Your First Fishing Trip: What to Expect If You Have Never Fished

If you have never fished from a boat, what you can expect is an early morning at sea off Gorriti Island, with rods, bait and gear already on board, and a captain who will teach you everything: how to rig, cast, feel the bite and land the fish. You do not need experience, your own gear or any prior knowledge: the fishing trip is designed so anyone can enjoy it, even if it is your first time.

In Punta del Este, fishing trips are on a private boat with a captain, so the boat is just for your group. That gives you the freedom to ask everything you need, go at your own pace and let the kids or anyone who is a bit shy have a go without pressure. Here is what you will find and what is worth knowing before you go.

What time does the boat leave and how long is the trip?

Fishing trips leave early in the morning, when the fish are most active and the sea is usually calmest. The idea is to make the most of the first hours of the day, which are the best for fishing on the banks near Gorriti Island.

You can choose half a day or a full day, depending on how long you want to be on the water and whether you want to combine fishing with lunch on board. The meeting point is the Port of Punta del Este, and we send you the exact spot when you confirm your booking.

If your group wants to spend more time at sea or do something else after fishing, you can also combine fishing with a boat trip to Gorriti Island or the Isla de Lobos boat tour, depending on the time available and what you are looking for.

What does the trip include and what should I bring?

The boat leaves with everything you need to fish: rods, reels, bait and a captain who guides and teaches you every step of the way. You do not need to get anything yourself or rent extra gear. Life jackets for adults and children are also included.

What you should bring:

• Comfortable clothes that can get wet or stained.
• A cap or hat and sunscreen, because the sun is strong on the water.
• Sunglasses.
• A jacket or windbreaker if you leave early or in the colder months.
• Water and something to snack on, or breakfast if you leave very early.
• If you want to eat on board, you can bring your own food and drinks, or book finger-food catering as an optional extra.

If you catch something, the captain cleans your fish when you get back so you can take it home. And if you like, it can be grilled on board during the trip.

How does the captain help if you have never fished?

The captain does not just handle the boat: he teaches you how to rig the line, cast the rod, tell when a fish is biting and reel it in without losing it. If it is your first time, he will guide you step by step, patiently, and if you are with children he helps them fish safely too.

Boat fishing in Punta del Este is quite accessible for beginners. You fish on the banks near Gorriti Island, which are calm and productive areas. The most common species are pescadilla (weakfish), which bites most often, whitemouth croaker in the warmer months, brótola (Brazilian codling) in the colder ones and, depending on the day, burriquetas (black drum) or silversides.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, absolutely. Many families go fishing with children and it is an experience they love. The captain adapts the activity so they can take part, and since the boat is private you can manage the timing and breaks as you need. If someone gets tired or would rather not fish, they can sit back or move around the boat without any problem.

Will I get seasick?

Seasickness is a common concern, especially if you have never been on a boat. The good news is that fishing trips stay close to the coast, the banks off Gorriti Island are just a few minutes from the port, and the sea is usually calmer early in the morning, which is when you go out.

If you are prone to seasickness or unsure, you can take a motion sickness remedy before boarding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one suits you, since some need to be taken an hour before departure. It also helps not to go out on an empty stomach, to get a good night’s sleep and, once on board, to look at the horizon rather than nearby objects or your phone screen.

If at any point you do not feel well, let the captain know. And if the sea is not cooperating and conditions are not good, the trip is simply rescheduled or your money refunded, so there is no risk of going out in bad weather.

Can I go all year round?

Yes, trips run all year round. In Punta del Este you can fish in any season, although the species change a little depending on the time of year. In the warmer months whitemouth croaker is more common, and in the colder months brótola shows up more. Pescadilla is around almost all the time.

Outside high season (December, January and February) there is also availability, and the sea is often calmer with less activity at the port. If you come in March, April, May or in spring, it is a good time to fish without crowds.

Trips can also be combined with other sailing options if your group wants to do more. For example, if you are in Punta del Este for several days and want to see the area from the water, you can book a boat trip to Solanas and Punta Ballena or sailboat rental for another day.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can go on the boat?

It depends on the boat assigned to the size of your group. There are options from small groups to larger ones, and the boat is always private for your group.

Do I need a permit to fish?

Uruguay has regulations on recreational fishing that may require permits or compliance with certain rules. We recommend checking with DINARA or the National Naval Prefecture before the trip to be up to date with the current requirements.

What happens if we do not catch anything?

It is rare, but it can happen. Fishing depends on the sea, the weather and the season. Even so, the trip is still a lovely experience on the water and the captain does everything possible to make sure everyone enjoys it.

Book your first fishing trip

If you want to try boat fishing in Punta del Este, message us on WhatsApp with the date you would like to go out and how many people are going. We will send you a quote and all the details so you arrive at the port relaxed. Boat Rental in Punta del Este is simpler than it looks, and your first fishing trip is an experience worth having.