Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta

Chase tuna from Malta’s early morning waters. Big Game Adventures offers a private seven-hour charter with quality gear, experienced skippers, and a real chance to battle bluefin tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other open-water fish. I like the strong personal service from skippers such as Sebastian and Jake, and I like that beginners get hands-on help rather than being left alone with a rod.

The $65 price looks attractive for a private boat experience, especially for a small group. You should, however, confirm the boat and fishing plan before booking. One outing became a crowded day for five adults near a fish farm rather than the expected big-game trip, so clear communication matters.

Key points to know before you go

• Meet at 6:00 am in Ta Xbiex: The early start helps you reach fishing grounds near sunrise, when the crew says your chances may be better.
• Bluefin tuna are a real possibility: Several outings produced tuna strikes, although getting a fish to the boat is never guaranteed.
• The charter is private: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to five people, though four is the more comfortable limit.
• Skippers Sebastian and Jake earn high praise: Their help with equipment, fish-fighting technique, and local waters is a major part of the experience.
• Your catch may be kept, released, or cooked: Some fish, including mahi mahi and bonito, were taken home, while giant bluefin tuna were released.
• Sun protection is essential: Malta’s sun feels strong at sea, and shade may be limited during a seven-hour outing.

Leaving Roland Marina at 6:00 am

Your day begins at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, in Ta Xbiex. The listed start time is 6:00 am, and that early departure is not just a scheduling detail. The crew recommends it because reaching the fishing grounds around sunrise can give you more useful time over productive water.

You can arrange a different meeting time, according to the operator, but I would treat 6:00 am as the best choice if catching fish is your main goal. A later start may work for your schedule, yet it could reduce the time available to reach distant spots and fish during the morning period.

The boat returns to the same marina after roughly seven hours. Since this is a private activity, you do not share the outing with a large mixed group. That makes the trip easier to tailor to your party, though the limited space on board makes group size important.

What the seven-hour fishing day feels like

This is not a short harbor trip with a few casual casts. The plan is to head out toward open fishing grounds and spend a full day working different methods with serious tackle. The company supplies fishing equipment, bait, and rods suited to larger fish, so you do not need to arrive with your own gear.

The crew handles the practical setup and shows you what to do. That matters if you have never fished from a boat. One first-time angler said the trip changed their view of the sport, while another described getting help through the hardest parts of fighting a fish. You can expect to hold the rod yourself, but the skipper steps in when the pressure becomes difficult.

A typical morning can bring bursts of action rather than constant catches. On one trip, the first tuna arrived around 6:45 am, followed by several more strikes before 10:00 am. Only one reached the boat, partly because landing a powerful fish requires timing and coordination. That is a useful reminder: a strike is exciting, but it is not the same as a fish in the cooler.

The crew may also look for bonito, mahi mahi, and other species. One party caught a sizeable bonito, and another took mahi mahi home at no extra charge. Results depend on conditions, fish movement, and luck. The operator itself acknowledges that a slow day is part of the sport.

The real prize, fighting a bluefin tuna

The biggest draw is the chance to pursue giant bluefin tuna. Several accounts describe tuna jumping near the boat and powerful runs that tested the angler’s strength. This is the part of the trip that separates a big-game charter from a basic fishing excursion.

You should not book this expecting guaranteed meat for dinner. Some parties hooked multiple tuna but landed only one or none. Others caught and released several large fish. One group landed three giant bluefin tuna and released all of them after being told they should not be kept.

That catch-and-release element is important to understand in advance. The experience can still be a success if you fight the fish, see it beside the boat, and release it safely. If you are mainly looking to bring fish home, ask the company before departure which species may be retained and how the catch will be handled.

The excitement comes from the struggle itself. Your arms may tire quickly, especially if you have never used heavy tackle. The skippers help you manage the rod and keep the battle moving, which makes this suitable for beginners with a sense of adventure, not only seasoned anglers.

Sebastian and Jake make the difference

The strongest part of this charter is its crew. Sebastian and Jake are repeatedly praised for friendly service, strong fishing ability, and patient instruction. I like that the experience appears to depend on real people who care about the day, rather than a rigid script.

Sebastian helped inexperienced anglers learn the basics and filleted fish for a group that wanted to eat its catch at home. Jake is described as an excellent fisherman who encouraged people to bring up their own fish while offering help when the rod became hard to manage.

The atmosphere also seems relaxed. One group enjoyed music and conversation between fishing attempts, while another appreciated the skipper’s enthusiasm throughout a long day at sea. That balance matters. A seven-hour charter can feel very long if the crew is silent or distant during quiet periods.

The family-run nature of the company is another plus. Service appears personal, and the crew has shown flexibility when a booking was made at short notice. Still, personal service does not remove the need for clear arrangements. Confirm your meeting time, boat size, fishing target, and any food plans before you leave the marina.

Boat space and the four-person sweet spot

The boat accepts up to five people, but the company recommends no more than four. I would take that advice seriously, especially if you hope to fight large fish.

Big-game fishing requires movement. Anglers may need to shift position, pass around the boat, and work with the skipper while a fish runs. Five adults can make that awkward on a smaller craft. One outing with five adults was described as cramped, with limited room to move while fishing.

