Introduction: A New Obsession on Java’s Eastern Banyuwangi Fishing Spots Tip
Banyuwangi. Mention the name, and most people immediately picture Ijen Crater or the giant waves of G-Land. But for me, a passionate angler, Banyuwangi represents an unfulfilled promise—a treasure map scattered with 17 exceptional fishing spots, ranging from tranquil mountains to the challenging Indian Ocean.
In recent months, I’ve successfully conquered five of the locations widely touted as the “Comfortable Fishing Spots 2025.” These five spots have provided me with invaluable lessons about the character of Banyuwangi’s waters. The remaining ten? They are still a mystery, but one I’m prepared for, armed with crucial intelligence gathered from local fishermen I met at Muncar and Boom harbors.
This journal is a record of my journey, an analysis of the spots, and a detailed plan for my upcoming expedition. This is more than just a list; it is a dedicated angler’s guide to finding both peace and the heart-stopping adrenaline rush of a monster hookup in Banyuwangi’s exotic waters.
5 Spots I Have Conquered: Hard-Won Lessons from the Field
My experience at these five locations has given me a deep understanding of the necessary techniques, lures, and optimal fishing times.
1. Muncar Harbor: Authenticity and the Skipjack Fight
Muncar is the bustling heart of Banyuwangi’s fishing industry. I arrived well before dawn. The noise, the smell of fish, and the hustle of the auction became the mandatory soundtrack. I didn’t fish from the main pier but hired a small boat typically used by local fishermen for lining around the Bali Strait.
My Experience: We focused on popping and casting near several artificial reefs. My best catch was a Skipjack Tuna weighing about 4 kg, along with several large Mackerel caught using a 40-gram blue-silver metal jig.
Gear Used: PE 3 Rod, 4000 Reel, 40 lb Shock Leader.
The Takeaway: The access is easy, boat rentals are abundant, and a catch is almost guaranteed. However, it is intensely crowded, making a quiet, relaxing session nearly impossible.
2. Bajul Mati Dam (Waduk Bajul Mati): Zen on the Water
This spot is the complete antithesis of Muncar. The atmosphere at Bajul Mati Dam is incredibly peaceful, with hill views that truly spoil the eye—people call it the inland version of Raja Ampat. I tried fishing from one of the floating rafts rented by the locals.
My Experience: I used simple float and bottom fishing techniques. While not an extreme fight, the sensation of pulling plump Tilapia (Mujair) and Nile Tilapia (Nila) from the calm water was incredibly soothing. I briefly had a hard pull from a Patin Catfish that managed to break free near the raft.
Gear Used: Lightweight telescopic rod, 2000 Reel, worms, and pellets as bait.
The Takeaway: It is perfectly suited for relaxation and family outings. The water is calm and the air is cool. It lacks the challenge of big-game fishing, however.
3. Red Island Beach (Pantai Pulau Merah): Romantic Sunset Casting
I chose to fish from the rock outcrop on the western side of the beach during the sunset hours. The waves here are manageable, unlike Grajagan, but still provide a decent challenge.
My Experience: I focused on casting near the rocky edges with a small minnow. I managed to land a small Red Snapper (around 1 kg) and several aggressive Reef Groupers. The vibrant red sunset was a priceless bonus.
Gear Used: PE 2 Rod, 3000 Reel, 9 cm natural-colored minnow lure.
The Takeaway: The view is outstanding, making it great for anglers who prioritize scenery. You must be careful with the tide and sudden wave surges.
4. Boom Port (Pelabuhan Boom): Light Tackle in the City Center
Boom Port is highly accessible, situated right in the city center. I chose a spot at the end of the pier for a night session.
My Experience: I concentrated on light jigging and bottom fishing with live shrimp bait. The catches were dominated by Rabbitfish (Baronang) and smaller Grouper. The Baronang’s quick, erratic pulls make the fight exciting despite the smaller size. I even tried squid jigging (ngotrek) and caught a few cephalopods.
Gear Used: Ultra Light (UL) or PE 1 rod, 1000 Reel, live shrimp or fresh squid bait.
The Takeaway: Very comfortable, safe, and easily accessible, making it ideal for a quick after-work session. It can get crowded with visitors and ferry traffic is disruptive.
