Fishing in Madeira is centered in the Portuguese archipelago located less than 400km north of Tenerife (Canary Islands). The archipelago consists of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas. Discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1419, today it is a popular tourist destination for its wines, flowers, landscapes and its famous fireworks.
TOP SPECIES
Blue Marlin: The Blue Marlin is one of the most respected and celebrated species worldwide, for its size, strength and fighting. Known for the impressive leaps it makes during combat, the Blue Marlin can reach a size of 4.3 meters and weigh more than 1200 pounds (500kg). Fishing for Marlin, full of excitement and action, attracts thousands of Anglers from all over the world to Madeira to try their luck: fishing for the "Grander".
Every year, around the month of May, this species arrives in the waters of this archipelago. Fishing for Marlin in Madeira has become very famous since the 70's, when specimens of more than 1000 pounds (about 450 kg) were caught. Anglers and skippers come down to these islands every season to put their skills to the test. Responsible fishing is usually practiced with these predators: after catching them they are tagged and released alive to ensure the conservation of the species.
The best fishing area in Madeira for Marlin is in the south of the island. Protected by the high cliffs, here the sea is not as punished by the prevailing winds from the Northeast as in the North. Fishing is generally done a few miles offshore. The seabed drops off sharply as soon as you leave the harbor and can reach 3000 m.
White Marlin: The white marlin inhabits the Atlantic Ocean. It is distinguished from its big brother, the Blue Marlin - by its smaller wingspan and also by having a more rounded dorsal fin. It is also quickly recognized by its bright electric blue stripes. Its average weight is between 20 and 30 kg approximately. It tends to move in small groups of several individuals in waters deeper than 100 m.
The White Marlin feeds on a wide variety of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. The best time for White Marlin Fishing in Madeira is between June and November.
The summer months we can also find the species such as the Imperial Marlin.
Tuna: The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) or also known as Bluefin Tuna or Cimarron, is a fish of the Scombridae family. It is a species that can weigh up to 600 kilograms, which makes it one of the most prized species by Anglers.
At the end of January, the bigeye tuna (bigeye tuna) arrive, forming large schools in April and May. As spring progresses, the Tuna grow and in summer they reach a weight of 80 kg. In summer the Albacore and Bonitos appear, excellent fighters for fishing with lighter tackle. Bluefin tuna make their entrance towards the end of the summer, as well as wahoo. Big schools of wahoo are chasing mackerel, marlin or other small fish in little water.
Dorado: The Llampuga is highly coveted not only for its meat, but also for its acrobatic jumps and its intense yellow color.
Trolling with light tackle is the most common method of fishing for dolphinfish in Madeira. But when the exact sites where specimens of this species can be found are known, methods such as baiting and spinning can bring very good results.
Wahoo: This razor-toothed predator is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. Anglers know it for its speed and prized meat. It is an elongated fish with very small scales. Its dark back has radiant blue vertical stripes. Wahoo have been caught up to 2.5 meters long and weighing up to 83 kg.
The wahoo can reach a speed of up to 95 km/h and is therefore called the fastest animal in the sea. The "Wahoo" is fished mainly by trolling with artificial lures.
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Of all the islands Madeira is the largest with an area of 741 km² (57 km long and 22 km wide). It is an island paradise with a climate that promotes the proliferation of diverse species of both fauna and flora.
Its coasts are home to, among many other marine species, Groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), Sargos (Diplodus sargus), Bodião (Sparisoma cretense), Snappers (Pagrus pagru), Garoupa (Serranus atricauda), several species of Tuna, Charuteiro (Seriola spp.), Chicharros (Trachurus picturatus), Espadim Azul (Makaira nigricans), Cavacos (Scyllarides latus) and Lapas (Patella piperata) very appreciated in Madeira's gastronomy.
In addition, in the deeper waters of the archipelago you can observe whales, dolphins, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and monk seals (Monachus monachus).
WEATHER
Fishing in Madeira has a Mediterranean climate even though it is in the Atlantic. During Fishing in Madeira, sunshine is abundant most of the time and the temperature is moderate. There is some humidity between the two regions facing the northern and southern part of the island. The best time to visit Madeira is from June to September, as this is when the summer has optimal conditions for a perfect vacation.
October to November is considered autumn with warm days and chances of rain and thunderstorms from time to time. Winter Fishing in Madeira rarely registers temperatures below 10ºC and often enjoys warm weather all day long.
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