What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Funchal, Madeira for the first time?

It's a bit hit and miss this time of year, it would seem. Depends on the bait and if the squid and mackerel are in. Was a pleasure to see a shoal of juvenile Marlin and had 2 different species of Amberjack.

There are a great many boats operating in Funchal, so it may be hard to choose one, I really think fishing for 4 hours in the morning with Madeira Sight Casting is the best option, you have a good chance of catching with them, far better than hour after hour of mindless and very expensive trolling and the fish you do catch can still be quite spectacular

If you are serious about fishing, this boat was well equipped, and the captain and crew were very knowledgeable and professional. I enjoyin my fishing at home and I can tell you the crew was very experienced and the boat was well equipped.

Don't book a fishing charter thru this ad. It is actually a front for a company built on whale watching charters. They run large sightseeing groups. They acted as a middle man and they don't know much about fishing. They mark up the price and sub out the charter for a shorter duration and more expensive trip than if you booked directly with a captain. At least that was my experience.

The boat was well appointed, spotlessly clean. Hennie and Franklin made a great team, professional, courteous and hard working. They really worked hard, and agreed plans were always flexible as they sought out fish for us. We would thoroughly recommend them as we had a great experience. We arrived as clients and left as friends so will be booking again as soon as we can.

Don't expect to catch a big game first time! I've been 4 times all over the world and still not had my big catch but still pulled up all kinds of colourful fish!! And some big snapper! A day out on the boat is better than a day not on the boat! Just go and have fun and you may get lucky! Also check season times, summer is best for certain types of fish so can be hard before the season

Don’t fork out for the big expensive fishing trips unless you have money to burn and are happy not to catch anything. Do something cheaper where expectations are lower

If the weather isn’t great then save your money and just accept that it would have been a disappointing spend.

Bring sunscreen, a jacket, snacks if you want, and wear clothes that can get dirty (fish gunk). And listen to the crew, they know better than you and are experienced.

I loved that the captain said some days are good for the fishermen and some are good days for the fish. We didn't catch anything but it was a beautiful day...and good for the fish.

Most boats do not book trips this time of year as the likelihood of catching a fish is low. If you are ok with trying anyway like we were it’s good. Just don’t have high expectations.

Our trip was a 4 hour bottom fishing trip 4 of our family had not fished before ,but all managed to catch with the help of the crew

Plan the fishing trip according to the weather and the direction of the wind. Fish in the wind shadow of the island for smaller waves.

Book with Native Crew! They’ll do the rest. Captain is fluent in English which helped communication greatly. Be sure to get out early in the morning while still cool and fish are biting.

Bottom fishing is pretty safe bet for catching something. With trolling you might get lucky, but don't bet on it.

Great place for fishing. No long trips out to fishing grounds and lots of big game and bottom fish around