Fishing in Gökçeada (Imbros): Spots, Seasons & Tips

Sitting on a pier in Gökçeada (Imbros) in the early morning, casting your line, is one of the best ways to truly get to know the island. This corner of the North Aegean stands out as one of Turkey's most productive fishing grounds, thanks to its rich underwater ecosystem and deep channel passages. Dozens of species — from sea bass to grouper, bonito to squid — are abundant in the waters around the island.

Last autumn, while spending an evening at Yıldızköy pier, an old islander sat down next to me. He had a simple rod in hand, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "These waters were always full," he said, "but now they demand a bit of patience." I didn't catch anything that day, but he pulled three nice mullets from the pier that evening. Fishing here isn't just measured by the catch.

Best Fishing Spots in Gökçeada (Imbros)

Shore Fishing: Piers and Coastlines

Yıldızköy pier is the first stop for both local anglers and newcomers. In the evening, it requires patience for mullet and horse mackerel, but it usually pays off. Along the Aydıncık (Kefalos) coastline, you can catch sea bass and sea bream from the long sandy beach, especially during dawn and dusk.

The most productive windows for shore fishing are 5:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM. Outside these hours, the water calms down and fish retreat to deeper areas.

A note: Finding parking near the pier is really tough in summer. But if you come early in the morning, you'll both find a spot and catch the best hour — there's a certain balance to it.

Rocky Spots: Kapıkaya and Gizli Liman (Hidden Harbor)

Kapıkaya rocks are one of Gökçeada's strongest fishing spots. The mossy, deep rocky bottom creates an ideal habitat for sea bass, brown meagre, and grouper. Early morning is most productive; however, the rocks are slippery, so sea boots are a must. Don't go there in flat sandals — I've been giving this warning for years.

The entrance to Gizli Liman (Hidden Harbor) also stands out for its rocky structure. It's a known spot for brown meagre and grouper. Spearfishing is allowed in Gökçeada waters except in prohibited areas — these spots are also favorites among spearfishers. The pristine beauty of Gizli Liman is an added bonus. Kaleköy front offers another option for those who want to fish for squid with lights at night.

Fish Calendar: What to Catch Each Month

You can fish year-round on the island, but each season has its own opportunities. Don't go without knowing the season — casting an empty line is nice, but going home early is frustrating.

• Spring (March–May): Sea bream and sea bass are active. Migratory fish arrive: horse mackerel, sardines. Water temperature 14–18°C, good start for both shore and boat fishing.
• Summer (June–August): Best season for night squid fishing. Abundance of octopus on rocky bottoms. Variety is high, but patience is needed for big fish; tourist density peaks during this period.
• Autumn (September–November): Bonito and toric (large bonito) migration — the most exciting time of the year. Bluefish approach, grouper season peaks. Boats are packed during this month; early reservation is a must.
• Winter (December–February): If weather permits, whiting and bogue can be caught. Shore fishing is possible but the sea can be rough. Imbros is quiet in winter, which has its own charm — you can sit alone on the pier for hours. Gökçeada in winter offers a completely different experience.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast page for current predictions, especially for boat trips. Wind direction and wave height are decisive factors.

Boat Rental and Guided Tours

If you want bigger catches offshore, a boat is essential. Various options are available in Gökçeada center and Yıldızköy during the season. Locals usually prefer to work with people who know the business — make the most of calm sea opportunities.

When you go 3–10 miles offshore, you can catch tuna, bluefish, bonito, and toric. A captained tour is both safer and more productive; finding the blind spots without someone who knows the underwater geography is really tough.

One morning I noticed that most boats had already set sail while you were having breakfast. Make your reservation in advance. Also check the ferry schedules page; both ferries and boats fill up quickly on weekends.

Legal Regulations and Things to Note

An amateur fishing license has been mandatory since 2022. It's obtained for free via e-Devlet and takes a few minutes. If you don't carry it with you, you may face a fine — inspections increase especially in summer.

• Minimum legal sizes: Sea bass 25 cm, sea bream 18 cm, grouper 33 cm
• Daily limit: 3 kg or 3 pieces per species for amateurs
• Yıldızköy area is within the Underwater National Park boundaries — fishing here is strictly prohibited
• Fishing ban periods are updated annually; check the current list of the Fisheries Law before heading out

Locals generally follow these rules; after all, it's a small island community where everyone knows each other. Visitors showing the same care helps maintain good relations and contributes to the conservation of fish stocks.

For those who want to plan other activities besides fishing, check out the activities page; there are options like trekking, surfing, and diving on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fish in Gökçeada (Imbros)?

Yes, an amateur fishing license has been mandatory since 2022. It's free and can be obtained in a few minutes via e-Devlet. Different procedures may apply for foreign visitors; check in advance.

What fish are most commonly caught?

Sea bass, sea bream, mullet, horse mackerel, grouper, and squid are among the most frequent catches. In autumn, with the bonito and toric migration, offshore fishing becomes much more active; this period is both the most popular and the most competitive season.

Can I find fishing gear on the island?

Limited gear is available on the island, but selection is poor. For a good setup, it's better to bring from Istanbul or Çanakkale. Live bait — squid, anchovies — can be obtained from boatmen during the season.

If you want to get your fishing gear from Gökçeada, check out Adahan Fishing Gear.

Is advance reservation necessary for boat rental?

Absolutely, especially during the summer season and particularly in September–October. Weekends fill up very quickly. Contacting in early May is the safest bet.

Can I go spearfishing?

Spearfishing is allowed in Gökçeada waters except in prohibited areas. Kapıkaya, Laz Cove area, and Gizli Liman are the most known spots. Going with a local guide who knows the underwater geography during the May–October season is both safer and much more productive.