Shore Fishing Around Palma: Spots, Rigs & When to Go
What Shore Fishing Looks Like Here
Palma Bay makes shore fishing simple: stone jetties, sheltered corners and easy access from the city. Dawn and late afternoon are the prime windows; bring a compact kit and work the edges for quick bites. Use this as a budget-friendly alternative to a boat day or a relaxed add-on after the beach.
- Plan the day with Bay of Palma Guide, Palma de Mallorca Weather, Beaches in Palma.
- Getting around is easy via Public Transport in Mallorca or a short taxi from the centre.
- If you want a boat option later, see Deep Sea Fishing in Mallorca.
🎯 The Best Easy Shore Spots
Each spot below is close to Palma Cathedral and has space to set up light tackle. Work tidelines and structure changes; keep casts inside swim zones.
Portixol Breakwater (Palma East)
Sheltered corner with promenade access and frequent small baitfish schools. Great for families and quick dawn sessions.
– From Cathedral: ~8–10 min taxi • Promenade benches and cafés nearby
Cala Gamba Jetty
Small marina with rocky edges and clear water; good for float rigs and light lures along the wall.
– From Cathedral: ~12–15 min taxi • Handy for an early coffee and refill
Can Pastilla – Outer Jetty
Family-friendly promenade, wide jetty head and sandy-meets-rock transitions. Dawn topwater or small metal spoons when water’s glassy.
– From Cathedral: ~15–20 min taxi • Toilets and shops along the front
Dique del Oest (Western Breakwater – outside zones)
Long structures create current lines; fish the corners on calm mornings. Stay clear of restricted port areas and obey signage.
– From Cathedral: ~10–12 min taxi
🪝 Simple Rigs That Work
Keep it light and versatile. Start with these three and rotate based on water clarity and baitfish presence.
| Rig / Setup | Target Species | Where to Use | Notes |
| Small float rig (size 6–8 hooks, light split shot) | Bream, wrasse | Rocky edges, marina walls | Bread/prawn/clam baits, short casts |
| Carolina-style light rig (7–10 g) | Small snapper, wrasse | Rock–sand transitions | 6–8 lb fluoro leader; drag across bottom |
| Micro metals / spoons (10–20 g) | Mackerel, small bonitos | Jetty heads at dawn | Fast retrieve; watch for birds/surface boils |
| Soft plastics on jighead (5–10 g) | Mixed reef fish | Clear, calm days | Natural colours in bright water |
Quick tip: If you feel bites but no hookups, drop down one hook size and shorten bait pieces.
🌊 When to Go (Seasons & Daily Rhythm)
Palma Bay is fishable year-round on settled days; wind and water clarity decide tactics.
| Month | Conditions | Our Take |
| Mar–May | Milder seas, improving clarity | Great for float rigs on rocky edges |
| Jun–Aug | Warm water, PM sea breeze | Fish dawn or late; carry a windbreaker |
| Sep–Oct | Warm, settled, baitfish schools | Best shot at small pelagics on lures |
| Nov–Feb | Cooler, clearer on calm days | Short, crisp sessions; downsize tackle |
Daily windows: first light → 1–2 hours after sunrise; last 90 minutes before sunset.
🧳 Pack Light, Fish More
- Collapsible rod (7–9 ft), 2500-size reel, 8–12 lb mainline
- Small wallet of hooks 6–10, split shot, 6–10 lb fluorocarbon leader
- A few micro metals and 5–10 g jigheads with soft plastics
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarised sunnies, pliers, small trash bag
- Compact bucket or sling bag; water and a snack
🤝 Etiquette, Access & Safety
- Obey all port and swim-zone signage; give way to pedestrians and cyclists on promenades.
- Keep lines clear of swimmers and SUPs; avoid casting over other anglers.
- Handle fish with wet hands; release undersize fish quickly.
- Glass-free zone: use a reusable bottle; pack out all hooks and line.
- Watch your step on algae-slick rocks; closed shoes beat flip-flops.
🗓️ Easy Half-Day from Palma
- 06:30 Coffee near Portixol → rig up on the breakwater
- 06:50–08:20 Float rig for bream/wrasse; switch to micro metals if baitfish show
- 08:30 Quick breakfast on the promenade
- Late morning Beach time at Can Pere Antoni or stroll Paseo Marítimo
❓ FAQ
Do I need a licence to shore fish?
For casual, low-impact shore sessions many visitors fish with simple rigs; always follow posted local regulations and respect protected areas.
What bait is easiest to source?
Bread and peeled prawn pieces work well. Small clams/mussels are excellent around rocks.
Best tide or wind?
Light winds and stable water clarity help. Dawn low-light is more important here than exact tide.
Can kids try safely?
Yes, with barbless or crushed-barb hooks, close supervision and closed shoes on rocks.
What if it’s windy?
Move to the leeward side of the bay (Portixol/Cala Gamba often shelter from typical summer sea breeze).
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