoke that it was a pleasure dealing with you and your party.
Regards
Mel
PS mine is a brandy and coke
Dear Peter
Having returned from our family holiday to La Gomera I wanted to say a big thank you for sorting this our for us. We have had a fantastic time at the Jardin Tecnica and have had one of the best holidays I have had in my life.
The hotel was amazing, it offered everything we wanted for a family holiday and with all the sports on offer my 16 year old son had plenty to do, (mind you he did run us around as well). The food was out of this world and they even served sparkling wine with breakfast. The staff were incredibly helpful and we felt special the whole time we were there.
The entertainment team Omah and Eva to mention just two were really helpful, they worked really hard to supply a wide variety of activities, without being over pushy. This all added to the enjoyment of the holiday for our 16 year old son.
The duplex suit was the best room I have ever had and the sun terrace on the top was fantastic in the heat of the mid day sun. It had a wonderful wooden gazebo with slatted top that gave dappled shade and a cooling breeze gently blew over us as we sat on the huge circular day bed, with either a beer or cup of tea in hand.
The swimming pools were all immaculate with more than enough sun beds (no need to get up early to put your towel down), and in the smaller swimming pool by our room there were a lot of times we were the only people in it.
With me earning the voucher you supplied to Bauer, this made this an affordable holiday for us and without that we would never have been about to enjoy this experience, so again a very big thank you for that.
Should you wish to use any of my comments to other holiday makers in the future when they are considering holidays please feel free to do so.
All in all amazing.
Thank you.
Debbie
Debbie
Thank you for such a detailed review as we appreciate it and I am sure the staff at the hotel will also along with future customers looking for detailed reviews.
It is comments like this that make our daily jobs all the more enjoyable.
I enjoyed talking to you this morning and listening to just how over the moon you and all your family were with it all.
I look forward in looking after you all again one day soon.
Regards Peter
I Cannot recommend Tenerife / La Gomera fishing enough, with so many epic fish, great food and first class service this will no doubt be one of the best fishing holiday venues in the world - i cannot wait to go back
Glad you had an awesome time. can't wait to see the pictures. i heard you managed something very special. Hopefully get to speak with you soon
Regards
Paul
Sherrell and I could not have enjoyed our trip to La Gomera more…a great captain and crew, super comfortable boat, perfect weather, and an IGFA BLUE MARLIN WORLD RECORD!!
Thank you for providing us with such a wonderful trip…your total commitment to achieving our goal was a crucial element to our success.
Congratulations on the new world record.
Plus thank you for the destination review, everyone loves Jason and his team.
Jason and Bocinegro only rarely fail to be the high flag boat in Gomera
Jason and his team are always doing the business for your customers, still a 100% record with no complaints whats so ever. So that makes everyone happy.
Tight Lines
Great hotel. Great boat and Crew lovely location
Hello Michael, glad you liked it. The boat is an awesome fishing catching machine with the very best crew. Hopefully you will go back next year for your big Marlin
All the best
Paul
Raising the marlin to the teasers, what a stunning creature , sadly they would not come to the bait but worth it just to see the two Fish that came up. What an amazing colour these fish are an iridescent cobalt blue when aggressive /excited. Will go again some time, I have to catch one!!
Hello Neil, do not know what happened with your feedback form and the name fields. Just tested one and works fine. Anyway, thanks for filling out your form. Such a shame one of those huge Marlin did not take your bait but at least you got to see them.
Hopefully I will catch up with you soon Neil
All the best
Paul
Most memorable moments when I caught a Marlin and Kevin caught one on our wedding anniversary. Next time the flight need to be nearer to Milton Keynes. The hotel was great, the whole holiday was fantastic your organisation was fantastic
Hello Sharon, really please you both caught your Marlin. La Gomera is fishing so well for big Blue Marlin and glad you got to see them. Thank you for your kind words
All the best
Paul
First day caught a Marlin, boat fantastic. Wedding Anniversary 2 Marlin Caught, my wife caught so did I.
Peter the captain was brilliant and the crew were the best. Fantastic holiday
Hello Kevin, a huge congratulations to both yourself and Sharon. Must of been an awesome experience and what a day to catch one each. Well done
All the best
Paul
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