Big Game Fishing | FEATURE
Big game fishing is one of the most exciting , exhilarating sports – if you have a lot of patience ! You can hang around for hours without a nibble , but when that big fish does come along , the adrenalin rush is worth the long wait .
Madeira has been one of the world ’ s most popular destinations for big game fishing for the last 40 years . In 1973 , the first Atlantic blue marlin was ‘ officially ’ landed , by Dr António Ribeiro - a magnificent beast reportedly weighing in at 740 lbs ( the fish , not Dr . Ribeiro !) His sons , Antonio and Joe still take to the seas in pursuit of the ‘ Big One ’.
The island is ideally placed at the migratory route for large game fish and the depths teem with sea life . The summer months , between May and October , bring with them an abundance of sleek shark , Atlantic blue marlin and other splendid billfish . In winter , from February through to late April when Madeira ’ s warm aqua marine waters turn a cooler shade of green . the change in the weather draws in feisty Bluefin , albacore and bigeye tuna , among other species that swim near the surface .
Over the past few years , some of the world ’ s largest blue marlin have been caught off Madeira . Every July 4th , the Blue Marlin World Cup - the only worldwide blue marlin fishing tournament – takes place and Madeira has been the location of winning teams in 1995 , 1996 and 1997 , narrowly missing out for a fourth time in 2000 .
One way to enjoy the best of big game fishing is to charter the private sport-fishing vessel , such as the Balancal , which is moored at Funchal marina . This is available exclusively for residents and guests of Palheiro Estate and the powerful , twin-engine motor yacht is suitable for eight persons and has a fly bridge with covered helm position . An original Pompanette fighting chair , all the way from Florida , is positioned at the stern .
A day out on the ocean in search of the ‘ Big One ’ is an adrenaline-fuelled adventure . The steely-eyed Atlantic blue marlin is smart and swift , a cunning adversary and the ultimate catch for any angler . To land a fish like this takes skill , courage and a boatload of respect for one of nature ’ s most majestic and aweinspiring creatures .
Guests of Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro can have their catch of dourado , tuna , wahoo and blue fish cooked for them . Billfish , which include shark and marlin , are released after being caught . The Balancal can also be chartered for more leisurely pursuits like whale and dolphin watching , coastal cruises , swimming , and special excursions .
For further information go to : www . madeira-marlin . com
The average weight of a marlin is around 700 lbs , although about one in ten landed is that ‘ fish of a lifetime ’ - the grander blue marlin . These huge creatures swim in predominantly calm blue waters , with the run to reach these leviathans practically non-existent .
In fact , it is not uncommon to catch fish within one kilometre of Funchal marina ! Big eye tuna in excess of 150 lbs are regularly caught , with some even weighing in at over 200 lbs . Albacore , while not so big , still prove a worthwhile adversary and can be lured using lighter tackle .
| www . madeira-life . net | Summer 2012 | 17