Review · FISHING CHARTERS
Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta
The real action starts before breakfast. Big Game Fishing Adventures takes you from Roland Marina in Ta Xbiex for roughly seven hours of big-game fishing, with experienced skippers, quality tackle, and a private boat for your group. I like the early 6am departure, which gives you the best chance of reaching productive water at sunrise, and I like that skipper Sebastian and Jake actively help beginners handle hard-fighting fish. The main concern is space: five people are accepted, but four is a better limit when a large fish starts pulling line.
At $65, this is an unusually attractive price for a private fishing trip, though you should confirm exactly what is included before booking. The fishing can be thrilling, with tuna, bonito, mahi mahi, and other fish reported, but the sea does not promise a catch. One outing produced several tuna hookups, while another spent much of the day near a fish farm with only small fish.
Key things to know before booking

- Sunrise matters: The suggested meeting time is 6am, when the boat can reach fishing water during the most useful early hours.
- Best for four people: Five can fit aboard, but the crew advises keeping the group to four for easier movement during a hard fight.
- Sebastian and Jake get strong praise: Both skippers are described as friendly, capable, and willing to coach people with little or no fishing experience.
- Big fish may be released: Bluefin tuna have been caught and released, while smaller species such as bonito and mahi mahi may be brought aboard.
- A restaurant option is available: You can arrange to have your catch prepared at a fine dining restaurant, but you need to request this ahead of time and treat it as an extra.
- Weather controls the schedule: You receive a full refund or a new date if poor weather forces cancellation.
Setting out from Ta Xbiex at 6am
Your day begins at Roland Marina, on Xatt Ta Xbiex in Ta Xbiex, Malta. The activity returns to this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end.
The 6am start is not just an early alarm for its own sake. The crew recommends it because reaching the fishing grounds around sunrise can improve your chances. One outing had a tuna hooked by about 6:45am, followed by several more hookups through the morning. That does not make a catch certain, but it shows why sleeping late is a poor strategy here.
The marina departure also gives the trip a clear rhythm. You meet the skipper, settle aboard, receive your instructions, and head out for the fishing grounds. The crew supplies the fishing equipment and bait, so you do not need to arrive with a suitcase of tackle. The boats have been praised for their condition and safety equipment, and the skippers handle the practical work of setting up.
Communication is flexible. The advertised start is 6am, but the company says it can arrange a different meeting time when needed. That flexibility helped one last-minute booking, but I would still treat the early departure as the best choice for fishing rather than assume every time works equally well.
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The boat, equipment, and group size

This is a private activity, meaning only your own group participates. That makes a difference on a fishing charter. You are not sharing rods and deck space with a large mixed crowd, and the skipper can focus on helping your party.
The boat accepts up to five people, though the crew specifically recommends no more than four. That advice is worth taking seriously. Big fish do not politely stay in one corner of the boat. When a tuna changes direction, you may need to move quickly around other people, rods, and lines. A fifth person can make the price attractive for a group, but four should be more comfortable during an active fight.
One account described a five-adult group on a cramped RIB, with limited room for movement. The company responded by saying that a larger boat could be used for a future booking. I would ask about the exact boat assigned to your group, especially if you plan to bring five adults or have a main goal of landing large tuna.
The equipment receives some of the strongest praise. The boat carries modern fishing gear and bait, and the crew helps you use it rather than simply handing over a rod. That matters if you have never fished before. Fighting a large fish requires more than strength. You need to follow instructions, keep the rod in the right position, and work with the skipper as the fish changes direction.
What happens once the lines are out

The fishing itself is the least predictable part of the day. That is not a flaw in the company. Fish move, weather changes, and even a good skipper cannot order tuna to bite.
The most exciting possibility is bluefin tuna. Several catches have involved large tuna, including one morning with six hookups between roughly 6:45am and 10am. Only one fish reached the boat in that particular account, partly because landing a powerful fish takes practice. That is still a lively morning, but it also shows the difference between a hookup and a landed catch.
Other fish may include bonito and mahi mahi. One successful trip produced a large bonito, while another allowed the group to take mahi mahi home at no additional fee. The exact result depends on the day, the fishing method, and the crew’s choice of location.
Some bluefin tuna are released after being caught. If your main wish is to take a large fish home, ask about current catch arrangements before booking. The trip can be satisfying even when a big fish swims away, but your expectations should match the type of fishing offered.
The crew does not leave beginners to struggle alone. Sebastian is praised for teaching people with no previous experience, and Jake is described as helping anglers through the full fight. That personal help is one of the best reasons to choose a small private charter instead of a basic boat trip.
The people guiding the trip
The company is family-run, and the service style appears personal rather than formal. Sebastian and Jake are the names most closely associated with the trips, and both receive repeated praise for their friendliness and fishing ability.
Jake has been described as easygoing, encouraging, and willing to let people bring fish aboard themselves. That hands-on approach is useful if you want more than a photograph beside a fish. You may be tired when the fish reaches the boat, but the crew still gives you a chance to take part in the final stages.
Sebastian has helped first-time anglers learn the basics, filleted fish for people taking their catch home, and responded calmly when a passenger became seasick. Dolphin sightings have also occurred during one of his trips, although wildlife sightings are a bonus rather than a planned feature.
The tone aboard seems relaxed. Music, conversation, and jokes form part of the experience, especially during quiet stretches. That matters because fishing includes waiting. You may spend part of the seven hours watching rods and water without a bite. A friendly skipper can make that time feel like part of the outing rather than dead time.
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The catch and the restaurant option

