Boat fishing on the Island of Elba

The variety of seabeds and the location of the Island of Elba, in the centre of the Tuscan Archipelago, make boat fishing particularly interesting.

Along the coast, shoals, submerged reefs, Posidonia meadows, sandy seabeds and areas where the depth increases rapidly alternate. Further offshore, there are slopes and routes frequented by pelagic fish.

This variety makes it possible to practise very different techniques, from simple bottom fishing near the coast to trolling and drifting in deeper waters.

Which fish can be caught

The species present vary according to the season, depth, water temperature and technique used.

On the coastal seabeds of Elba, you may encounter: white seabream, black seabream, common pandora and red porgy, gilthead seabream, scorpionfish, tub gurnards, dentex, greater amberjack and groupers.
In more open waters, the following may pass through: Atlantic bonito, little tunny, mackerel, horse mackerel, mahi-mahi, tuna and swordfish. With specific techniques, it is also possible to catch squid, flying squid and cuttlefish. The presence of the various species is never constant. Currents, wind, sea temperature, the availability of baitfish and boat traffic can rapidly alter fishing conditions.

The main boat-fishing techniques

Bottom fishing

Bottom fishing is one of the most widely practised techniques in the waters around Elba and is also suitable for those without extensive experience. Fishing is carried out with the boat anchored or drifting, allowing a rig fitted with one or more hooks to descend to the seabed.

The most commonly used baits include sardine, prawn, squid and flying squid. Common catches may include common pandora, black seabream, red porgy, scorpionfish, red scorpionfish and tub gurnards.

The depth can vary considerably. For a normal coastal trip, rocky, sandy or mixed seabeds can be explored, avoiding anchoring directly on Posidonia meadows.

Coastal trolling

Coastal trolling involves pulling one or more artificial lures while keeping the boat at a controlled speed. It can be practised along headlands, promontories, shoals and changes in the seabed. The most frequent catches are Atlantic bonito, mackerel, horse mackerel, saddled seabream, barracuda and little tunny.

It is an interesting technique for exploring different stretches of coastline, but the boat must always remain under control, with attention paid to other vessels and areas frequented by swimmers.

Live-bait trolling

Live-bait trolling is a more technical method and is mainly used to target dentex, greater amberjack and other large predators. The bait is trolled slowly near the surface or close to the seabed, using specific rigs such as a downrigger sinker.

This technique requires good knowledge of the seabed and the ability to interpret the fish finder correctly.

Fishing for squid and flying squid

Squid and flying squid can be caught from a boat using small trolling lures, squid jigs or tataki rigs. Fishing is mainly practised at dawn, sunset and during the night, over seabeds generally located between the coast and medium-depth areas. The best conditions are often calm or slightly rough seas, which make it easier to control the depth of the lure.

Sabiki

A sabiki is a rig made up of several small decorated hooks and is used to catch species that move in shoals, such as mackerel, horse mackerel and bogue.

It can also be useful for obtaining fish to use as live bait, always in compliance with the permitted quantities and regulations.

Drifting and offshore fishing

Drifting mainly targets large pelagic fish and is practised over shoals, slopes and deep seabeds. The boat may be left drifting or anchored, creating a trail of groundbait and positioning the baits at different depths.

This is a demanding type of fishing that requires a suitable boat, robust equipment and precise knowledge of the regulations concerning bluefin tuna, swordfish and other regulated species.

What is the best time of year

Boat fishing around Elba can be practised throughout the year, but each season has different characteristics.

Spring: As the water gradually warms, the activity of many coastal species increases. It is a good time for bottom fishing, light trolling and predator fishing.

Summer: During the summer, many species move towards deeper seabeds and less disturbed areas. The best times are often dawn, sunset and night. During this period, trolling, bottom fishing, fishing for small pelagic species and some offshore techniques can be practised.

Particular attention must be paid to bathing areas and heavy boat traffic.

Autumn: Autumn is one of the most interesting periods. The water still retains some of the summer heat, while the number of swimmers and the amount of boat traffic decrease. It is a favourable season for Atlantic bonito, little tunny, mahi-mahi, greater amberjack, squid and other predators.

Winter: In winter, some species move closer to the coast. On days with favourable conditions, bottom fishing, slow trolling and cephalopod fishing can be practised. However, shorter days and greater variability in sea conditions require particular caution.

How to choose the fishing area

There is no single spot that is suitable at every time of year. It is more useful to learn how to recognise the characteristics of the seabed. The generally most interesting areas are: shoals and submerged rises, transitions between sand, rock and Posidonia, slopes, sudden changes in depth, stretches where baitfish are present and areas where different currents converge.

Elba’s shape often makes it possible to choose a more sheltered side according to the wind. When one coast is exposed to the mistral, sirocco or libeccio winds, the opposite side of the island may offer better conditions. Before setting out, however, it is essential to check the marine weather forecast and not rely solely on the conditions observed from the harbour.

GPS and fish finder

A chartplotter GPS and a fish finder are particularly useful for boat fishing. The GPS helps identify shoals, changes in depth and previously explored spots, as well as monitor course, position and speed. The fish finder helps determine the depth, the shape of the seabed and the possible presence of fish in the water column.

These instruments do not automatically indicate where the fish are, but they help to interpret the environment and make a more informed choice about the technique to use.

Equipment and safety

The boat and equipment must be suitable for the distance from the coast, the depth and the chosen technique. Before departure, it is necessary to check:

• wind and sea forecasts;
• fuel;
• engine and batteries;
• safety equipment;
• means of communication;
• anchor and rope;
• navigation lights;
• planned return time.

The deck must remain tidy and free of lines, sinkers and hooks. During trolling or while fighting a fish, at least one person must continue to monitor navigation.

Anyone unfamiliar with the waters around Elba should begin with short coastal trips or rely on local fishermen and operators.

Responsible fishing

 The sea around Elba is a rich but delicate environment. It is therefore important to keep only fish intended for personal consumption and stop fishing once a sufficient quantity has already been caught. Undersized, protected or non-retainable specimens must be released quickly, avoiding damage to their gills and internal organs.

The following must not be left at sea or on board:

• fishing lines;
• hooks;
• bait packaging;
• plastic;
• other waste

It is also important to avoid anchoring on Posidonia meadows, which are essential to the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Rules and permits

To fish in Italian marine waters, it is necessary to comply with the requirements governing sport and recreational fishing. Some species, such as bluefin tuna and swordfish, are subject to specific regulations, authorised periods, minimum sizes and reporting obligations.

On the Island of Elba there are also areas where fishing is prohibited or restricted, including port areas, zones reserved for bathing and the Scoglietto di Portoferraio biological protection area.

Attention at Pianosa: in the waters around the island, up to one mile from the coastline, fishing is prohibited. The area is classified as zone 1 of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

All updated information on registration, catch limits, protected species, prohibitions and local regulations is available on the general page dedicated to sport fishing on the Island of Elba.