FISH SPECIES AND SEASONS IN THE ADRIATIC 

In the  last few years Europe has got a new destination for big game anglers in the Adriatic sea. It's eastern part, Croatian coast has been known for centuries as a habitat of one of most desired big game fish, bluefin tuna. Adriatic sea has a unique chartacteristic which puts it in front of other fishing destinations. Namely, the bluefin tuna, otherwise a highly migratory species has chosen Adriatic sea for it's home and this is the only known place on earth, where bluefin can be cought any time of the year. Tunas here range from baby size to giants in the range over 300 kg. They are present along the outer coast of the hundreds of islands and often they come well inshore entering estuaries and channels. Fishing season (0 = bad - 4 = excellent):  month Jan. Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec fishing 3 3 3 2 1 0 1 G 4 4 4 3

Bluefin tuna is not the only important big game species in Adriatic. The ultimate fishing challenge for many sportfisherman, a broadbill swordfish is also present in fair numbers, which are decresing from south to north, but the fact is that even in central Dalmatian they are often spotted breaking the surface during daytime, although seldom cought. The recenty introduced technique of night trolling will perhaps make the difference. Fishing season (0 = bad - 4 = excellent):  month Jan. Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec fishing 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 2 1

Sharks, even not as frequent as in tropical destinations are respectable opponents. Of shark species, the blue shark and thresher shark are targeted by big game fisherman.     Fishing season (0 = bad - 4 = excellent):  Month Jan. Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec fishing 0 0 0 1 1 2 4 4 4 4 2 1

March and April offer great fishing for little tunnies, which come in huge schools in the inshore waters. Little tunnies in Adriatic grow to sizes up tu 13 kg, during some seasons the average fish is around 10 kilos.   Fishing season (0 = bad - 4 = excellent):  month Jan. Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec fishing 0 0 2-3 4 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 0

During the fall, except for bluefin, fisherman have a choice among albacore farther offshore and amberjack on the outer sides of many islands.  Dolphin fish or mahi-mahi are present in great numbers.