Funchal
Trips from
US $222
Captain
José Serrão
Funchal, Portugal
100+ reviews
Captain José Serrão was born on Madeira Island in April, 1973. At the age of 15 he emigrated to South Africa with his family, living in Cape Town for 12 years and working for commercial fishing in the area. In the year 2000, he returned to Madeira Island and has since been working as a captain for Madeira Big Game Fishing Company aboard the vessel 'Our Mary.'
Charter
Rating
4.5
166 reviews
4.6
Boat & Equipment
4.6
Captain & Crew
4.2
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (113)
What anglers say
76%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
87%
Recommend this charter
57%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
54%
Caught fish
All reviews (166)
Showing 1 – 5 of 166 reviews
Julie RobsonRepeat angler
United Kingdom•Member since 2023•2 trips5.0VerifiedAlbacore Tuna for my 9 year old!
Full Day Trip - Shared • 3 adults • 1 childWe booked a full-day, seven-hour fishing trip aboard the Our Mary, and what an incredible day it was. The highlight was watching our nine-year-old son hook an albacore tuna. After an amazing 20-minute fight, he managed to land it completely by himself — a moment he will never forget. We also did some bottom fishing, catching a snapper and a grouper, before heading back out trolling. Our son also caught a baby mahi-mahi, which made the day even more special. Along the way, we were lucky enough to see dolphins and a giant manta ray. A fantastic experience from start to finish, with wonderful memories made by the whole family.
Response from CaptainHi family Robson!! Thank you guys so much for such a fantastic 7 hour trip with us!! We are so happy that you guys had such a great day aboard "Our Mary" !!! What an amazing day to build memories with your little one! Great catch of a Tuna for your little one's first time!! And still had a chance to see some dolfins and manta ray! Amazing! Best regards from Captain José and all our team Our Mary to you guys! Tight lines!!
Marc Van DuijnRepeat angler
Netherlands•Member since 2025•3 trips5.0VerifiedBig game vissen met kapitein José
Full Day Trip - Shared • 1 adultErvaring Ik heb twee dagen op marlijn gevist en het was een avontuur om nooit te vergeten. De spanning van het wachten op die ene aanbeet, het uitzicht over de eindeloze zee en het gevoel dat er elk moment iets bijzonders kan gebeuren, maakten deze ervaring uniek. Ik heb helaas geen marlijn gevangen, maar dat hoort bij het vissen. Dat is ook de reden waarom het vissen heet, en niet vangen. Juist die onzekerheid maakt een succesvolle vangst zo bijzonder. Naast het vissen heb ik ook dolfijnen en potvissen gezien, wat de trip extra indrukwekkend maakte. Kapitein José nam de tijd om deze bijzondere momenten te beleven, waardoor het niet alleen om de vangst draaide, maar ook om genieten van de oceaan. Bemanning De bemanning was vriendelijk, professioneel en vol passie. Kapitein José en zijn deckcrew deden er alles aan om de kansen op een aanbeet te vergroten en deelden hun kennis en ervaring met enthousiasme. Door regelmatig van kunstaas en teasers te wisselen, lieten ze zien hoeveel aandacht en expertise er komt kijken bij het vissen op marlijn. Ik voelde me goed begeleid en merkte dat ze echt betrokken waren bij de ervaring. De gezellige gesprekken met José bij het stuurwiel maakten de dagen op zee bovendien extra persoonlijk. De boot was comfortabel, netjes en goed uitgerust. Aan boord was alles uitstekend verzorgd, met een heerlijke lunch en voldoende gekoelde drankjes, allemaal inbegrepen bij de prijs. Dat maakte de lange dagen op zee nog aangenamer. En natuurlijk blijft de mooie anekdote staan: eerst vis, dan bier! Maar ik heb toch dat biertje maar genomen! Tips Wie graag een vis wil vangen maar minder geduld heeft voor het lange wachten dat bij marlijnvissen hoort, kan beter een halve dag big game vissen combineren met een halve dag bodemvissen. Zo combineer je avontuur met meer actie en vergroot je de kans op een vangst. Toch is juist dat geduld een belangrijk onderdeel van het marlijnvissen. De spanning, het wachten en het onverwachte maken een aanbeet uiteindelijk extra bijzonder. Conclusie Voor mij was dit een fantastische ervaring vol avontuur, spanning en mooie herinneringen. Hoewel ik zonder marlijn naar huis ging, kijk ik met een grote glimlach terug op deze twee dagen op zee. De natuur, de bemanning en de complete beleving maakten het absoluut de moeite waard. Ik zou zonder twijfel opnieuw meegaan!
Response from CaptainHi Mr Marc, thank you so much for such a great time out with you! Fantastic how you described our trips, we always try our best to have our customers happy and to take with them a great memory of these fishing trips, because at the end of the day that is what matters. Thank you for everything! Best regards from all our crew boat and office! Captain José
Sven WeisserRepeat angler
Switzerland•Member since 2026•2 trips5.0VerifiedBig Game Experience
Half Day Trip (PM) - Shared • 1 adultCaptain José and his crew make for a great experience fishng on the water. Altough we didnt bring the Big One home we had great half day trip on water. The second tour of my trip with this crew. With his full service package and a super fiendly and optimistic demeanor, a trip with "our Mary" is a must. We saw some dolphins, a whale blow out and other wildlife. If you want a guaranteed catch, Captain José will take you ground fishing where everyone goes home a winner. Only the trophy sized tuna and marlin cant be guaraneed. But with this crew you get a fair shot at catching them.
