If you’re looking for Gran Canaria fishing trips for beginners, this is where your adventure starts. The south of the island — especially Puerto Rico Gran Canaria — is one of Europe’s top spots to try deep sea fishing for the very first time. Warm weather all year round, calm Atlantic waters and professional fishing charters that include all equipment and guidance make it incredibly easy to go from “I’ve never fished before” to “I just landed my first fish in the Atlantic!”.
On a good fishing charter in Gran Canaria, you don’t need any experience at all. The crew will show you how to hold the rod, how to feel the bite and how to reel in your catch safely, step by step. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a group of friends or a family with kids, there are Gran Canaria sport fishing trips designed specifically for beginners: small groups, patient skippers and a relaxed atmosphere on board. You’ll enjoy the sun, the sea breeze and the chance to catch dorado, tuna, bonito and other exciting species, all in a single morning or afternoon at sea.
In this guide, you’ll discover what to expect on your first fishing trip in Gran Canaria, which type of tour suits you best (shared or private charter), what you can realistically catch in each season and exactly what to bring on board so everything goes smoothly from the first minute. If you’ve ever dreamed of trying deep sea fishing in Gran Canaria but didn’t know where to start, keep reading — and when you’re ready, reserve your spot on a beginner‑friendly fishing trip from Puerto Rico Gran Canaria and turn your holiday into an unforgettable ocean experience.
Why Gran Canaria Is Perfect for First-Time Anglers
Gran Canaria is a great place to book your first sea fishing trip because:
1. Ideal weather all year round
The Canary Islands are known as the “eternal spring”. That means:
- Mild temperatures during the whole year
- Many calm days at sea, especially in the south near Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
- Fishing season 12 months a year (different species in different seasons)
2. Deep waters very close to the coast
For deep sea fishing in Gran Canaria, you don’t need to travel for hours:
- The ocean becomes deep shortly after leaving the port
- Less travel time, more time actually fishing
- Great if it’s your first time and you don’t want a very long, rough crossing
3. Professional crews and equipment included
On a good Gran Canaria fishing charter:
- All sport fishing equipment is included (rods, reels, bait, lures)
- The skipper and crew explain everything step by step
- You don’t need previous experience – they help you with the rod, the line and the fish
4. Suitable for adults, kids and complete beginners
Most fishing trips from Puerto Rico and the south of Gran Canaria:
- Accept beginners and families
- Offer a mix of fishing, relaxing and sometimes a short swim stop
- Are usually limited to around 8–12 passengers for a more personal experience
Types of Gran Canaria Fishing Trips (and Which One to Choose as a Beginner)
When you look for fishing trips in Gran Canaria, you’ll mainly find two types:
1. Shared fishing trips
You book 1 or more spots on a shared boat:
- Ideal for solo travellers, couples or small groups
- Lower price per person
- You share the experience with other beginners and anglers
- Often last about 5–6 hours, with hotel pick-up in the south included
This is usually the best option for a first-time fishing trip in Gran Canaria.
2. Private fishing charters
You rent the whole boat just for your group:
- Great for families, groups of friends or special occasions
- You can decide with the captain how to focus the trip:
- More relaxed, more fishing time, more swimming, etc.
- The price is per hour (for example, from around €120/hour with minimum 4 hours), not per person
A private fishing charter in Gran Canaria is perfect if you want privacy and a more personalized experience, but you don’t need it for your first time.
3. Deep sea / big game vs. bottom fishing
Many Gran Canaria sport fishing boats offer both:
- Deep sea / big game fishing
- Target: tuna, marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), wahoo, etc.
- More about big fights and adrenaline
- Best from spring to early autumn
- Bottom fishing / reef fishing
- Target: smaller species on the seabed (bream, rays, small sharks, etc.)
- More constant bites, ideal for beginners and kids
- Very good option in autumn and winter
If this is your first fishing trip, a mixed or bottom-fishing style trip is usually more fun, because you have more chances of feeling several bites and learning.
What to Expect on Your First Fishing Trip in Gran Canaria
Every boat is different, but a typical fishing trip from Puerto Rico Gran Canaria looks like this:
Before departure
- Free hotel transfer if you stay in the south (Puerto Rico, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, etc.)
