What the Royal Fishing Tournament is and when it happens
The Royal Fishing Tournament is Monaco's premier saltwater fishing competition, held annually in the waters off the Côte d'Azur. The event draws sport fishers from across Europe and beyond, competing for catches in Mediterranean species including grouper, dentex, amberjack, and occasionally larger pelagics. The tournament is organized under the patronage of the Monégasque fishing authority and takes place each summer, typically in July or August, though the exact dates shift year to year.
The tournament operates as a catch-and-release event for most categories, meaning fish are weighed, documented, and returned to the water. This approach protects the Mediterranean's fish stocks while still allowing competitors to pursue serious sport fishing. Some categories do permit retention, particularly for species considered abundant in the region. The competition draws both professional charter captains and serious amateur anglers, creating a mixed field where skill and local knowledge matter as much as equipment.
Key Takeaways
- The Royal Fishing Tournament runs annually in summer months off Monaco's coast, with exact dates announced each spring through the Monaco Port Authority.
- Most categories operate on catch-and-release rules, with fish weighed and photographed before return to protect Mediterranean stocks.
- Entry requires a registered boat, a valid fishing permit for Monaco's waters, and payment of the tournament fee, which varies by boat size and category.
- Winners are determined by total weight across multiple days of fishing, with separate categories for different species and boat types.
- The tournament includes social events and a weigh-in ceremony where results are announced and prizes awarded to top finishers.
How to enter and what documents you need
Entry into the Royal Fishing Tournament requires advance registration through the Monaco Port Authority (Port de Fontvieille). You will need to provide proof of boat registration, a valid fishing permit for Monaco's territorial waters, and the captain's identification. Most entrants register their boats between April and June for the summer tournament, though late registration is sometimes possible if spots remain open.
The registration fee depends on your boat's length and the category you choose. Smaller boats (under 10 meters) pay a lower entry fee than larger charter vessels. You will also need to declare which species categories you intend to fish — some anglers enter multiple categories within a single tournament. Once registered, you receive your boat number, weigh-in schedule, and a packet with tournament rules specific to that year's event.
A valid fishing permit for Monaco is separate from tournament entry and must be obtained through the Direction de l'Environnement et de l'Aménagement du Territoire. This permit covers your right to fish in Monégasque waters year-round and is required whether or not you compete in the tournament. The permit process takes two to three weeks, so arrange this before you register for the tournament itself.
Species categories and fishing rules
The tournament typically divides competitors into categories based on target species: grouper, dentex, amberjack, and mixed pelagics (which may include bonito, mackerel, and smaller tuna). Each category has its own weight divisions and prize structure. Grouper and dentex are bottom-dwelling fish requiring knowledge of rocky reefs and drop-offs along Monaco's coast; amberjack and pelagics are pursued in deeper water using different techniques and tackle.
Fishing hours are set each day and announced at the morning briefing — usually dawn to mid-afternoon to allow time for weigh-in. All fish must be caught during official tournament hours; catches made outside these windows do not count. Catch-and-release categories require that fish be brought to the official weigh station alive and in good condition. Dead fish are still weighed but may be penalized or disqualified depending on the category rules for that year.
Bait and lure restrictions vary by category. Some divisions allow only live bait; others permit artificial lures or both. The tournament rules packet, sent with your registration confirmation, details these restrictions for each species category. Violations result in disqualification from that category, so read the rules carefully before you fish.
The weigh-in process and how winners are determined
Each day's fishing ends at a set time, after which all boats proceed to the official weigh station at Port de Fontvieille. Your catch is weighed on certified scales, photographed, and recorded by tournament officials. For catch-and-release categories, fish are returned to the water immediately after documentation. The weight is added to your running total across all tournament days.
Winners are determined by cumulative weight over the tournament's duration — typically three to five days of fishing. The angler or boat with the highest total weight in each category wins first place; second and third places are awarded based on the next highest totals. Tie-breaking rules (usually based on the largest single fish caught) are explained in the tournament rules. Prize money and trophies are awarded at a formal ceremony held the evening after the final day of fishing.
Preparing your boat and tackle for Mediterranean conditions
The Mediterranean off Monaco is clearer and warmer than Atlantic waters, which changes how fish behave and what tackle works best. Grouper and dentex respond well to live bait — typically small mackerel or sardines — presented near rocky structure. Your boat needs a good depth finder to locate reefs and drop-offs; many local charter captains use detailed maps of the seabed that show productive fishing grounds. Bring multiple rods rigged for different depths and species, because conditions change throughout the day as the sun angle shifts and water temperature varies.
Summer weather in Monaco is generally stable, but afternoon winds can pick up and make fishing uncomfortable. Ensure your boat is fueled and provisioned for a full day on the water, including fresh water and food for your crew. Sun protection is essential — the Mediterranean sun reflects off the water and burns quickly. Check your boat's safety equipment before the tournament begins: life jackets, first aid kit, flares, and a working radio are required by law and by tournament rules.
Local fishing knowledge and charter options
If you do not own a boat or prefer to fish with someone who knows the local waters, Monaco-based charter captains regularly compete in the Royal Fishing Tournament and often take paying anglers as crew. These captains know the productive reefs, the seasonal movements of different species, and the best techniques for Mediterranean fishing. Booking a charter spot costs more than entering as a boat owner, but you gain access to expertise that can make the difference between a competitive catch and an empty cooler.
Local fishing clubs in Monaco and nearby Menton also organize practice trips and social events leading up to the tournament. These gatherings are a good way to meet other competitors, learn about current conditions, and gather information about which areas are fishing well. Many clubs have members who fish the tournament every year and are willing to share general advice about technique and tackle.
Accommodation and timing your visit
Monaco's hotels fill quickly during the tournament period, particularly in July and August when summer tourism peaks. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to stay overnight — options range from luxury hotels in central Monaco to more modest lodging in nearby Menton or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, both within 20 minutes of the port. If you are traveling with a boat, confirm that your marina has space reserved before you commit to the tournament.
The tournament schedule includes an opening ceremony and captain's briefing the evening before fishing begins, so plan to arrive at least one day early. This gives you time to check in, review the rules packet, and prepare your boat. The closing ceremony and prize awards happen the evening after the final day of fishing, so budget time for that as well if you want to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to release all my fish, or can I keep some to eat?
Most categories are catch-and-release, but some divisions allow retention of certain species. Check the rules packet for your specific category — retention rules change year to year based on stock assessments. If you want to keep fish for the table, ask about retention-permitted categories when you register.
What if I do not have a boat — can I still fish the tournament?
Yes. You can book a spot on a charter boat whose captain is competing, or you can hire a charter captain to enter the tournament with you as a paying angler. This costs more than boat-owner entry but gives you access to local expertise and a vessel equipped for the competition.
When do I need to register, and what happens if the tournament fills up?
Registration typically opens in April for the summer tournament and closes in June, though this varies year to year. The Monaco Port Authority announces the exact dates each spring. If the tournament reaches capacity, you can join a waiting list in case spots open up due to cancellations.
What species are most commonly caught in the tournament?
Grouper and dentex are the most popular categories because they are abundant in Mediterranean reefs near Monaco. Amberjack and mixed pelagics attract anglers who prefer deeper-water fishing. Seasonal availability shifts — spring and early summer favor grouper; late summer and fall see more pelagic activity.
Is there a minimum fish size, or can I weigh anything I catch?
Yes, minimum sizes apply to all species to protect juvenile fish. These minimums are set by Monaco's fishing regulations and are listed in the tournament rules packet. Fish below the minimum size are not counted, even if you bring them to the weigh station.