Response from CaptainHi Mr Sven thank you so much for such a kind review. It was great to have you joining us. You really got the idea of what we try to explain to all out customers, some do understand and some don't... but we always respect that. Thanks for all, you always welcomed!! Best regards, Captain José
Jari KarppinenRepeat angler
Finland•Member since 2025•2 trips5.0VerifiedGreat day at the sea
Full Day Trip - Shared • 2 adultsWe had a fantastic day at sea with the captain and crew. Although we didn’t land any deep-sea tuna this time (which is part of the sport), the experience was outstanding from start to finish. When we switched to bottom fishing, the action really picked up and we caught an impressive number of triggerfish, which made the day even more exciting. The captain and crew were extremely professional, helpful, and patient — especially as I was fishing together with my son. They explained everything clearly, guided us through the techniques, and made sure we felt confident and involved throughout the trip. The weather changed during the day, but we felt completely safe at all times. The crew’s experience was obvious — they handled the conditions calmly and professionally and brought us back to the harbor safely and smoothly. Beyond the fishing, the scenery along the way was beautiful and made the whole trip even more memorable. It was a day full of action, learning, and great moments together. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-run, professional, and enjoyable fishing experience.
Response from CaptainHello Mr Jari good morning, thanks for the good review. All our crew had a fantastic experience with you and your son! It was great day to have you and your son joining us and a pleasure to meet you! Fantastic to know that you really enjoyed the trip!! Best wishes from all our team "Our Mary" to you and hope to see you next time! Tight lines fishermen!
Matt M
Pennsylvania, US•Member since 20264.7VerifiedNEWAccommodating & Knowledgeable Crew - Last Minute Shared Charter Booking
Half Day Trip (AM) - Shared • 1 adultMade a last minute booking for a shared 4 hour AM bottom fishing trip. Crew was extremely friendly and great to go out with. We didn’t catch any trophies however everyone caught at least 4-5 fish. Snapper and Rock Bass mainly. The crew caught a 1000lb Marlin the day before. I would book them again if I make it to the island.
Reported catch:
Response from CaptainHi Mr Matt, thanks for the nice review. We glad that you enjoyed the trip and crew!! You are always welcomed! Best regards, Captain José and team Our Mary
Real catches shared by our community
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
- Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our MaryFunchal, MA
What's biting with Madeira Big Game Fishing - Our Mary in Funchal
Top catches for September
Fishing reports
16/06/26 - 1 Big Eye Tuna with 100 Lbs!
Jun 16, 2026 • Funchal
?? What a day on the water! ??
On the 16th of June, we welcomed Mr. Andrew Nursey and his two fishing mates aboard for an exciting 7-hour trip, combining the best of both worlds: Big Game Fishing and Bottom Fishing.
The highlight of the day was this magnificent 100 lb Big Eye Tuna! ?? After an unforgettable battle with one of the Atlantic's most powerful fish, we switched to lighter tackle and enjoyed some great Bottom Fishing action.
Everyone finished the day thrilled with the experience, but this moment was especially memorable as our young angler proudly holds his first-ever Tuna! ??
Thank you, Andrew and friends, for an amazing day on board. We look forward to fishing with you again soon!
#MadeiraFishing #BigEyeTuna #TunaFishing #BigGameFishing #BottomFishing
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04/06/26 -1 Dourado (Mahi-Mahi) 10Lbs!
Jun 4, 2026 • Funchal
On the 4th of June 2026, we headed out for a fantastic 7-hour fishing trip, combining half a day of Big Game Fishing with half a day of Bottom Fishing. The highlight of the trip was a beautiful 20 lb Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), which put up a great fight and brought plenty of excitement to the boat!
The action didn't stop there, as the group also enjoyed some productive bottom fishing and had the chance to experience different fishing techniques throughout the day. Most importantly, we had a great group of anglers on board, making for a fun, relaxed, and memorable day at sea.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to fishing with you again soon! ?☀️?
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07/07/25 - 1 White Marlin released with
Aug 10, 2025 • Funchal
On the 07/07/25 we went out with our dear friend Mr Barry Johnson for a 7h trip Big Game Fishing. As usual Mr Barry had a lucky strike on a White Marlin caught and released with 66 Lbs!! Great catch "senhor" Barry! Tight lines fishermen!!
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06/08/25 - 3 Wahoo strikes - 1 caught wi
Aug 10, 2025 • Funchal
Fishing Report:
On the 6th of August, we had an exciting day at sea with a total of three strikes from wahoo. Mr. Vladimir Kupriakov successfully landed a fine 50 lbs wahoo, while the other two fishermen each had a strike but unfortunately lost their catches. A thrilling day with great action on the lines!
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08 August 2025 - 1 Spearfish released wi
Aug 10, 2025 • Funchal
On the 8th of August, Mr. Peter Antal joined us for a 4-hour fishing trip. Early in the day, he caught and released a beautiful 70 lbs spearfish. On the way back, just 76 meters from the coast, we had an incredible strike from a blue marlin. It gave us a spectacular jump out of the water before, sadly, breaking free after a few minutes of fight!
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Blue Marin catch nd relase
Jul 16, 2018 • Funchal
I’m very happy to post that Today 16/07/18 we went out for a 7h shared trip with our Dear couple Pam Watson and husband Mr David. This time it was Mrs Pam's turn to tag and release a Blue Marlin with 350 Lbs.
Congratulations!!!!
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