Sorted
4
32,00 ft
Calheta, Madeira (PT)
From
$528
Deposit non-refundable
Fishing in Madeira
We, anglers, love fishing in Madeira. Bottom fishing produces all kinds of smaller reef fish like Snapper, Jack, Sea Bream, Skate, Dentex and many other local species....
Read more..We, anglers, love fishing in Madeira. Bottom fishing produces all kinds of smaller reef fish like Snapper, Jack, Sea Bream, Skate, Dentex and many other local species. The big game fishing charters in Madeira target Blue Marlin, Tuna, White Marlin, short bill Spearfish, Albacore, Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo.
Madeira, - which means wood in Portuguese - is an island located 400km north of Tenerife and 550km west of the country of Morocco. The island has a volcanic origin and there are peaks of up to 1860 metres. Madeira is known for its wine, the flowers, the great hotels, surfing and its the home of football great, Cristiano Ronaldo.
SEE AVAILABILITY FROM FISHING CHARTER
Most popular fishing boats charters in Madeira
Reviews from the users
Wow! What an experinece! Those guys know how to fish! It was our first time fishing in the ocean and we all liked it a lot! Plus we got 10 fish, that we later grilled.
Thank you for your friendliness and greatness! Such a cool guys to spend hours in the ocean!
Thank you!
Kelly Nevolihhin
11 boats for charter near by Madeira
Our nearest destinations in Madeira
Tips & Tricks, bait and more
The archipelago of Madeira is situated southwest of Portugal, less than 400km north of Tenerife (Canary Islands). The archipelago consists of the Madeira island, Porto Santo and Desertas. The area was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1419, today Madeira is a popular tourist destination known for its wine, flowers, landscapes and its famous fireworks displays.
Local Fish Species in Madeira
There are many species of fish that can be found in the local waters. Some of the most common fish species that can be caught in Madeira include marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo.
Blue Marlin fishing in Madeira
Big game fishing in Madeira means targeting Blue Marlin. This fish is one of the most respected and well-known species around the world for its size, strength and power. Known for performing impressive jumps during the fight, Blue Marlin can reach a size of 4.3m and weigh more than 1200 pounds (500kg).
Fishing Blue Marlin is full of emotion and action, attracting thousands of fishermen from around the world each year, to try their luck at catching a Grander. Many world record-sized Marlins have been caught in the waters of Madeira.
Fishing in Madeira has earned itself much fame since the ‘70s when fishermen began to capture specimens of over 1000 pounds (450 kg). Every May, the first Blue Marlin reach the waters of this archipelago and fishermen go to these islands each season to put their skills to the test.
Billfish fishing in Madeira is always catch & release! After the fight, they are tagged and released alive to ensure the preservation of the species. The best place to fish them in Madeira is to the south of the island. Thanks to the high mountains of the island, the sea here is protected from the prevailing winds from the Northeast and North.
White marlin
The average weight of the White Marlin is about 20 to 30 kg and they usually move in small groups in waters more than 100m deep. The White Marlin feeds on a wide variety of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. The best time for fishing White Marlin in Madeira is between July and November and these summer months can also result in catches of species like the short bill Spearfish.
Tuna
Bluefin Tuna and Bigeye Tuna can be found off Madeira between February and November; the best months for Tuna fishing in Madeira are October & November. Albacore and Yellowfin Tuna are around from October to January.
Dorado
The Dolphinfish is highly sought after not only for its meat but also for its acrobatic leaps and its intense yellow colour. In Madeira, the best way to target Mahi Mahi is trolling with light tackle – and in certain areas you can also catch this predator chumming and spinning. Both techniques produce great results. Dorado fishing in Madeira is best between June and September (when the marlin is around)
Wahoo
This predator has razor sharp teeth and is found around the world in tropical and subtropical waters. Wahoo are famous for their impressive speed and prized meat. They can be up to two and a half meters long when fully grown and can weigh 83kg. Wahoo is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures.
Top sport fishing species in Madeira
-
![]()
Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside.
MORE INFO >Dorado
-
![]()
The Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) has large eyes and long pectoral fins. This is why this species is also known as longfin tuna. The largest Albacore can reach up to 140 cm (4.6ft) and weigh up to 40 kg (90lb).
MORE INFO >Albacore
-
![]()
The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. The magnificent fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. Blue Marlin is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >Blue Marlin
-
![]()
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have long and largemouths with teeth.
MORE INFO >Wahoo
-
![]()
The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a pelagic fish that can grow up to 500kg (1000lb). The biggest Bluefin Tuna ever caught was 780kg (1496lb). These great fighters can be caught trolling, jigging, casting or drifting; mainly off-shore.
