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