Traditions and Upcoming Events: Fishing in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is a fisherman's paradise with sun, peace and the thrill of the catch, all in one place. The Atlantic waters provide the perfect home for a fisherman to find the catch they want, while the dramatic volcanic rock formations are a dramatic backdrop as they chase fish.
Fishing on the islands provides an unforgettable experience and has evolved through the years from the early fishing traditions to the thriving sport-fishing and fishing tourism scene.
THE RICH TAPESTRY OF CANARIAN FISHING HISTORY
Fishing is a hugely important part of the culture of the Canary Islands and has been for centuries. Some of this can be seen with methods like tuna trapping (almadraba), which date back to ancient times and bring communities together for tuna school harvests.
Fishing communities on La Palma and Fuerteventura still use wooden boats and nets, harking back to centuries gone by. While in Lanzarote, as locals pass down fishing techniques of old to the next generation, handicraft markets sell locally made wares. Tales of dorados and moonlit hauls are shared in towns and households, too.
SPORT FISHING AND TOURISM: A THRIVING SCENE
On a global scale, fishing tourism is said to be worth over $72 billion, and sport fishing and fishing tourism are big businesses in these parts for visitors who want to experience the adrenaline of deep-sea angling.
We can see this growing interest affecting other sectors too, such as entertainment. For example, television shows like Deadliest Catch and Battlefish are highly popular, with Deadliest Catch reportedly bringing in over 49 million viewers throughout Season 3. In the digital realm, iGaming titles like Big Bass Bonanza are some of the most well-known slots on online casinos, themed with underwater action with vibrant visuals of fishing. Many major casino sites often push these games in their no-wager, no-deposit offers, also often offering Free Spins, showing the popularity of the games.
When it comes to the effect of fishing tourism on the Canary Islands, the effect is plain to see. Tourist boats depart from ports like Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Colon for visitors who can expect blue marlin, swordfish and albacore. Local companies with certified captains and knowledgeable crews ensure safety practices, while most are run with catch-and-release programmes to protect the local ecosystem.
UPCOMING EVENTS: WHAT TO CAST YOUR CALENDAR ON
There are a number of events that occur annually in the Canarian fishing calendar worth marking. Fuerteventura hosts the annual Open International de Pesca de Altura in August. This focuses on catching marlin and attracts visitors both locally and further afield. In October, Tenerife hosts the Puerto Calero Marlin Cup, a tournament focused on catching both blue and white marlin as well as spearfish and swordfish. Finally, the long-running Billfish Foundation Offshore Fishing Championship in the Canary Islands takes place in the summer and, as well as promoting conservation, also offers events like seafood tasting and music.
From fishing traditions dating back centuries to modern fish conservation techniques and tournaments, the thrill of fishing has always played a part in the culture of the Canary Islands. With high-profile events that are upcoming, the archipelago offers a hook no matter what you are into.
Share:
