Sunrise fishing in Malta is a smart use of time. This Ta’ Xbiex big game charter is built around an early 6:00am start and a full 7-hour run at the water, with the goal of hooking serious fighters like tuna and other big pelagic fish.

What I like most is the way the charter keeps things practical: solid equipment, a hands-on crew, and flexible meeting times if 6am does not work for you. I also appreciate the option to have your catch cooked at a fine dining restaurant, so your day out can turn into dinner. The one drawback to consider is that big fish fishing is still a gamble, and the boat can feel crowded if you go above 4 people, so group size matters.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• 6:00am meeting at Roland Marinaix–Xatt Ta’ Xbiex sets you up for prime fishing hours
• Private charter for your group, not a mixed crowd
• Best-in-class gear and bait are part of the pitch, and skippers are praised for knowing where to fish
• Up to 5 on board, but 4 is the sweet spot for moving fast during a fight
• Optional fine-dining cooking of your catch (tell them in advance)
• Weather-dependent day at sea means plans may shift if conditions are poor

Ta’ Xbiex Fishing Charter: Why This Part of Malta Makes Sense

Ta’ Xbiex is a convenient launch area for a fishing day. You’re not buried in a long transfer or trapped in a complicated schedule. Instead, the charter is built around a clear starting point: Roland Marinaix–Xatt Ta’ Xbiex. That matters because with a long day on the water, you want your time to go toward actual fishing, not logistics.

Also, the area is close to public transportation. So if you’re staying somewhere in Malta that makes walking and bus routes easy, you can usually get to the marina without turning your day into a taxi parade. Add the fact this is a private tour/activity, and you get a more personal feel than big shared excursions.

The 6:00am Start: The Schedule That Actually Helps You Catch Fish

Most of the best fishing days are about timing. This one starts at 6:00am, and that early departure is not just tradition. It’s about reaching productive water while fish are more willing to bite.

The charter runs about 7 hours, so it has enough time to try more than one strategy if action is slow at first. And because you can request flexible meeting times to fit your schedule, it’s not rigid in the way some charters are.

Mobile ticket setup also keeps things simple. You don’t need a paper trail to show up ready to go.

What You Get for $65: Gear, Crew, and Real Value

At $65 for roughly 7 hours, the math usually works best when the charter gives you two things: time on the water and confidence in the kit. Big Game Fishing Adventures leans hard into both.

They specifically say they use the best equipment on the market. That lines up with what people comment on: the boat is in good shape, the gear is strong, and the crew knows what they’re doing. In other words, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for a guided attempt at a high-skill sport.

The other value play is the optional meal. After a successful day, fish can turn into a whole experience at a fine dining restaurant. That’s a nice way to stretch the day beyond the water. Even if you don’t catch exactly what you hoped for, you still get a guided day with experienced skippers and a clear plan.

One note on value: when a charter offers premium gear and skilled help, your biggest “cost” becomes your expectations. Big fish fishing is not guaranteed. You’re paying for effort, not certainty.

Skippers Matter: Names You’ll Hear Onboard

One of the best signs for a charter is whether the crew sounds like they’ve done this a lot. The skippers connected with these trips include Sebastian, Jake, Seb, and Bas (all appearing in the experience feedback). You’ll typically feel this in two ways:

• They put you on fish spots quickly rather than wandering around.
• They help you when you’re new, especially if you’ve never fought a fish before.

If you’re a beginner, that’s huge. A good skipper can turn a “stand there and hold a rod” day into real participation. People have highlighted instruction, assistance during the fight, and the crew’s willingness to guide you step by step.

Boat Size and Comfort: When Crowds Turn Into Fights

The charter accepts up to 5 people, but you’ll get the best experience if you keep it to 4. This is not just comfort advice. It’s practical.

When larger fish hit, everyone has to move quickly. You need space to cast or work the line, to handle gear, and to avoid stepping in someone’s way while a fish is running. In a smaller, faster-moving environment (which is how fishing boats operate), extra bodies can turn the day into a squeeze.

If you’re booking with a larger group, think like a captain: if you want maximum comfort and smooth teamwork, split into fewer people per boat or plan for a slightly tighter setup.

The Fishing Day Flow: From First Bite to Landings

The day is structured around active fishing. You meet at 6:00am, head out early, and work the water for big game targets during the full day window.

Here’s what the rhythm tends to feel like in practice:

• The early hours are where you’re most likely to get action.
• If the bite is slow, the crew uses local knowledge and equipment to change where and how you fish.
• When fish show up, it turns into a series of short sprints: reel, reset, adjust, try again.

People have mentioned landing multiple tunas, hooking bonito, and fighting big species. You might also encounter different tactics depending on what’s biting and conditions on the day.

One consideration: you can go after big game and still have a tough outing. That’s not a failure. It’s the nature of saltwater fishing. What you can control is how you communicate your expectations before you’re on the water.

Your Catch at the Restaurant: Turning Fish Into an Actual Malta Memory

This is one of the standout “why bother fishing” perks. Once you’ve made your catch, you can choose to have it cooked at a fine dining restaurant. They also note you should tell them in advance if you want this extra.

That changes the payoff of the day. Instead of bringing home a bag of fish smell and leftovers, the charter can help convert your effort into a planned meal experience. For people who want their Malta trip to include food that feels tied to an activity (not just another tourist dinner), this is a big win.

Also, some trip feedback mentions the crew handling fish prep details like filleting so you can eat it later. If this matters to you, ask before the day starts so everyone’s on the same page about how you want your catch handled.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Get Miserable at 10am)

The data here is mostly about fishing setup and crew quality, but you do get solid practical advice from experience feedback. The most consistent tip: the sun can be intense in Malta.

If you want the day to feel fun instead of survival:

• Bring strong sun protection (especially if you get on the water early)
• Plan for glare and heat, not just cool morning air
• If you get motion sick easily, consider bringing what you normally use for boats

Motion sickness shows up in the real world even with a great skipper. A smooth trip is not the same thing as zero rocking.

How to Get the Best Experience: Questions to Ask Before Boarding

Because fishing can vary, your best strategy is to clarify expectations early. When you book, make sure you understand:

• How they define the plan for big game that day
• What level of help you’ll get if you’re new
• The details of the cooking option (how to confirm it and what happens with prep)

Communication seems to matter. There’s an example of a trip where expectations around the plan and cooking were not fully aligned, and the day felt different than imagined. That doesn’t mean your trip will be the same. It does mean you should be clear upfront, especially if you care about the food side of the experience.

Weather and Timing: The Unseen Part of Big Game Fishing

This charter requires good weather. That’s normal for any boat-based sport, but it still affects your plans. If conditions are poor, you may get offered another date or a refund.

So if you’re scheduling this as one of your “must-do” activities, I recommend leaving a little flexibility in your Malta days. Saltwater fishing is weather math, not just calendar math.

And since the day starts at 6:00am, you’ll feel weather more strongly early in the morning. Pack and dress for the reality of sea air plus sun.

Who This Charter Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great fit if:

• You want guided big game fishing from Malta without complicated planning
• You care about instruction and hands-on crew support
• You want a memorable Malta experience that can also turn into a meal
• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want it to feel private

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re traveling as 5 people and you expect lots of personal space while fighting large fish
• You want guaranteed action (nobody can promise that in open water)
• You dislike early starts, because 6:00am is the default rhythm

If you’re a first-time fisherman, you’ll likely appreciate how crews help you manage the rod and fish handling. And if you’re more experienced, you’ll probably enjoy the way skippers focus on where the fish are biting.

Should You Book Big Game Fishing Adventures in Ta’ Xbiex?

I’d book if you want a well-run charter with strong gear, skilled skippers, and a shot at serious species, all from a practical meeting spot in Ta’ Xbiex. The price feels like good value when you factor in a full day on the water, a private group experience, and the option to level up your day with fine-dining cooking of your catch.

I’d think twice only if your group is bigger than ideal or if you need total predictability. This is fishing. Some days are instant; some are a grind. What makes the charter worth it is that the crew tries hard, adjusts smartly, and gives you a real chance to land something.

FAQ

What time does the fishing charter start in Ta’ Xbiex?

The start time is 6:00am, meeting at Roland Marinaix–Xatt Ta’ Xbiex in Ta’ Xbiex, Malta.

How long is the charter?

It runs for about 7 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How much does the charter cost?

The price is $65.

How many people can be on the boat?

They accept up to 5 people on board, but they note that more than 4 can feel crowded, especially during larger fish fights.

Can I have my catch cooked after the trip?

Yes. You can choose to have your freshly caught fish cooked at a fine dining restaurant. You should let them know in advance if you want this extra.

Is there a refund if weather cancels the trip?

Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.