MORE INFO >Bluefin Tuna
FISHING SEASON IN Madeira
Autumn and winter
The winter months in the Madeira fishing season are ideal for deep-sea fishing, you can have excellent sessions of bottom fishing or jigging in Madeira. The irregular and rocky bottoms are an attractive habitat for Red Snapper, Pink Dentex, Amberjack, Red Grouper, Mackerel and other sedentary species.
From the end of January, tuna fishing in Madeira starts slowly with the arrival of Bluefin Tuna and the patudos (Bigeye tuna), which are mainly caught trolling.
Spring and summer
Big game fishing Madeira starts late May with the arrival of Blue Marlin and White Marlin. August & September are the best months. Other pelagic species like Wahoo & Dorado are also around when the waters are nice and warm around the island, just like the Algarve in Portugal.
TOURISM & OTHER ACTIVITIES
Shopping in Madeira, Eating out, Walking & Hiking, Whale & dolphin spotting safaris, Scuba Diving, Sailing, Beaches & Swimming pools, Surfing, Canyoning.
Enjoy the local food in the hundreds of bars & restaurants in the area. Madeira’s nightlife, fine dining, perfect climate and spectacular scenery attracts more and more young travellers to the island.
Funchal fishing, Calheta etc.
LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS
For all your Madeira fishing trips, you need a fishing license to fish in freshwater and saltwater (also for Madeira beach sea fishing). The fishing charters in Madeira normally have the fishing license included in the price, so you don't need to buy one if you're chartering a boat.
Do I need a fishing license in Madeira?
Although there are few controls from local authorities, you need a fishing license to fish in Madeira. There are a few restrictions where you cannot fish but they are marked; for example: you can't fish in the marinas.
Most fishing charter companies include the cost of a fishing license in their package or trip price. Some may require you to obtain your own fishing license prior to the trip. It's important to check with the charter company beforehand to see if a fishing license is included or if you need to obtain one separately.
How much does it cost to rent a boat to fish in Madeira?
Depending on the charter fishing boat and on the duration of your fishing tour, you’ll pay more or less for the tour. The price for a private 4 hour Madeira fishing trip is 450€. An 8 hour private trip will cost you 900€ to 1200€, depending on whether you are looking for inshore or offshore fishing.
What does the price include?
The price usually includes the captain, fishing tackle, fuel, bait & lures, taxes and fishing licenses. On every listing we indicate whether drinks and food are included.
Once you’ve made a booking, the captain will contact you to arrange the meeting point and the departure time. Also, we recommend you contact the captain a couple of days before the tour to confirm the weather forecast.
Key takeaways
| Avg Capacity: | 5 people |
|---|---|
| Popular fishing techniques: | Jigging, Bottom Fishing, Tuna fishing |
| Average price: | $0 per day |
| Low season price: | $792 per day |
| High season price: | $1585 per day |
| Included: | Fishing tackle, Fishing License, Bait & lures |
Frequently asked questions about fishing in Madeira
According to our customers, some of the most popular fishing charters in Madeira are:
Sorted
Madeira Fishing Charters
MY Balancal
The Lara Jade
Sorted
Madeira Fishing Charters
MY Balancal
The Lara Jade
Depending on the boat, a fishing charter in Madeira can accommodate up to 8 passangers, although most charters are for 5 people.
Typically in a charter in Madeira, a fishing boat charter will include the use of the boat, Fishing tackle, Fishing License, Bait & lures. Some charters may also include Snacks and Drinks, while others may allow you to bring your own.
Renting a fishingboat in Madeira costs on average $161 per hour. Many factors influence the price of a boat charter, such as the duration of the trip (and distance to the fishing grounds), the size of the boat or the fishing technique. Prices can range from $475 for 4 hours and 4 people to $1585 for 7 hours and 5 people.
In Madeira, you can fish:
Yellowfin Tuna
Blue Marlin
Albacore
Bigeye Tuna
Dorado
. Fishing regulations may vary, so make sure to check them before you go to Madeira. We recommend Catch & Release, especially for undersized fish (for example using barbless hooks).
Yellowfin Tuna
Blue Marlin
Albacore
Bigeye Tuna
Dorado
. Fishing regulations may vary, so make sure to check them before you go to Madeira. We recommend Catch & Release, especially for undersized fish (for example using barbless hooks).
In Madeira you can do a variety of fishing methods including Jigging, Bottom Fishing, Tuna fishing, Trolling, Marlin fishing, Deep sea fishing. Regulations and restrictions vary depending on the species.
