Morocco

Bluefin Tuna Fishing

Bluefin tuna fishing in Morocco

Bluefin tuna on poppers!

Bluefin tuna fishing in Morocco is something of a well-kept secret among big-game anglers! We’ve found an experienced local partner who has mastered the art of targeting these giants with poppers and stickbaits.

This exclusive charter gives you a genuine chance of landing the world’s largest tuna species on a popping rod. Expect explosive surface strikes, powerful fights and unforgettable moments on the water.

Itinerary for the Bluefin Tuna Fishing Trip

Your trip begins at your home airport, from where you’ll fly via Madrid to Tangier – one of Morocco’s top destinations for bluefin tuna fishing. After a journey of around six hours, you’ll arrive in Tangier, where your transfer will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel at the marina. Once you’ve checked in, you can prepare your tackle for the days ahead. Accommodation is in twin rooms with private bathrooms, shared by two anglers.

There are plenty of restaurants close to the hotel, giving you a wide choice for dinner. Our local partner knows Tangier’s hidden culinary gems and will be happy to recommend somewhere to eat – the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed evening after an exciting day on the water.

Bluefin tuna fishing in Morocco using poppers and stickbaits

On this bluefin tuna fishing trip in Morocco, you’ll target trophy-sized fish with poppers and stickbaits. Popping for tuna depends heavily on the tides, so each day’s fishing is planned around the tidal conditions.

Our experienced local captain knows when and under which conditions the bluefin are most active, tailoring the daily schedule accordingly. Morocco’s bluefin season is relatively short, with May to July and September to October offering the best opportunities for a successful charter.

What is a typical day’s bluefin tuna fishing like?

Depending on the tide, your fishing day will begin either early in the morning or later that morning. You’ll target tuna with poppers and stickbaits during the prime feeding periods. As popping for tuna is physically demanding, it makes sense to focus your efforts on the most productive conditions.

Bluefin tuna fishing in Morocco mainly involves a technique known as ‘blind casting’. You’ll cast your poppers and stickbaits along current seams and over uneven underwater terrain. Bluefin here rarely feed right at the surface or gather around large baitballs. Birds occasionally reveal their location, but these opportunities are relatively rare.

Our captain has spent many years targeting bluefin tuna in Morocco and knows their habits inside out. Days with four to six bluefin landed are not uncommon, while the best day to date produced 14 fish, all successfully released. Last season alone, more than 150 bluefin tuna were caught and carefully released.

A typical fishing day lasts eight to ten hours, depending on the fish’s activity and the anglers’ stamina. With the hotel right beside the marina, you can conveniently leave your tackle on the boat before heading out for dinner. Choose from the hotel’s own restaurant or one of the many nearby options. Accommodation includes breakfast, leaving you free to decide where to eat each evening.

Chances of catching giant bluefin tuna in Morocco

Bluefin tuna caught in Morocco typically weigh between 50 and 150 kg, although true giants exceeding 200 kg are landed every year. Patience and perseverance are essential, as finding active fish can take time.

The motto is simple: cast, cast and cast again! Strikes often come without warning, so you’ll need to stay focused. Large bluefin tuna leave little room for error during the fight.

Return journey

On your departure day, you’ll have an early breakfast before leaving the hotel for the airport, around 30 minutes away. After checking in, you’ll board your flight home.

Accommodation for Bluefin Tuna Fishing Trips

Your accommodation

Tangire Marokko

Marina Bay City Centre****

The Marina Bay City Centre is just a short walk from the marina and offers comfortable twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant and a cocktail bar.

The city centre is also within easy walking distance, with plenty of restaurants close to the hotel.

Catering:

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch on the boat

Drinks whilst fishing: Water and soft drinks included

Drinks at the hotel: Drinks can be paid for on site as consumed.

Your Bluefin Tuna fishing boats!

The boat

For your fishing trip, you’ll have a 31-foot offshore power catamaran at your disposal, powered by twin 200 hp engines.

Motor catamaran

Aida Phonix

Your boat for the bluefin tuna charter in Morocco has been purpose-built for local conditions. Measuring 31 feet and powered by twin 200 hp engines, it combines the advantages of a catamaran hull with a V-shaped keel for excellent stability at sea. Four anglers can cast comfortably at the same time from the bow and stern.

The boat is equipped with a chartplotter, radar, fish finder and radio. A tuna tower provides an elevated vantage point, making it easier to spot bluefin tuna.

You'll need this fishing tackle for bluefin tuna fishing!

Tackle Talk

Given the enormous size of these fish, heavy-duty tackle is essential. For bluefin tuna, don’t consider using a rod rated below PE10 – ideally, bring rods rated PE10–12. Pair these with a Stella or Saltiga reel in size 18000 or larger, loaded with 80–120 lb braid.

You'll need this fishing bait for tuna in Morocco!

Popper / Stickbaits

Poppers measuring 150–200 mm with smaller cups are particularly effective. Choose models heavy enough to achieve long casts, ideally weighing 100–140 g. Good options include the Halco Haymaker, FLC Epipop and Yo-Zuri Mac Popper. The Souls Air Matic 205, weighing 120 g, has already accounted for tuna exceeding 200 kg.

Heavy stickbaits measuring 150–200 mm and weighing 100–140 g are also effective. When lure fishing for tuna, casting distance can make all the difference. The Tackle House Britt and Flitz are proven choices, as are the HOWK Tunastick 150 and Souls Hibiki 175 95. More affordable options, such as the Tailwalk GUNZ, can also produce good results.

The best lines and leaders for bluefin tuna!

Leader & main line

For spin fishing for bluefin tuna, you’ll need at least a PE10 line (100lb breaking strain).

For leaders, we recommend at least a 220lb shock leader from Varivas or Fisherman.

As you always have to expect to catch huge bluefin tuna, it’s best to go for a slightly heavier line here.

Many bluefin tuna have been lost in the past due to leader breakage or line snap!

Terminal Tackle

Hooks, split rings and snap rings

There’s no room for compromise when it comes to hooks. Please bring only BKK GT-Rex hooks in a range of sizes to suit your lures.

Split rings and solid rings should also be matched to the size of your lures. Owner solid rings in sizes #6–#9 and Owner Super Heavy Duty split rings in sizes #8–#11 are good choices.

Useful tools for your fishing trip

Other fishing tackle

We recommend bringing a good pair of split-ring pliers. The hPa Game Plier is an excellent choice, allowing you to open even heavy-duty split rings with ease.

A waterproof tackle bag is also worth bringing. Zeck Fishing offers some excellent options, including the Tackle Container Pro and Tackle Container Pro Catfish.

As you’ll often be popping for several hours at a time, we recommend packing a good pair of gloves.

Morocco can get hot, so bring UV-protective shirts, a sun hat and SPF 50 sun cream. Our Expeditions UV shirts are available to order directly from us.

Good polarised sunglasses are essential for fishing. We recommend gloryfy sunglasses, which combine polarised lenses with exceptionally durable frames.

Take a closer look at the gloryfy range of polarised fishing sunglasses here: Polarised sunglasses for anglers!