Strait of Messina fishing forecast
Strait of Messina is a saltwater fishing spot in Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. Anglers here target Swordfish, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 27.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 17 km/h from NE |
| Wave height | 0.1 m at 2 s |
| Current | 0.11 m/s toward S |
| Pressure | 1012 hPa |
| Depth | 154 m |
| Cloud cover | 0% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Strait of Messina
Strait of Messina currently scores 57 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 27.9 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Strait of Messina:
About this spot
Straits funnel strong tidal currents. Fish tend to feed around slack water and in the first hour of the flood or ebb, when bait is pushed through.
Approximate bottom depth: 154 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
-
Xiphias gladius
-
Thunnus thynnus
Best months by species at Strait of Messina
| SwordfishXiphias gladius | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Bluefin TunaThunnus thynnus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents No paid licence for recreational sea fishing, but a free annual registration with MASAF (the "comunicazione di esercizio della pesca sportiva/ricreativa in mare", or census) is mandatory. From May 2026 anglers aged 16+ must complete the census and use the RecFishing app., non-residents Same free MASAF registration applies to non-residents fishing recreationally in Italian waters.
- freshwater-recreational — residents Inland/freshwater fishing licences are issued by each Region (Regione), not nationally; fees and rules vary by region., non-residents Non-residents need the relevant regional freshwater licence for lakes and rivers.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Italian rules are set nationally by MASAF (sea) and by each Region for inland waters, and EU minimum sizes and bluefin-tuna authorisations also apply. Always verify with MASAF at masaf.gov.it before fishing.
Check Strait of Messina before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 303 km of Strait of Messina.
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Calabria Strait of Messina
Aeolian Islands
Sicily North Channel
Palermo Sicily
Egadi Islands
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Strait of Messina?
Anglers at Strait of Messina target Swordfish and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.
When is the best time to fish Strait of Messina?
The most productive months at Strait of Messina are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Strait of Messina right now?
Strait of Messina currently scores 57 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Strait of Messina?
Fishing at Strait of Messina follows the local rules for Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Read Tides for FishingHow to Read a Fishing ForecastBest Moon Phase for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.