In the shadow of the steep cliffs of Madeira lies one of the most intriguing blue marlin fisheries on the planet. This rugged island sits about 500 miles southeast of the Azores and 250 miles northwest of the Canary Islands, in a stretch that makes up the most popular track for anglers making the trip to the East Atlantic in search of large pelagics. The 34-mile-long Portuguese island can claim some of the most epic fishing anywhere, and drew legends like Peter B. Wright and Peter Bristow to set up shop here during the 1990s. Something about the place lends itself to big fish, with fish under 500 pounds reported to be a rarity, and multiple world records and scores of granders to its credit. And while the bite can be fickle, the island itself makes it one of the most pleasant places I’ve been to wait on a bite.

How to Travel to Madeira for Marlin Fishing

Flying to Madeira from the US will require a layover in a European country, as there are currently no direct flights offered. If you’re bringing your own boat, the closest point to be dropped off by ship is typically Gran Canary, which is about a 250-mile crossing. Mediterranean offloads are also common in this region, but that will obviously require a longer passage to reach the island. Most often, Madeira is a stop off by boats fishing the most popular East Atlantic blue marlin hotspots, working their way from Cape Verde to the Canaries, then on to Madeira and the Azores. If you’re bringing your own boat, it’s important to note that the marina power is the standard European 240V and 50Hz frequency, so you’ll need to bring adapters. Reliable fuel can be found at the marinas at both Calheta and Funchal. There are also limited slips for larger vessels, so be sure to make arrangements ahead of time to ensure you have a berth upon arrival.

Exploring Madeira’s Vertical Landscape and Affordable Accommodations

It’s hard to describe how vertical the landscape of Madeira is without experiencing it for yourself. The marina at Calheta is the main hub for sport fishing, and the marina lies directly underneath a cliff that’s over 500 feet tall and has been plastered and fenced in what seems to be a successful effort to stop the rock slides that used to frequent this area. There is also another larger marina that’s located in Funchal, the largest city on the island, but at the time of this writing the entrance was said to be a bit shallow, especially for larger boats. The roads of Madeira are an engineering marvel as well, with tunnels blasted through the mountains to bypass the otherwise steep and winding mountain roads that traverse the island. The main roads are all very well maintained but you’ll want a small car if you plan on renting here, since the local access streets and parking here is much smaller and narrower than what you might be used to in the US.

The food in Madeira is exceptional also, with some great restaurants and bars in walking distance in Calheta, with many more options if you’re willing to drive a short distance or take a cab. There are plenty of awesome options for food and drink along in Funchal as well, with its cobblestone streets. Some of the local specialties include espetadas, which are either steak or chicken placed on long skewers and grilled to perfection, and bolo do cocoa, a circular bread that’s spread with garlic and butter. Madeira is also known for its rum and its strong local wine, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without sampling Poncha—a local concoction made with Madeira Rum. Options for accommodations range from the Saccharum Resort right by the marina in Calheta, to Airbnb rentals with even more choices in Funchal.

I found the prices in Madeira to be very affordable compared to many other marlin fishing destinations, especially when you consider that you’re on a relatively isolated island well off the coast of Europe. A nice dinner with appetizers, mains, dessert, and wine can be had for less than $50 per person at most places. Obviously, there are cheaper places for a quick bite as well or some fine dining options if you want to splurge and try out one of the Michelin star restaurants on the island also.

The Best Times and Techniques for Catching Marlin in Madeira

When it comes to big fish history, few locations can compare to Madeira’s all-time best. Multiple granders have been caught here in the same day and the World Cup held on the Fourth of July has been won here several times. But the other side of Madeira’s blue marlin fishing is that it at times there can be long waits between bites. The typical prime season runs from about May to September, with July and August being the traditional peak. Even during slow years, there is potential for giant blue marlin for those patient enough to put in the time. I’ve been told that the average fish here is over 500 pounds, and catching marlin under about 300 pounds being rare.

Speaking to the local captains, no one has been able to pinpoint exactly what factors go into creating that special blend that brings hordes of giant fish to Madeira, but when it happens the fishing for XL size blue marlin can be as good as it gets. The most common fishing methods here is a trolling a traditional pattern of hooked lures or bait and switch. With the majority of fish being of the large variety, 130s and 80s are the standard here outside of those chasing line class records.

What to Expect When Fishing in Madeira

The other draw of the fishery here is that the primary fishing grounds are close to shore and consistently calm. Most boats drop their riggers as soon as they leave the marina at Calheta, rivaling fisheries like Kona in being able to produce blue marlin within hundreds of yards of the harbor entrance. Marlin have been caught all around the island, but most boats focus on fishing the calm leeward side of the island. Action with 200-plus-pound bigeye tuna can be found in the same areas at times also, with occasional yellowfin mixed in and even giant bluefin tuna. White marlin and spearfish can also be caught here while targeting blues, though they are more of an occasional bycatch. With the late daylight hours of the summer, most big-game boats don’t leave the dock until around 10am. I’m told this is because traditionally, the best bite has been later in the day. There’s not many places you can sleep in and still have a shot at a huge marlin!

With the bankers hours, virtually no run to the calm fishing grounds, and beautiful island views as you troll, Madeira is about as user friendly as it gets for the chance at a giant blue marlin in the Atlantic. It boasts a big-fish pedigree that few places can match, and even in a slow year there are always a few caught and seen. The onshore amenities and friendly locals complete the package, whether you’re chartering one of the local boats or bringing your own. All this makes Madeira a destination that should be on every big-game fisherman’s bucket list.

Story and photos courtesy of Joe Byrum fishing aboard the Sea Weez.