Catfish and Carp Tours on the River Ebro – Spain
Catfish and carp tours on the river Ebro system in Spain with Colin Bunn. Fishing out of Mequinenza for a limited number of months throughout the year, this is an opportunity to get to access one of the best guides on the Ebro!
Having fished on the River Ebro system in Spain since 1990, your guide Colin Bunn is considered to be one of the most experienced and qualified guides on the system. He was the first to target catfish with halibut pellets, and managed to keep this method secret for almost a year before someone found out what he was doing, from there word got around and this has now become the standard approach in Spain for targeting catfish, Colin was also instrumental in the development of what is now known as the buoy system.
Fishing is done from the riverbank with your guide using a boat to position your baits in the river. This has been found to be a far more successful method as the swim is kept free from disturbance. Fishing hours are from 06:00am until midnight, giving you a massive 18 hours fishing each day fully guided with two rods per person.
What fish species can I expect to find on the River Ebro – Spain?
Wels Catfish are the main species to target in the area, with sizes in excess of 250lb, with multiple captures of fish in excess of 100lb being a common occurence!
For those wishing to target the carp, there are many 50lb plus carp reaching even 60lb, 70lb, or 80lb carp if you are lucky, but for the main part, the shoaling fish average between 25lb-50lb in weight. The majority of the carp in Mequinenza are large wild uncaught stock, with the largest confirmed catches to date being an 83lb mirror carp, with several 70lb+ common carp also being caught in the area too.
When can I fish on the River Ebro – Spain?
Catfish and Carp trips operate throughout the months of March, April, July, August, September, October and November.
Colin also offers winter carping trips throughout the months of November, December and January for those who want to get away and keep on fishing throughout the winter.
Do I need to bring any tackle or bait with me to the River Ebro – Spain?
All catfish tackle is provided, including all terminal tackle, including your guide with a boat for your entire stay. Only the very best tackle is supplied, including equipment from suppliers including Free Spirit Fishing, Shimano, Reuben Heaton, Avon, Catfish Pro, CatMaster Tackle, Black Cat and Hummingbird.
For those wishing to fish for carp, most of your tackle is provided, however you are expected to bring your own carp reels along with your own terminal tackle. Carp reels can be hired to those who do not wish to bring their own, and terminal tackle can also be purchased at the local tackle shop.
Towels are not provided, so you will need to bring these for both washing and fishing (old towels are best for slimy hands!), along with a head torch (These are essential!), a travel plug adapter, and of course your camera to take pictures of your leviathan catches!
Bait is not included in the price, however this can purchased from your guide in the form of 22mm Halibut pellets which the catfish love! There is also a new liquid two-part bait additive formulated especially for your guide, to add to your bait for even better results which can also be purchased (Highly recommended!).
All fishing licences and day tickets are also provided within the cost of your trip.
Will I get a fishing guide on the River Ebro – Spain?
Yes, your guide will be the highly experienced Colin Bunn, who has fished on the Ebro system since 1990 and is considered by many to be the most qualified guide on the system.
How many people can fish on the River Ebro – Spain?
Up to five anglers can be accommodated on these fishing trips, and whether it is two or five anglers in your group, you will stay as one group throughout your stay. This means that you will not be mixed in with other groups to make numbers up, which is a common practice of some other companies.
This way you can expect the best experience possible and fulfil the groups expectations.
What is the accommodation like on the River Ebro – Spain?
Accommodation is provided within the price of your trip. The accommodation provided is a traditional Spanish house which is situated within the town of Mequinenza, which is safe and secure for you. This accommodation is within walking distance from all of the town’s amenities, including a supermarket, which is just meters away, and is also close to the river. The accommodation is considered to be of a high standard and is fully air conditioned.
There is a lounge area with a television and DVD player, dining area, single and double bedrooms (all bed linen supplied), washing machine, iron and ironing board, along with a bathroom with shower. The kitchen has full facilities, with all utensils, plates, mugs, refrigerator, oven, hob, microwave and not forgetting a kettle for that all important morning cuppa to wake you up!
Please note: Towels are not provided.
What else is there to do on the River Ebro – Spain?
The trips run out of Mequinenza in North-East Spain, where the town and rivers are overlooked by the historic castle and breathtaking scenery. There is also an abundance of wildlife to observe whilst fishing!
The town of Mequinenza is a relatively new and quiet town built in the 1960’s, as the old town of Mequinenza was partially flooded as a result of the rising water levels due to the construction of the hydroelectricity dams on the River Ebro. Parts of the old town however still remain today.
You will be staying in the new town of Mequinenza, where there are plenty of amenities, including bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, ensuring every need is covered. There are also two very good tackle shops. In addition to these there are also a dentist, pharmacy and a very good medical centre with emergency facilities in case of any illness or injuries.
There are also two relaxing outdoor public swimming pools, along with a paddling pool for smaller children if you are travelling as a family. These are seasonal and are open from mid-June through to mid-September, these provide a great break from the fishing in the summer heat, or to help you balance the time spent fishing and with the family. There is also a poolside bar and restaurant, along with a sweet and ice cream kiosk for the kids.
Is food and drink included with my booking on the River Ebro Spain?
Food and drink is not include within the price of your trip. However there are local shops and supermarkets very close to your accommodation, where you will be able to stock up.
A drinks pack is available to purchase on arrival if required, consisting of tea, coffee, milk, sugar, water, fruit juice, Coke, and Fanta orange. If you are interested in this, please let us know when booking.
Food and drink can be ordered and delivered to the river bank whilst you are fishing, or if you prefer you are able to prepare your own food in the apartment, cook on the riverbank on gas burners where permitted, or even take a break and visit one of the local bars or restaurants if you would rather eat away from the riverbank in comfort.
Cooler boxes with ice blocks and thermos flasks are also supplied if required.
How do I get to the River Ebro – Spain?
A free airport transfer service is offered from Barcelona (BCN) El Prat airport each Sunday between the hours of 12:00pm and 2:00pm in an air conditioned vehicle. Any flights arriving outside of these times will not be eligible for the free transfer and you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation from the airport to Mequinenza using methods such as taxi, train, hire car etc.
On your home journey the free transfer will get you to the airport for 2:00pm, so if your flight check in time is after this, then you will be able to use this service. Again if you need to be at the airport before 2:00pm, then it will be your responsibility to arrange this transportation.
If you are unsure, please check with us before booking, however for your return flights, please allow for travel time from Mequinenza to Barcelona of approximately two hours, and either 1 or two hours to check in as recommended by your airline. The transfer between Mequinenza and the airport, normally leaves at 10:00am on the Sunday morning.
Other airports such as Reus, Zaragoza and Lleida can be used and we can arrange for taxi’s to collect you at a cost.
Alternatively you are able to hire a car to travel between your airport and Mequinenza, which does allow a greater amount of flexibility with your arrival and departure times.
We do not provide flights but can advise you on routes and can also put you in touch with our recommended agent who will be able to find you the best price and arrange these on your behalf if required.