5. Kalibendo River (Sungai Kalibendo): Soothing the Soul
This is a freshwater spot in the cool mountainous area of Glagah. The environment is refreshing and completely natural, perfect for soul therapy.
My Experience: I simply sat by the riverbank, using a simple handline like the locals suggested. I managed to catch a few decently sized Nile Tilapia and Catfish. The water was clear, allowing me to watch the fish approach the bait.
Gear Used: Traditional fishing line and simple worm bait.
The Takeaway: Cool air, quiet atmosphere, free access, and incredibly relaxing. Catches are limited to local freshwater species.
The Untouched 10 Banyuwangi Fishing Spots : Secret Intel from Local Fishermen
These ten locations are the targets for my next expedition. The crucial intel comes from serious conversations with Mbah Jarwo, a senior fisherman in Muncar, and several charter anglers in Tanjung Wangi.
A. Ocean Challenges (The Big Game Targets)
These spots are high-risk but promise the most spectacular rewards.
6. Grajagan Beach: Mbah Jarwo emphasizes that this is where the Marlin, Tuna, and Wahoo (Tenggiri) run. My tactical plan is trolling with live bait or large lures at first light. Chartering an experienced boat is non-negotiable here. I need to be ready with heavy tackle (PE 6 and above).
7. Green Bay (Teluk Hijau): The locals tell me this area is abundant with Barracuda and large Rabbitfish. I plan to cast from the secluded cliffs or hidden river mouth. Necessary preparation includes permits from the Alas Purwo National Park and ample supplies due to its remote nature.
8. Tabuhan Island (Pulau Tabuhan): This is the prime spot for Red Snapper, GT (Giant Trevally), and Grouper. My plan involves popping and jigging around the island’s coral clusters. The key, according to the Muncar crew, is targeting the drop-offs near the island. I must rent a speedboat from Watudodol to reach it.
B. Comfortable Coastal and Estuary Spots
These locations promise good catches without needing to venture far offshore, making them excellent for family trips.
9. Cemara Beach (Pantai Cemara): This is recommended for light, relaxing fishing, mainly targeting small fish and Squid. I’ll bring my light tackle and squid jigs for a calm evening session with ample shade from the cypress trees.
10. Mustika Beach (Pantai Mustika): Fishermen here target Snapper and Grouper using bottom fishing with small fish bait. The location is known for its quiet, serene environment, perfect for a peaceful sunset fishing session.
11. Wedi Ireng Beach: Although the access is challenging (requiring a boat rental), the secluded nature suggests unpressured fishing grounds. Locals report excellent Rabbitfish and Grouper catches. I plan to use casting techniques from the rocky shores.
12. Santen Island (Pulau Santen): This tranquil spot is suitable for slow-paced fishing, often yielding Sea Tilapia and Pomfret. Simple bait fishing with small shrimp is the preferred technique here.
13. Pangpang Bay (Teluk Pangpang): This estuary area is noted for Mullet (Belanak), Shrimp, and Pomfret. The wooden pier is the focus, especially during low tide. The local tip here is to use moss (lumut) as bait specifically for Mullet.
C. Infrastructure and Developing Spots
These two spots are near key infrastructure, offering unparalleled ease of access.
14. Tanjung Wangi Port: Although busy, the deep water just outside the pier is ideal for vertical jigging at night, with small GT and Amberjack being the targets. I’m preparing my medium tackle specifically for this night expedition. The quick drop-off makes it unique.
15. Krajan Bengkak Wongsorejo: This fishing village spot is recommended for local coastal fish species. My plan is to explore the estuary area and the breakwaters, focusing on small lures and natural bait, aiming for an authentic fishing experience amidst the local community.
Conclusion: The Adventure Awaits
Five spots have taught me about Banyuwangi’s beauty and challenges. Bajul Mati offers tranquility, while Muncar provides authentic adrenaline.
The remaining ten locations, armed with direct intelligence from the sea’s veterans, represent different levels of adventure—from serious Big Game in the Indian Ocean to comfortable, shaded fishing under the Cemara trees.
My goal for 2026 is to complete this list of 15 spots, not just for the catches, but to celebrate every unique experience Banyuwangi offers—as a truly comfortable destination for recreation, and a challenging arena for any serious angler.
May the lines always be tight!