This private fishing trip departs from St Raphael Marina on the Sunseeker 50, a boat that suits up to ten guests and is most comfortable with a group of eight. The whole boat is reserved for the party that books it. Trips run in the early morning and in the evening; the evening trips target trapsalo and squid, the morning trips every other species.
From St Raphael the boat heads for fishing grounds about eleven nautical miles offshore, and is usually trolling thirty to forty minutes after leaving the marina. Captains with ten to twenty years on these waters lead the trip, and a fleet of more than twenty crews shares where the fish are through a live chat, so the boat can head for grounds that are producing on the day.
Trolling lures and spinning rods are provided, and drinks are included on board. These waters produce different species through the year: tuna from June to August, mahi-mahi from August to October, mackerel from July to October, trapsalo from August to November, squid from November to February, and bottom fish all year round. Bluefin tuna are protected: they may not be kept and any hooked by accident are released straight away. Other catches are limited per trip under the Cyprus fisheries rules, with a separate allowance for albacore.
The catch can be taken home. The captain decides on the day whether conditions allow the boat to go out, and a trip can be postponed for bad weather.
Children are welcome on board, and the group size suits bigger families or groups of friends fishing together. Beginners are taught as they go, so no previous fishing experience is needed. Guests who are prone to seasickness are advised to take tablets before departure, and summer casual clothing is recommended.