Big Game Fishing Adventures offers something unusual after the fishing: you can arrange to have your freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant. You need to tell the company in advance if you want this option, and it is an extra rather than part of the basic $65 price.
This could turn a successful morning into a full food experience, but you should clarify the cost, restaurant, timing, and which species can be prepared. The available information does not set out those details. Do not assume every large tuna or every catch can be served.
You may also be able to take certain fish home. Mahi mahi has been taken home without an added fee on one trip, and Sebastian has filleted fish so the owner could cook it without extra preparation. Again, ask the crew about the catch from your particular day. Fish handling can depend on species and local rules.
For many people, releasing a large tuna is part of the appeal. You still get the fight, the photographs, and the story, without expecting every big fish to become dinner. For others, the chance to eat a smaller catch is a welcome end to the day. Tell the company what matters to you before departure.
How much value do you get for $65?
The listed $65 price is compelling if it covers a private seven-hour outing with boat, skipper, rods, tackle, and bait. Many fishing trips charge more for a private boat, so this rate can offer excellent value for a small group.
The math becomes especially favorable with four people. You get a long day on the water and personal help from the skipper, rather than a short shared excursion. With five people, the cost per person looks even better, but the limited deck space may reduce comfort and make active fishing harder.
The price needs a few questions before you pay. Confirm whether the $65 includes all equipment, bait, fuel, and the full seven-hour trip. Ask about the cost of the restaurant cooking option, and ask what happens if you land a fish you want to take home.
The fishing result also affects how you judge the value. A day with several tuna hookups may feel like a bargain. A slow day with only small fish may feel less satisfying, even if the boat, guide, and time on the sea are good. If you need a guaranteed catch, this is not the right kind of activity.
Practical advice for a better day at sea
Bring serious sun protection. Malta’s sunlight is strong, and the open sea offers little relief. Use plenty of sunscreen and bring protection for your head and skin. The crew specifically advises this, and it is easy to underestimate the sun during a cool early departure.
Wear clothing that can handle spray, fish, and several hours outside. The available details do not specify a dress code or onboard facilities, so ask what you should bring before departure. It is also sensible to confirm food, drinks, and restroom arrangements rather than assume they are supplied.
If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before leaving the marina. One passenger became unwell during a trip, and the crew helped by changing the situation on the water. That is encouraging, but prevention is still better than trying to recover after the boat is underway.
Arrive ready to listen. A large fish may require you to move, change your grip, or follow a sequence of instructions quickly. The crew wants you involved, but safety and teamwork come first.
The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. The provider does not give detailed information about step-free access, so contact the company if you have specific mobility needs.
Who will enjoy this charter most?
This is a good choice for a small group that wants an active day rather than a sightseeing cruise. It suits experienced anglers who want access to local fishing water, but it also works for beginners because Sebastian and Jake teach people as they go.
It is particularly well suited to four friends, couples who want a private activity, or someone buying a memorable present. One person booked the trip as a gift and described the day as a success, including a large tuna that was caught and released.
It may not suit you if you dislike early mornings, direct sun, uncertain results, or close quarters. Families should also think about the seven-hour length and the need to stay engaged around fishing equipment. The private format gives you control over the group, but it does not turn a working fishing boat into a spacious lounge.
Booking, cancellation, and weather
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.
The sea decides the final word. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since weather can affect both safety and fishing quality, this policy is useful, particularly if you are arranging the charter early in a Malta holiday.
Should you book Big Game Fishing Adventures?
Book it if you want a private, hands-on fishing day and can accept that the fish are in charge. The combination of a seven-hour outing, professional gear, personal instruction, and a $65 starting price is strong, especially for a group of four.
Before paying, ask about the exact boat, the catch policy, what the price includes, and the cost of restaurant cooking. Keep the group to four if possible, arrive prepared for sun and seasickness, and choose the 6am start for the best shot at early action.
I would recommend this charter to beginners, keen anglers, and anyone who values the fight more than a guaranteed fish in the cooler. I would be cautious only if you need lots of space, a fixed menu, or certainty about the catch.
FAQ
Where does the fishing charter start?
It starts at Roland Marina on Xatt Ta Xbiex in Ta Xbiex, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the charter begin?
The stated start time is 6am. The company says it may arrange a different meeting time, but 6am is recommended to improve your chances of reaching the fishing grounds early.
How long is the fishing trip?
The experience lasts approximately seven hours.
How many people can join?
Up to five people can board, but the crew recommends no more than four because the boat can feel crowded when fighting large fish.
Is fishing equipment provided?
Yes. The company provides fishing gear and bait, including what it describes as high-quality equipment for big-game fishing.
Can the fish be cooked after the trip?
Yes, you can request to have your freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant. You must arrange this in advance, and it is an extra option.
What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?
You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the company to cancel the experience.
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