Sea Fishing in Odessa Bay - Species, Techniques, Spots, and Tips

Introduction to Sea Fishing in Odessa Bay

The Odessa Bay located in southern Ukraine offers excellent opportunities for sea fishing. With its access to the Black Sea and mild climate, anglers can fish in Odessa Bay almost year-round. For any fishing enthusiast visiting Odessa, spending a day trying to hook something in the bay is a must.

Species of Fish in Odessa Bay

The Odessa Bay harbors a diverse population of fish species for anglers to target. Some of the popular catches include:

• Black Sea Trout - a hard fighting fish that feeds aggressively on smaller baitfish. They grow up to 40 lbs.
• Mullet - bottom feeders that grow over 5 lbs. Known for their strong runs when hooked.
• Turbot - a flatfish that camouflages on the seafloor. Turbots over 20 lbs. have been caught.
• Bluefish - a voracious predator with razor-sharp teeth. They provide a tough fight.
• Sea Bass - a prized table fish with sweet white meat. Often exceed 5 lbs.
• Bonito - a lightning-fast smaller tuna species that travel in schools.

In addition, anglers regularly encounter other species like garfish, flying gurnards, gray mullets, and more when fishing in Odessa Bay.

Best Times to Fish

As Odessa Bay is located on the Black Sea and does not freeze in winter, fishing is possible year-round. However, the best fishing occurs between spring and fall when most species are active and abundantly feeding.

Late spring (May-June) offers exceptional baitfish action as schools return close to shore to spawn. Predatory fish like bluefish and sea bass gorge on the baitfish, making for hot action. Summer (July-August) is another prime time as calm seas allow anglers to fish distant spots around the bay that hold larger game fish. As the water cools down in fall (September-November), fish become more active as they feed heavily before winter arrives.

Techniques, Tackle and Gear

The diversity of fish species in Odessa Bay allows anglers to use various techniques and gear to hook them:

• Spin fishing - Using light spin tackle and lures mimicking smaller baitfish is a popular technique to catch species like sea bass, trout and bluefish.
• Float Fishing - Attaching a bait under a float and waiting for bites works well for mullet, turbots, and other bottom feeders.
• Surf fishing - Casting chunk baits from shore with heavy gear allows anglers to hook large gamefish cruising the surf zone.
• Trolling - Pulling diving plugs and spoons behind a boat is an effective technique to cover water and catch bonito, trout and more.

Having a selection of light and heavier spin rods around 7-9 ft. paired with reels spooled with 20-50 lb. mono or braided lines covers most situations. Anglers should bring an assortment of surf rigs, fish finder rigs, plugs, spoons, jigheads and river rigs to handle everything they'll encounter.

Top Fishing Spots

There are endless options when looking for a good fishing spot in Odessa Bay. Focus on areas with rocky or vegetated structure that attracts baitfish. Some notable spots include:

• The beaches around Otrada - Accessible shoreline that holds sea bass, garfish and more in the surf.
• Podolsk Embankment - A scenic shoreline area in the city center with rocks and vegetation.
• Coastal village piers - Long piers reaching deeper water that hold larger gamefish.
• Port Yuzhny - The structure around this commercial port attracts fish.
• Seagrass beds - Prolific areas that mullet and turbots frequent to feed on vegetation.
• The Odessa Lighthouse - Fishing from the rocks here allows access to deeper offshore waters.

Chartering a Fishing Trip

To reach the best fishing areas in Odessa Bay, experienced anglers recommend chartering a boat. There are dozens of charter captains offering fishing trips out of Odessa ranging from 4 hours to full days. Chartering a local boat has many advantages:

• Access to prime offshore fishing spots not reachable from shore.
• Captains have extensive local knowledge of seasonal patterns.
• All necessary gear and bait is provided.
• Cleaning and filleting of caught fish is included.
• Experienced crew can provide instruction and fishing tips.

A full day charter for a small group ranges between $300-500. The ability to reach areas holding larger gamefish like bonito and trout makes the cost well worth it.

Planning Your Odessa Bay Fishing Trip

With its fantastic fishing opportunities just minutes from the city center of Odessa, planning a fishing trip here is easy. Follow these tips for the best experience:

• Bring light tackle like collapsible spin rods if flying here.
• Pack sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Obtain a fishing license if fishing independently.
• Look at seasonal patterns to target the species you want.
• Book a charter or local guide if new to the area.
• Pack a camera to capture your catch.

With a little preparation, Odessa Bay offers a world-class fishing destination right off the coast of the Black Sea. Anglers returning home with delicious fillets of trout, sea bass and more is the norm. Escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful solitude and excitement of fishing in Odessa Bay.

FAQs

What species of fish can I catch in Odessa Bay?

Common species caught include black sea trout, mullet, turbot, bluefish, sea bass, bonito, garfish, flying gurnards, and grey mullets among others.

When is the best time to fish in Odessa Bay?

Late spring, summer, and fall offer the best fishing. Fish are more active and abundant during the warmer months from May through November.

What fishing techniques work best?

Spin fishing with lures, float fishing, surf fishing, and trolling are all effective depending on target species. Have a variety of light and heavier tackle.

Where are the top fishing spots in the bay?

The beaches at Otrada, Podolsk Embankment, coastal village piers, Port Yuzhny, seagrass beds, and the Odessa Lighthouse are prime spots.

Should I hire a fishing charter?

Chartering a boat with an experienced captain is recommended to reach the best offshore areas and catch larger gamefish.