Abstract The Galata Bridge, located at the entrance of the Gulf of Golden Horn, Istanbul, is famous for many fishermen fishing from the bridge. The Bridge was visited regularly to collect the information on the fish species and amount caught, fishing equipment, and number of fishermen from March 2011 to March 2012. Trachurus spp., Spicara spp. and Mugil spp. were typically seen throughout the year. In addition, with seasonal change, 20 fish species were observed. The average number of fishermen was 203 per day, and the estimated total fish catch amount at the Galata Bridge was about 64 tonnes in a year. Number of fishermen found at the Galata Bridge was constant throughout the year. Fishing materials such as fishing rods, fishing lines, baits and fishing weight, were found easily available at the bridge. This is the first systematic study on the fishing and related activities at the Galata Bridge.