What traditional fishing methods do fishermen around Palma and the north coast typically use?

In the fishing village of Port de Sóller and around the north coast, traditional methods still link fishermen closely to the sea as they have for centuries. One common practice is net fishing, where crews work together to cast and haul in large nets from their wooden boats, targeting schools of sardines or sea bream that gather near the shore. The coordination involved, especially under early morning skies, is a vivid display of a longstanding maritime culture.

Elsewhere along the coast, traps known locally as 'fumerals' are set in rocky coves and quieter waters, such as near Cala Figuera or along Formentor. These clever devices capture lobsters and crabs, reflecting a sustainable style of fishing that allows other marine life to thrive undisturbed. Regular checking of these traps aligns with fishermen’s deep understanding of the island’s tidal rhythms.

Handlining remains a skill valued by solo fishers, especially from towns like Alcudia or Pollenca. Using just a baited hook and a single line, it requires patience and a refined touch to feel bites from larger species such as dentex or grouper. The continued use of these traditional techniques not only supports local markets with fresh catches but also preserves a connection to Mallorca’s maritime heritage, a bond celebrated in places like the annual Sant Sebastià festival in Palma.