Thassos stands out for many reasons. We all know it as an emerald-green island with golden beaches, deep blue seas, and a rich history. But there is another side to the island that few travellers know about: it’s one of the most captivating fishing destinations in the North Aegean.
Where visitors see peaceful coves and rocky headlands, local fishermen see the perfect spots for a rewarding catch. They know the island better than any map, passing their knowledge down from generation to generation. Thanks to their expertise, you can enjoy some of the freshest fish and seafood at the island’s best tavernas.
We sat down with local fishermen to hear their stories and discover the secrets of their craft. Now, we’re sharing everything we learned to help you enjoy the fishing experience in Thassos!
Why Is Thassos Ideal for Fishing Trips All Year Round?
In practical terms, there is no real off-season for fishing trips on the island. In summer, when the heat drives fish into deeper, cooler waters, fishermen tend to venture a little farther from shore across the island. In winter, the situation reverses: fish move into shallower waters in search of food, and they “bite” just a few metres from the coast.
Whenever you visit Thassos, one thing remains the same: the early morning hours, between 7 and 10 am, are still the best time to go fishing. Keep in mind that spearfishing is prohibited nationwide in Greece for one month in May, during the fish breeding season.
Which Fishing Methods Are Used in Thassos?
Local fishermen on the island favour three main fishing techniques:
- Spearfishing: Underwater fishing with a specialised speargun. It is considered one of the most demanding fishing methods, as it requires you to dive beneath the surface while holding your breath and move silently among rocks and even inside underwater caves.
- Vertical line fishing: A traditional method used in deeper waters. You fish from a boat, lowering a weighted line with hooks vertically into the water and waiting for a bite before reeling it in.
- Surfcasting: An excellent option for beginners. Set up your fishing rod on a sandy beach and cast your bait as far out from shore as possible.
What Fish and Seafood Can You Catch in Thassos?
Depending on your preferred technique and the time of year, fishing trips in Thassos give you the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species. Spearfishing is a popular choice for reef fish such as grouper and comb grouper, while stalking and waiting in ambush is a suitable technique for larger fish such as dentex and white seabream.
If you’re targeting common pandora, saddled seabream, and white seabream, vertical line fishing is a better option. It is particularly important, however, to have a fish finder on board so you can safely identify underwater fishing grounds and rocky shoals around the island. Finally, surfcasting from the beach is most likely to yield sea bass and gilthead seabream.
Where to Fish in Thassos: 10 Spots Recommended by Locals
Fishermen in Thassos don’t choose their fishing spots at random. Each location on our list has been selected because it suits the particular fishing technique: rocky formations around headlands and small islands for spearfishing, deep and clear waters for vertical line fishing, and accessible sandy beaches for surfcasting.
Best Spots for Spearfishing:
- Koinyra Islet
- Bambouras, near the lighthouse at Agios Ioannis
- Diapori
- Kefalas, near Limenaria
Best Spots for Vertical Line Fishing:
- Korakia, near Golden Beach
- Kallirachi, offshore towards the rocky shoals
- Astrida Islet
Best Spots for Surfcasting:
Whichever fishing spot you choose, you can find it quickly and easily with MyThassosApp. Download the app, locate your preferred spot on the map, and start planning the perfect fishing trip in Thassos!