- Arrival at the Puerto Base or Puerto Rico Base marina
- Check-in and safety briefing from the crew
- Distribution of equipment and quick explanation of how to use it
During the trip
- Navigation to the fishing area (short ride)
- Explanation of the fishing technique you will use
- The crew prepares the rods, bait and lines
- You’ll receive personal help to:
- Hold the rod correctly
- Feel the bite
- Reel in the fish safely
Most Gran Canaria fishing trips for beginners include:
- Drinks (water, soft drinks and often beer)
- Snack or sandwich on board
- Insurance and safety equipment
Some charters also make a short swim stop, so you can jump into the Atlantic for a refreshing dip if the conditions are good.
At the end of the trip
- Return to port and photos with your catch
- Return transfer to your hotel (if included)
- Sometimes you can keep part of the catch (depending on local rules and the captain’s decision)
Remember: catch is never 100% guaranteed in real fishing, but in Gran Canaria you usually have good chances, especially in the right season.
What Can You Catch on a Gran Canaria Fishing Trip?
Depending on the time of year, beginners can catch:
- Dorado / mahi-mahi
- Bonito and different types of tuna
- Barracuda
- Amberjack, bream and other reef fish
- Rays and small sharks (often released for conservation)
From May to October, the focus is more on deep sea / big game fishing (tuna, marlin, dorado).
From autumn to spring, many trips focus on bottom fishing for a variety of smaller species.
What to Bring on a Fishing Charter in Gran Canaria
Most Gran Canaria fishing charters provide all technical equipment, but you should bring:
- Swimwear (bathing suit)
- Towel
- High SPF sun cream – the sun is strong even on cloudy days
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Light jacket or hoodie (early mornings or wind at sea)
- Seasickness pills if you’re worried about motion sickness (take them at least 30–45 minutes before boarding)
- Phone or camera for photos
- Some extra snacks if you like (check with the boat if allowed)
Comfortable, non-slip shoes or sandals are also recommended.
Tips to Enjoy Your First Gran Canaria Fishing Trip
To make your first deep sea fishing trip in Gran Canaria as enjoyable as possible:
- Arrive early
- Be at the meeting point 25–30 minutes before departure. It avoids stress and gives you time to settle in.
- Tell the crew you’re a beginner
- They’re used to first-timers and will explain everything more slowly and clearly, and help you more.
- If you get seasick, stay outside and look at the horizon
- Fresh air helps a lot. Avoid staying inside the cabin for long.
- Listen carefully to safety instructions
- The captain and crew know the local conditions and want everyone to be safe and comfortable.
- Be realistic about the catch
- Even in a top destination like Gran Canaria, some days are better than others. Enjoy the ocean views, wildlife (often dolphins, sometimes turtles or whales) and the experience itself.
FAQ: Gran Canaria Fishing Trips for Beginners
Do I need previous fishing experience?
No. Most fishing trips in Gran Canaria are designed so that complete beginners can participate:
- The crew sets up the rods
- They teach you how to hold and use them
- They help you fight the fish if it’s big
Do I need a fishing licence?
When you book a professional fishing charter in Gran Canaria, the boat’s licence usually covers all guests. You don’t need to buy a personal licence if you go with a charter.
Is it suitable for children?
Many family fishing trips in Gran Canaria accept children (often from 5–6 years old upwards):
- Check age limits when booking
- Bottom fishing trips are often better for kids because there are more bites and less waiting time
What happens if the weather is bad?
Serious operators clearly state that:
- The activity is weather dependent
- If the captain cancels due to bad weather, you get a full refund or can reschedule
Always read the cancellation policy before booking.
How to Choose the Best Gran Canaria Fishing Trip for Beginners
When searching “Gran Canaria fishing trips for beginners”, look for:
- Departure from the south: Puerto Rico Base, Puerto de Mogán, Pasito Blanco
- Group size: small groups (around 8–10 people) are more comfortable
- Reviews: check real photos and opinions from other first-timers and families
- What’s included: hotel transfer in the south, equipment, drinks and snack, insurance
- Clear information: timetable, duration, type of fishing (deep sea, bottom, or mixed)
If you’re staying in the south of the island, booking a fishing charter from Puerto Rico Gran Canaria with experience in beginners and families is usually the easiest and most comfortable option.