Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Europe
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Atlantic Cod
Verified
World Record
98 lb 0 oz
Michael A. Desormeaux / 1969
Petty Harbour, Newfoundland
Michael A. Desormeaux / 1969
Petty Harbour, Newfoundland
Signature Fact
Genetically rebellious, Atlantic cod ditched MHC class II and helper T cells, rewriting immunity with beefed-up alternatives.
2
Bluefin Tuna
Verified
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
3
North Atlantic Cusk
Verified
World Record
37 lb 11 oz
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
David A. Robinson / 1992
Jeffreys Ledge, Gulf of Maine
Signature Fact
The only North Atlantic codfish sporting a single, unbroken dorsal fin running almost nose-to-tail.
4
Wolfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
52 lb 5 oz
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Sigurður H. Magnússon / 1978
Iceland
Signature Fact
Its blood carries natural antifreeze, letting it swim in water cold enough to slush your guides.
5
Ribbon Fish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
11 lb 0 oz
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2005
Portugal
Signature Fact
At up to 2.5 meters yet belt‑thin, it sometimes hovers vertically, powered by a scarlet‑crested dorsal ribbon.
6
Italian Barbel
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
12 lb 2 oz
Marco Bianchi / 2005
Po River, Italy
Marco Bianchi / 2005
Po River, Italy
Signature Fact
Roe is toxic to humans; old-timers learned that tasting 'barbel caviar' ends with violent, unforgettable regret.
7
Bonito
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
18 lb 4 oz
Michael J. Horn / 2003
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Michael J. Horn / 2003
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Signature Fact
They wear built-in swim goggles-transparent adipose eyelids that streamline the eyeball and sharpen forward vision.
8
European Sea Bass
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
19 lb 0 oz
Guillaume Fourrier / 2014
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Guillaume Fourrier / 2014
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
Signature Fact
Warm early-life water flips their sex switch-raise the fry a few degrees and you get mostly males.
9
European Chub
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
8 lb 1 oz
Leslie Howarth / 1991
River Thames, England
Leslie Howarth / 1991
River Thames, England
Signature Fact
Their bright orange eggs are poisonous to people-old river lore says never fry chub roe.
10
Horse Mackerel
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 8 oz
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2003
Portugal
Antonio J. Rodrigues / 2003
Portugal
Signature Fact
Open one up and you might meet a tongue-replacing louse sitting where the tongue should be.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Europe?
In Europe’s saltwater, expect atlantic cod, bluefin tuna, european sea bass, bonito, and more. The variety keeps things interesting.
What is the best time of year to fish in Europe?
Most saltwater species fire up from spring through early fall, so plan for warmer months.
Where are the best places to fish in Europe?
Europe’s saltwater coastlines offer plenty of action, whether you’re after cod, tuna, or mackerel. Look for areas with strong tidal movement and structure.
What gear do you need for fishing in Europe?
Bring medium to heavy spinning or boat rods, solid reels, and strong leaders. You’ll want setups that can take on cod, tuna, and everything in between.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Europe?
Horse-mackerel, barbo, and ribbon-fish are usually the most accessible targets in European saltwater.
