Halkidiki 2026 tuna game fishing (a review – more than 10kg fish)

2026 Fishing in Toroneos Gulf between Kassandra and Sithonia

Toroneos Gulf sits right between Kassandra and Sithonia, and that geography makes a fishing day trip here feel easy. Deep water comes close to shore, you have structure, currents, birds, and plenty of options without wasting the morning on long transit.

Most guests want real trolling time, but also a proper holiday day on the sea. So we keep it balanced. A few focused passes where the fish usually move, a swim stop when the water is clear, and if you like, a simple onboard lunch that smells like Greece.

About fishing on your day trip

We exclusively do troll fishing on our day trips, sustainable practice with little impact on the fish populations.
Read more information about it in this guide…>

Get ready to experience and have fun with a game fishing day trip. Our experienced captains will take you to places with plenty of fish and especially tuna not very far from the coast. For those with no previous experience, we will fully inform you on the methods of game fishing, how to use fishing gear and how to find fish. A typical tuna size is 8 Kg and more. The boat takes off early in the morning from Neos Marmaras or Pefkochori. The only thing you need to bring with you is your sunglasses your hat and sunscreen and a camera. Enjoy the journey and return with fish to barbeque with friends.

Neos Marmaras is on the west side of Sithonia, and Pefkochori is on the east side of Kassandra, so whichever peninsula you stay on, you are usually close to a start point. From Thessaloniki and the airport you drive down into Halkidiki, then continue to your peninsula. In July and August the roads can get busy, so leaving a bit earlier keeps the mood calm and you arrive without stress.

Early departures are not about being strict. It is just when the sea is often flatter, the light is better for spotting birds and color changes, and the fish tend to be more active. We confirm the plan the day before and we keep it practical.

Timetables, opening hours and routes can change without notice. Always double-check locally before you travel.

We can go fishing for a lot of kinds of fish. Tuna, bluefin, albacore, yellowfin mainly. Sizes differ from 10 kg to 60-80. The season starts from late July to late November. Swordfish and Mediterranean marlin (very rare) all seasons, Mackerel (palamida) from late June to late November.

Toroneos has a very clear seasonal feel. Late June and July is when the water warms up and light trolling becomes productive. August can be hot and crowded near the beaches, but once you are outside the main swimming corridors it opens up and gets quiet again. September is my favorite month, warm sea, less traffic, and those glassy mornings that make trolling a joy. October and November can be excellent for bigger fish, with faster weather changes, so we choose the day carefully and we do not push it when forecasts say no.

If you like checking conditions yourself, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service is the reference we use. A quick look the day before helps you pack right and set expectations, especialy in shoulder season.

We focus on these game fish species to provide the best experience for clients. All these are trolling species.

That also means the trip is active but not complicated. No messy bait stations, no long waiting with rods sitting still. We work the lures, we change speed, we adjust the spread, and we read the sea. Birds, current edges, temperature shifts, and those small color lines where the water changes. Tiny details, but they matter a lot in Toroneos.

And if Tuna is nowhere to be found Mackerel typically end up on our grill. Kynigos (Mediterranean mahi-mahi) also is great fishing as its a very strong fish.

That is the honest part of fishing. Some days the tuna show up, some days they do not. When they do not, we do not drag the day into a tired marathon. We switch tactics, target palamida, and still make it a full day with a swim stop and good food. Most guests tell me the same thing in the end. They came for tuna, but they loved the whole day anyway.

Besides as one of our regular guests has said:

“Fishing quality depends on Beer (or Ouzo) Quantity…“

… and our appetisers I would add.

The best part is the expert fishermen that with full knowledge of the area can make this trip a great experience. Cooking of the catch immediately on board and Greek specialities along with ouzo and tsipouro make it a day to remember.

On the practical side, we keep onboard cooking simple and tasty. If we keep fish, we clean it properly and cook it in a way that fits a boat galley. Fresh, quick, and no drama. If you prefer catch and release for certain species, tell us before we start and we respect that. Some guests want the experience and photos, not the grill, and that is totally fine.

If you want to add snorkeling, Toroneos can have very good visibility on calm days, especially away from sandy shallows. For scuba info and local diving options, have a look at portoscuba.com and we can coordinate a plan that makes sense with the route.

Fishing gear is included. At any given time we troll a minimum of 5 big game gears. Each rod reel combination, depending on the target species is optimised. Typical medium-size gear is 30-50 lb Penn rod with senator 9/0 Penn reel and 800m of 0.8 clear fishing line. This combination is good enough for 100 kg fish and bigger. The Large gear is 80lb wide 2 speed Penn international with more than 1100m 1.1 line and 80 lb Shimano rod. Leaders are made of high-quality fluorocarbon lines. There are larger gear and smaller gear. We have an electronic tuna teaser, and forward-looking sonar (on a specially prepared sailboat) also uses an aftco harness. Very extensive lure collection with a lot of Rapala and Williamson lures and squids. Actually, the most effective lures are handmade by us.

