Shore fishing on the Island of Elba

The variety of the coastline makes the Island of Elba an interesting destination for those who enjoy shore fishing. Along the island’s perimeter, wide sandy beaches, small pebble bays, rocky coastlines, headlands and cliffs alternate, allowing anglers to use many different techniques. Depending on the location and season, it is possible to fish with a float, Bolognese rod, bottom fishing rigs, surfcasting or spinning, or to target cuttlefish and squid.

Fishing from the coast is also accessible to those without a boat, but it still requires care. Before starting, it is necessary to assess the seabed, sea conditions, the safety of the location and any restrictions. During the bathing season, beaches and cliffs are also very busy: fishing must therefore be practised at permitted times and in permitted places, without creating hazards for swimmers and other people.

Where to fish from the shore on Elba

There is no single location suitable at every time of year. The choice depends on the technique, the target species, the wind and sea conditions. In general, shore fishing can be practised in three main types of environment.

Sandy beaches

Sandy beaches are particularly suitable for bottom fishing, beach ledgering and surfcasting. On Elba, the widest beaches are mainly found in the gulfs of Marina di Campo, Lacona, Procchio, Biodola and Lido di Capoliveri.

On these seabeds it is possible to target: striped seabream, gilthead seabream, European seabass, white seabream, shi drum and greater weever. The most interesting spots are often those where the seabed features channels, depressions, accumulations of Posidonia or transitions between sand and rock.

In summer these beaches are very busy. Fishing is therefore practised mainly at dawn, after sunset or during the night, always in compliance with current regulations.

Pebble beaches and mixed seabeds

Many of Elba’s beaches consist of gravel, small pebbles or sand mixed with rocks. These seabeds can become deep within a short distance of the shore and are suitable for float fishing, Bolognese fishing, bottom fishing and spinning. Species that may be encountered include white seabream, saddled seabream, salema, gilthead seabream, European seabass, barracuda, Atlantic horse mackerel and small pelagic fish.

When the sea is rough, it is necessary to take care on steeper beaches, because waves can quickly run up the shoreline and reach the equipment.

 Cliffs and rocky coastlines

Cliffs often make it possible to fish over deeper seabeds than beaches. Rocky stretches are particularly common along Elba’s western coast, in the area of Capo di Stella, on the Capoliveri headland and at various points along the eastern and northern sides.

The main techniques practised in these environments are: float fishing, Bolognese fishing, bottom fishing, spinning, eging and light rock fishing. Possible catches include white seabream, saddled seabream, salema, black seabream, European seabass, barracuda, Atlantic bonito, Atlantic horse mackerel and cephalopods.

However, not every stretch of coast is accessible or safe. Some cliffs may be located on private property, in restricted areas or in places exposed to waves. Before reaching an isolated location, it is necessary to check access and the possibility of returning without difficulty.

Which fish can be caught

Species vary according to the season, depth, seabed and technique used.

From Elba’s coast it is possible to encounter: white seabream, gilthead seabream, striped seabream, European seabass, saddled seabream, salema, mullet, black seabream, bogue, Atlantic horse mackerel, mackerel, Atlantic bonito, barracuda, bluefish, conger eel, greater weever and scorpionfish. With specific techniques it is also possible to catch cuttlefish and squid.

The presence of a particular species is never guaranteed. Water temperature, wind, currents, sea conditions, food availability and boat traffic can rapidly change fish behaviour.

Main shore-fishing techniques

Fishing with a fixed rod

The fixed rod is a simple technique, also suitable for those trying sea fishing for the first time. It is mainly used from low rocks, small piers where permitted and sheltered stretches of coastline.

The rig generally includes a float, light weights, a leader and hook. The most commonly used baits are maggots, bread, dough baits, shrimp and small pieces of natural bait.

The most common catches include mullet, salema, saddled seabream, bogue and small white seabream.

Bolognese fishing

Bolognese fishing uses a rod with guides and a reel and makes it possible to fish farther out and at greater depth than with a fixed rod. It is suitable for rocky coastlines, mixed seabeds and locations where the current can be followed with the float.

It can be used to target: white seabream, saddled seabream, salema, mullet, European seabass and gilthead seabream.

Correctly setting the depth is essential in order to present the bait close to the bottom or within the layer of water frequented by the fish.

Bottom fishing

Bottom fishing consists of casting a weighted rig and leaving the bait on the seabed or just above it. It can be practised from both beaches and rocks. Common baits include marine worms, shrimp, mussel, crab, spoon worm and strips of squid.

Target species include striped seabream, gilthead seabream, white seabream, European seabass, conger eel and greater weever.

On rocky seabeds it is important to choose simple rigs and reduce the risk of snagging.

