Frequently Asked Questions about Game Fishing Madeira

Yes. Madeira is regarded as one of World’s premier destinations for big game fishing, particularly for Atlantic blue marlin.

The island's volcanic geography gives anglers an unusual advantage. The seabed drops rapidly into deep Atlantic water close to the island, providing access to deep-water fishing grounds without the long slog offshore required at many other destinations.

Madeira also lies on important migratory routes for large pelagic species, including blue marlin and tuna. The combination of deep water, warm Atlantic conditions and abundant marine life makes Madeira an exceptional destination for serious sport fishing.

Madeira has developed an international reputation for Atlantic blue marlin because large numbers of these powerful fish pass through the surrounding waters during the warmer months.

Blue marlin are the principal target species for Madeira's big game fishing fleet, and the island has a long history of producing World Record fish. The waters around Madeira have also hosted major international blue-marlin tournaments.

For anglers specifically interested in pursuing a trophy blue marlin, Madeira is one of the destinations that belongs on the shortlist.

One of Madeira's greatest advantages for big game fishing is the exceptional depth of the Atlantic close to the island.

In some areas, water around 1,000 metres deep can be reached only a short distance from the coast. This means that anglers can reach serious offshore fishing grounds only minutes after leaving Funchal Marina.

This unusual combination of steep underwater terrain and open Atlantic waters is one of the reasons Madeira is such an important big game fishing destination.

Madeira's offshore waters support a wide variety of game fish, with the species available changing throughout the year. Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter:

• Atlantic blue marlin
• White marlin
• Spearfish - 3 species. Short bill - Long bill and Round scale.
• Bigeye tuna. (BET)
• Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. (BFT)
• Albacore tuna
• Wahoo
• Dorado (mahi-mahi and Pompano Dolphin)
• Swordfish
• Skipjack tuna
• Amberjack
• Barracuda

Blue marlin are the principal big-game target during the main summer season, while tuna and other pelagic species provide bycatch and action at other times of the year.

Madeira is capable of producing exceptionally large Atlantic blue marlin. The average weight over the years varies from 720 lb to 750 lb. During good years, one in ten is over 1000.

However, a fish of 1000 is exceptional rather than something that should be expected on any particular trip. Big game fishing is wild fishing, and conditions, fish movements and feeding activity can change from day to day.

Yes. Madeira has produced many blue marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds including world records.

These exceptionally large fish are often referred to by big-game anglers as "grander" blue marlin. Catching one is a remarkable achievement, however, and no responsible captain can guarantee that an angler will encounter a fish of any particular size.

The excitement of Madeira's blue-marlin fishery comes from knowing that genuinely enormous fish are present in these waters.

The best time depends on the species you want to target.

For anglers whose primary goal is blue marlin, the main season generally runs from late spring through autumn, with May June July August and September historically producing but with June / July being particularly productive months. This hotspot can shift from one year to the next and prospective anglers would be well advised to contact the captain and get an update on the best advice.

Other species, including tuna, wahoo and dorado, provide additional opportunities at different times of the year.

If your primary objective is blue marlin, June and July are historically among the strongest months.

Research into Madeira's blue-marlin fishery has found a clear seasonal pattern, with blue marlin becoming particularly prevalent around June and July.

That does not mean that June or July guarantees a catch. Ocean temperature, currents, baitfish, weather and the movements of the fish all influence what happens on any particular day.

Yes. but only if there is unseasonable warm water.

Blue marlin can be encountered outside the peak summer period, although the probability generally changes as the season progresses.

The main blue-marlin period is broadly associated with late spring, summer and early autumn. For anglers travelling specifically to target blue marlin, the peak summer months are normally the preferred choice.

Fishing opportunities exist throughout much of the year, although the species and style of fishing change with the seasons.

The main blue-marlin season is concentrated in the warmer months. Outside the peak marlin period, anglers may target tuna and other pelagic species depending on local conditions and fish availability.

If your priority is a particular species, it is best to contact us before booking so that we can discuss the most appropriate time of year.

The Katherine B is a 40-foot Nelson sport-fishing vessel with a fascinating history.

Originally constructed in 1967 as a Royal Navy gunboat for service in Abu Dhabi, the vessel was subsequently rebuilt and refitted for big game fishing.

Today, the Katherine B is equipped specifically for serious offshore sport fishing around Madeira.

All standard fishing tackle is provided at no additional charge.

The Katherine B carries professional big-game equipment, including Penn International 130-class outfits and Shimano 80s.

A full selection of professional big-game lures is also onboard.

Anglers who have particular light-tackle requirements or who wish to bring their own rods, reels or lures should discuss their requirements with the crew before the trip.

No.

You do not need to be an experienced big-game angler to fish aboard the Katherine B.

Captain Peter Bristow and the crew can explain the techniques involved and guide you throughout the experience. If you are an experienced angler, there is also plenty of opportunity to discuss tackle, techniques and your preferred style of fishing with the captain.