If you are new to big game gear, do not worry. We show you how to sit in the harness, how to pump and reel without burning your arms, and how to keep the line angle safe. Kids can participate too, usually with lighter setups and with help, and only when conditions allow. Some days the sea has a short chop and it is not fun for small ones, so we keep it flexible.

We also keep the boat tidy during the action. Hooks and heavy tackle are not toys, so we run a clear routine when a fish hits. One person on the rod, one person ready to assist, and everyone else behind the safe line.

Sea and outdoor activities depend on the weather and your own fitness level. Always follow local safety advice and skipper instructions.

Take the best photographs of your holidays.

All boats have a minimum of 8 guests capacity, WC, hot water, fully equipped kitchen, safety equipment, Radio CD player, Bimini top (tent over the cockpit), dinghy (small inflatable boat with engine).

For photos, the morning light in Toroneos is soft and the sea often looks like a mirror. If you want the classic shot, keep your phone in a dry pouch and have it ready when we set the spread. The take is fast, and the best moments are usually the first seconds. A hat with a string helps too, because the wind can grab it at the worst time.

This day works for different groups. Couples like the quiet ride and the sunset feel on the way back. Friends like the action and the jokes when the rods start singing. Families like it because we can balance fishing time with swimming time, and we are never too far from the coast if someone needs a break.

Toroneos Gulf is also a great sailing area when the north winds are not too strong. If you want a calmer day with more sailing and less trolling, we can do that too, and still keep a couple of lines in the water when it makes sense.

If you’d like to explore the coast, ask us about day trips at sea and sailing boat options.

The map above shows the wider playground we work in. Routes change with weather and with the fishing, but the idea stays the same. We stay in the Toroneos area between Kassandra and Sithonia, we avoid long unnecessary runs, and we keep options for shelter if the wind turns.

If you want to read more about the region itself, the official Visit Greece site is a good start, and Halkidiki on Wikipedia gives a clear picture of the three peninsulas and the geography.

What a typical day feels like (and who it suits)

A normal plan is simple. Meet at the marina, quick briefing, coffee onboard, and we are off. We set the trolling pattern and work along likely lines. When we get action, it is full focus. When we do not, we keep moving and we keep it enjoyable.

• families who want a safe boat day with some real fishing, plus a swim stop
• couples who want something different than the beach, with a relaxed ride back
• groups of friends who want a fun day with ouzo, laughs, and a proper sea story
• nature lovers who enjoy seabirds, changing sea colors, and sometimes dolphins

If you get seasick easily, tell us early. We can pick the calmer side of the gulf, adjust speed, and plan more sheltered legs. It helps a lot, and it keeps the day enjoyable for everyone.

Seasonal notes for Toroneos Gulf

Late spring and early summer bring clear water and comfortable temperatures. July and August are hot, with more boat traffic near popular beaches, especially around midday. September is still summer but with a calmer vibe, and October can be magic when the weather holds. In November we often get fewer crowds and better fishing windows, but also quicker changes, so we stay conservative with decisions.

If your trip is around Greek holidays, marinas and roads can get packed. Agiou Pneymatos is one of those weekends where Halkidiki fills up fast, so it is smart to plan ahead.

Monday, June 1 2026

Included:

• all the necessary equipment for game fishing, light and heavy trolling
• VAT.
• Boat fees, Professional skipper, marina fees.
• Fuel (for sailboats), Water, Electricity.
• Drinking water
• coffee or tea
• snacks
• soft drinks
• sandwiches
• we cook on board some appetisers and lunch

Not included:

• Fuel (for motor yachts)
• dinner
• beach towels

If you are choosing between a sailboat and a motor yacht for this, here is the simple way I explain it onboard. Sailboats are smooth and relaxed, and they make the journey part of the day. Motor yachts cover ground faster and can chase a bite more aggressively when needed. Both work, we just match the boat to your group and the plan.

One more practical note. Bring a light jacket even in summer because the early run can feel cool, and pack shoes that can get wet. If you have your own lucky lure, bring it, we love that kind of superstition, but the handmade ones onboard usually win.

If you want to tell me what dates you have, where you stay, and what kind of fishing you dream about, tuna hunt or relaxed light trolling, send a message and we will set it up with the right boat and the right start point.

Not sure where to start? Contact our local travel agency for friendly, personalised advice, seasonal offers and travel options.