Fishing in the Bay of Kotor is one of the most unique experiences on the Adriatic. With its depth, underwater currents, and diverse seabed, the bay is ideal for all types of fishing – from simple shore casting to serious boat sessions. You’ll find smaller species like bogue (bukva) and picarel, but also bigger fish such as pandora (rombun), dantex gibbosus (ama), and even common dentex or sea bass, depending on the time of day and the bait used. Fishing in the Bay of Kotor is more than tradition – it’s a way to connect with nature.
If you’ve ever wondered what a true fisherman’s morning looks like in the Bay of Kotor, let me share a recent experience. I set off around 5:00 AM, launching my small boat from Perast, heading into the Verige Strait, one of the narrowest and deepest areas of the bay, rich with underwater life.
🎣 Fishing in the Bay of Kotor – Early Action in Verige
For bait, I used small Sardina, an blue fish often referred to as a young sardine – perfect for bottom-feeding predators active at dawn. The fish started biting as soon as I arrived, which only confirmed why fishing in the Bay of Kotor is so popular among local anglers.
If you’re curious about the most common species you can catch in these waters, check out this detailed guide:
👉 Types of Fish in Montenegro – 15 Saltwater and Freshwater Species
⚓ Why Verige?
Verige is no random choice. Its steep underwater drop, mixed sandy-rocky bottom, and active currents make it ideal for baitfish – and larger predators follow. It’s one of the best places for fishing in the Bay of Kotor, allowing quick access to deeper water without venturing far from shore.
⚙️ Setup and Technique
I was fishing at a depth of about 30 meters, using a simple two-hook bottom rig with a 30g sinker. I used a 0.20 mm braided line and a fluorocarbon leader, which is almost invisible in the clear Kotor waters. The sardina bait was cut into smaller pieces.
🎯 The target species were pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) and ama (Dentex gibbosus), but the catch consisted mostly of bogue (boops boops), Blotched picarel (Spicara maena), and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus).
🌦️ Sudden Weather Change
Around 6:30 AM, light rain began, accompanied by wind from the direction of the open sea – even though the forecast hadn’t predicted any instability. Luckily, the wind wasn’t strong enough to cause the surgadina (a small anchor used locally) to drag across the seabed. Had that happened, I would have been moved off the productive fishing spot and possibly forced to end the session earlier than planned.
The fish remained active. As soon as the bait reached the bottom, the bites started immediately. However, the targeted species were less present – likely due to the large number of bogue and picarel concentrated in the area.
📌 Related:
👉 Best Time to Fish the Adriatic – Moon Phases, Tides & Seasons
🐟 The Catch
By 9:30 AM, the sun was high, and I had run out of bait – time to call it a day. The result? A solid catch for two family-sized meals, mainly bogue and picarel, but also few pandora and dantex gibbosus . Many of the smaller picarel were released.
Once again, this trip confirmed how fishing in the Bay of Kotor offers both joy and reward – even during a short early-morning session.
⚠️ Planning a Trip to the Bay of Kotor?
If you’re visiting the Bay of Kotor and would like to experience local-style fishing firsthand, feel free to reach out. Whether you’re a beginner or just curious to try fishing from a boat like the locals do – I’m happy to share tips, gear, and even organize a short morning tour.
Contact me if you want to plan a relaxed, early-morning fishing experience – the way it’s been done here for generations.
💡 Tips for Newcomers
If you’re planning to try fishing in the Bay of Kotor from a boat, here are some simple tips:
- Always bring enough bait
- Check the local forecast, but stay prepared for sudden changes
- Don’t forget water, sun protection, and patience
Sometimes, the best catch comes just when you think the day is over.
📌 Also read:
👉 How to Catch European Seabass – Best Techniques and Baits
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