Surfcasting and beach ledgering

Surfcasting is practised from the beach, especially in rough seas or as the sea begins to calm after a storm, when the movement of the water disturbs the seabed and circulates food. It is used to target striped seabream, gilthead seabream, European seabass, shi drum and white seabream.

Beach ledgering is a lighter form of bottom fishing and is generally practised in calm or slightly rough seas, using sensitive rods and lighter sinkers.

Both techniques are particularly suitable for Elba’s large sandy beaches, especially outside the bathing season or at night.

Spinning

Spinning is a dynamic technique that uses artificial lures cast and retrieved to imitate small fish or other prey. It can be practised from beaches, headlands and cliffs, using minnows, soft plastic lures, metal jigs and surface lures.

Species that may be encountered along Elba’s coast include: European seabass, barracuda, bluefish, Atlantic bonito, Atlantic horse mackerel, saddled seabream and small pelagic fish.

Dawn and sunset are often the most interesting times, especially when baitfish are present near the coast.

Fishing for cuttlefish and squid

Cuttlefish and squid can be caught from the coast using specific artificial lures called egi or squid jigs. The technique, known as eging, consists of casting the lure, allowing it to sink to the desired depth and retrieving it with alternating movements and pauses.

Cuttlefish mainly frequent sandy, mixed and vegetation-rich seabeds, while squid may also approach deeper coastlines. The best times are generally dawn, sunset and the night-time hours, with calm or slightly rough seas.

What is the best time of year

Shore fishing on Elba can be practised throughout the year.

Spring: As the water temperature rises, many coastal species become active again. It is a suitable period for Bolognese fishing, bottom fishing, spinning and cuttlefish fishing.

Summer: In summer the coast is very busy and fishing must be organised around the presence of swimmers. The best times are generally dawn, sunset and night. During this period, saddled seabream, Atlantic horse mackerel, barracuda, Atlantic bonito and other coastal predators may be present.

Autumn: Autumn is one of the most interesting periods for fishing from the coast. The water still retains some of the summer heat, while boat traffic and the number of swimmers decrease. Atlantic bonito, barracuda, bluefish, Atlantic horse mackerel, European seabass and squid may approach the coast.

Winter: In winter some species move closer to the coast. Storms and the subsequent calming phases can create favourable conditions for European seabass, surfcasting and bottom fishing. However, it is essential to avoid exposed cliffs and locations reached by waves.

How to choose the side of the island

The shape of the Island of Elba often makes it possible to find a sheltered coastline according to the wind. When westerly winds affect the side between Pomonte, Chiessi, Sant’Andrea and Marciana Marina, some eastern areas may be more sheltered. With easterly or south-easterly winds, on the other hand, it may be preferable to seek shelter along the western or north-western coasts.

The choice should not be based solely on wind direction. It is also necessary to consider:

• forecast intensity;
• residual wave motion;
• duration of the wind;
• possible changes in direction;
• ease of access and return.

A location sheltered from the wind may still be reached by waves or currents produced by previous conditions.

Equipment and safety

Equipment should be chosen according to the technique and location. For a normal fishing trip, the following may be useful:

• a suitable rod and reel;
• spare hooks, leaders and sinkers;
• lures or bait;
• pliers and a hook remover;
• a landing net;
• a measuring tape to check catches;
• a head torch;
• a charged phone;
• drinking water;
• a container for fishing line and waste.

When fishing from rocks, shoes with good grip and suitable clothing are particularly important. Before setting up the equipment, check:

• the stability of the location;
• the presence of wet or slippery rocks;
• wave height;
• the access route;
• the possibility of returning;
• changes in wind and sea conditions.

You should never approach a cliff struck by waves to recover a snagged lure or rig. Anyone unfamiliar with the location should avoid fishing alone, especially at night.

Responsible fishing

Fishing from the coast should be practised while respecting the sea and other beach users. It is important to:

• keep only fish intended for consumption;
• immediately release undersized specimens;
• collect fishing line, hooks and packaging;
• not leave bait or waste on the beach;
• avoid excessive quantities of groundbait;
• not damage coastal vegetation;
• not disturb birds and marine wildlife.

Abandoned fishing lines are a particular hazard for seagulls, cormorants and other animals. Every piece of line must be collected and taken away.

Rules and restrictions

Recreational and sport fishing at sea is subject to the rules established by Italian legislation. On the Island of Elba, particular attention must also be paid:

• to port areas;
• to areas reserved for bathing;
• to the times established during the summer season;
• to protected areas;
• to the Scoglietto di Portoferraio biological protection zone;
• to any temporary restrictions established by local ordinances.

During the bathing season, you must never cast when people are in the water or along the possible trajectory of the fishing line.

Updated information on required registration, catch limits, minimum sizes and local ordinances is available on the main page dedicated to sport fishing on the Island of Elba.