The operator later indicated that a larger boat could be used for a future booking, but you should not assume that every departure uses the same vessel. Ask which boat is reserved for your date. This is one of the most important practical questions to settle before paying.

For two or three people, the charter should offer a more comfortable working area and more direct time with the crew. Four can make sense for the value, particularly if everyone is keen to fish. Five may be possible, but it could trade away comfort at the very moment you need room.

The catch, cooking option, and what you take home

Big Game Adventures offers an unusual extra: you can arrange for freshly caught fish to be cooked at a fine-dining restaurant. This is not presented as part of the $65 base price, so you need to request it in advance.

Do not wait until the boat returns. A past communication mix-up involved a barbecue request that had not been arranged, and the company acknowledged the mistake. If a meal is important to your plans, state exactly what you want before the charter and ask what additional cost applies.

The rules for taking fish home can vary by species and circumstance. Mahi mahi was allowed home without an extra charge on one outing, and Sebastian filleted a catch for another party. Giant bluefin tuna were released. The practical question is not simply whether you catch fish, but which fish may legally or practically be kept.

If you want the restaurant meal, think of it as a way to extend the experience after returning to Ta Xbiex. You get the satisfaction of catching the fish and then eating it properly, rather than handling filleting and cooking yourself. Just make sure the arrangement is written down or clearly confirmed.

Sun, sea conditions, and practical comfort

Bring serious sun protection. At sea, the sun reaches you from above and reflects off the water, making a morning outing feel hotter than the clock suggests. Pack plenty of sunscreen and use it before departure, not only once your skin starts to burn.

A hat, sunglasses, water, and light clothing are sensible choices based on the length of the trip and the strong sun described by people who spent the day offshore. The supplied information does not promise shade, meals, or drinks, so you should confirm what is included rather than assume the boat provides everything.

Sea conditions can affect both comfort and fishing. One person became seasick on a repeat trip, and the crew helped by taking them to a calmer area. That shows useful flexibility, but it does not guarantee a smooth ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask the operator for practical advice before setting out.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since the charter lasts about seven hours, weather is not a minor detail. A rough sea can change the day from exciting to exhausting.

Is $65 good value?

At $65, this charter offers strong potential value if the price applies to the advertised private experience and your group is small. You get approximately seven hours, a private outing, fishing equipment, bait, skipper assistance, and the chance to target large species. Comparable value comes less from the number of fish you bring home and more from the time, equipment, and crew attention.

The price becomes especially appealing for two to four people if the cost is shared. You are paying for a full boat outing rather than a short ride. The catch is that fishing is unpredictable. A day with several tuna strikes can feel like a bargain, while a slow day near less productive water may feel expensive.

That is why your expectations matter. If you want a guaranteed sightseeing cruise, this is the wrong product. If you want a genuine attempt at big-game fishing, accept the possibility of missed hookups and empty stretches.

You should also confirm extra costs for restaurant cooking, any special meal, and the exact boat assigned to your group. The base price does not appear to include the fine-dining option.

Who should book this Ta Xbiex charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Small groups of fishing friends
• Couples looking for an active Malta experience
• Beginners who want personal instruction
• Anglers interested in tuna and other larger fish
• Visitors who value a private boat rather than a shared trip
• People who are comfortable with early starts and uncertain results

It may not suit you if you dislike long periods at sea, need guaranteed catches, or want a spacious boat for five adults. It is also not the best choice if you plan to arrange a last-minute barbecue or restaurant meal without confirming it ahead of time.

The experience can work for a special occasion. One person booked it as a present for a boyfriend, and the couple caught and released a large tuna. That kind of shared effort gives the day more meaning than simply ticking off another Malta activity.

Booking advice for a smoother day

Before you confirm, ask four direct questions:

• Which boat will be used, and how much room is available?
• Is the 6:00 am meeting time still correct for your date?
• What fish may be kept, and which must be released?
• What is the extra price and procedure for restaurant cooking?

You should also tell the company how many people will fish. The maximum is five, but four is the recommended limit. If your party has five adults, request the larger boat mentioned by the operator and get confirmation before arrival.

The activity ends back at Roland Marina. It is near public transportation, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The cancellation terms are simple but strict close to departure. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, except when poor weather causes the company to cancel.

Should you book Big Game Adventures?

Book this charter if you want a serious, personal attempt at big-game fishing in Malta and can accept that nature decides the score. The best reasons to go are the skilled help from Sebastian and Jake, the quality equipment, the private format, and the genuine possibility of fighting a bluefin tuna.

I would book for two to four people, choose the 6:00 am start, and confirm the boat and catch arrangements in writing. I would also bring strong sun protection and prepare for a day that may include thrilling strikes, quiet stretches, or both.

The main caution is space and expectation. Five people may feel crowded, and no charter can promise a fish at the rail. For the right group, though, this offers a memorable slice of Malta’s working sea, with a better chance of real fishing action than a quick tourist boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the fishing charter start?

The charter starts at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta’ Xbiex in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the charter begin?

The listed start time is 6:00 am. The company can arrange a different meeting time, but it recommends the early departure to improve your chances of reaching the fishing grounds near sunrise.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing trip lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat accepts up to five people, but the company recommends no more than four because fighting larger fish requires room to move.

Can I have my catch cooked at a restaurant?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.