Blue marlin are commonly targeted using offshore trolling techniques with large artificial lures.

The crew selects tackle, lure patterns and fishing techniques according to the conditions and the species being targeted.

The aim is not simply to put a lure in the water. Successful big-game fishing involves understanding the sea conditions, bait, currents, temperature and behaviour of the fish.

The duration of a fishing trip depends on the charter arranged with Fish Madeira.

Because the deep-water fishing grounds are relatively close to Madeira, valuable fishing time can be spent actually fishing rather than travelling for hours to reach offshore waters.

Please contact us for the current trip options and available charter durations.

The Katherine B operates from Funchal Marina, Madeira.

The marina provides convenient access to the deep Atlantic waters off Madeira's south coast and the fishing grounds for which the island is famous.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing
• Non-slip footwear
• Polaroid Sunglasses
• A hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• A light waterproof jacket
• Camera or smartphone
• Any personal medication you normally require

Conditions at sea can change, so it is sensible to bring an additional lightweight layer even when the weather on land is warm.

Yes. Even experienced travellers can experience seasickness when spending time offshore.

Madeira's south coast can provide relatively quick access to deep water, but the Atlantic is an ocean and sea conditions can change.

If you are prone to seasickness, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before travelling about appropriate preventative medication, and tell the crew before departure.

Big game fishing can be an exciting experience for families, particularly where older children or teenagers are comfortable spending several hours at sea.

However, the Katherine B is a dedicated big-game fishing boat rather than a sightseeing excursion. Anyone considering bringing children should discuss their age and requirements with us before booking.

Yes, experienced anglers are welcome to discuss bringing their own equipment.

However, because big-game tackle is highly specialised, we recommend contacting the crew in advance so that we can check that your equipment is appropriate for the fishing planned.

The Katherine B already carries professional big-game tackle, so bringing your own equipment is not necessary.

Safety always comes first.

The captain will assess the weather and sea conditions before and during the trip and will make the final decision about whether it is safe to go to sea.

If conditions are unsuitable, the trip may need to be postponed or rearranged. Our current cancellation and rescheduling conditions should be confirmed when making your booking.

Tag and release is a conservation practice used to release billfish after they have been caught while collecting valuable information about the fish.

A scientific tag can help researchers learn more about fish movements, growth, distribution and survival.

The Katherine B follows a tag-and-release policy for billfish, helping to preserve these remarkable fish for future generations.

No.

The Katherine B practises tag and release for billfish.

Blue marlin are released rather than retained, reflecting our commitment to responsible sport fishing and the conservation of these magnificent fish.

Blue marlin are highly migratory fish that can travel enormous distances through the Atlantic.

Responsible catch and release allows anglers to experience the challenge of catching these extraordinary fish while giving them the opportunity to return to the ocean.

It also supports the collection of information that can improve understanding of billfish populations and movements.

Responsible big game fishing can be practised alongside conservation.

For billfish, the Katherine B follows a tag-and-release approach rather than retaining the fish. Careful handling and rapid release are important parts of responsible billfish fishing.

Madeira's established catch-and-release billfish fishery has also provided useful data for scientific research into blue marlin populations and seasonal movements.

The combination of Madeira's volcanic underwater geography, deep Atlantic water close to shore, migratory fish populations and long history of big-game fishing makes the island unusual.

Anglers can reach deep-water fishing grounds relatively quickly after leaving Funchal, while the surrounding waters attract powerful pelagic species including blue marlin and tuna.

For anglers specifically interested in Atlantic blue marlin, Madeira offers the opportunity to fish waters with a genuine history of trophy fish.

Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Azores are all established Atlantic sport-fishing destinations, but they offer different fishing environments and seasonal patterns.

Madeira is particularly renowned for its Atlantic blue-marlin fishery and the proximity of deep water to the island.

Rather than claiming that one destination is universally "better", the right choice depends on the species you want to target, the time of year you are travelling and the type of fishing experience you are looking for.

If you are travelling during the main blue-marlin season, particularly June, July or August, we recommend booking as early as possible.

The number of fishing days available on a specialist vessel is naturally limited, and anglers travelling specifically for blue marlin often plan their trips up to one year in advance.

Absolutely.

You do not need to be travelling to Madeira specifically for fishing. Many anglers combine a fishing charter with a holiday on the island.

Because the fishing grounds are accessible from Funchal, a big-game fishing trip can be incorporated into a wider Madeira itinerary.

No responsible fishing captain should promise a catch.

Blue marlin are wild animals and their presence depends on natural factors including water temperature, currents, bait availability, weather and fish movement.

What we can provide is the experience, local knowledge, professional equipment and expertise necessary to give you the best possible opportunity to encounter one of these magnificent fish.

And sometimes, that uncertainty is what makes big game fishing so exciting.

To discuss fishing dates, target species, charter arrangements and your requirements, contact Captain Peter Bristow and the Fish Madeira team.

We will be happy to discuss the best options for your visit to Madeira and help you plan your time aboard the Katherine B.