From Funchal : Big Game Fishing boat trip

Madeira big game fishing is interesting because you are taking on the Atlantic in a very direct way, you are not just watching from shore. You go after heavyweight species, and you do it with an experienced angler who is built around local spots. I also like that the trip runs from a proper fishing platform, the 33 ft Lochin 333 flybridge sportfisherman, with the tools you actually need to fight and land fish.

Two big reasons this can be a good value: you get hands-on coaching for techniques like bottom fishing and trolling, and the boat is outfitted with essentials such as GPS and a fighting chair. One drawback to keep in mind is that morning setups can be uneven if something goes wrong before departure, so you should confirm what boat you will be on and when instruction begins once you are there.

Key points to know before you go

• 33 ft Lochin 333 platform with GPS, fighting chair, and restroom, so you are not improvising
• Target species include blue marlin, white marlin, tuna, wahoo, mahi, plus other big game
• Catch rules are mixed: marlins are catch and release, while other fish can be kept
• Bottom fishing plus trolling means the crew uses more than one tactic depending on conditions
• Gear, bait, license, and cleaning are included, which matters for value

Big Game Fishing Off Madeira: what you are really buying

At $199 per person, this is not a casual harbor outing. You are paying for a real attempt at big game on the open Atlantic, and that price matters most because the trip includes the stuff that usually adds up: fishing gear and bait, a fishing license, and catch cleaning with filleting if you choose to keep fish. In other words, you are buying access and effort, not just a seat on a boat.

The species list also sets expectations. You can aim for blue marlin and white marlin, plus tuna, wahoo, mahi, and other big game species. The marlin part is strictly catch and release, which is great for conservation and a bit of a bummer if you came hoping for a trophy on your wall. Still, releasing a marlin after a proper fight is its own kind of adrenaline.

The best “value fit” is when you want an active day and you are okay that the ocean decides. Even on a well-run charter, fish are not guaranteed. What you can control is your preparation and whether you get clear coaching once you are onboard.

The boat, the setup, and why it affects your odds

This charter boards the 33 ft Lochin 333 flybridge sportfisherman. That size matters. A bigger, purpose-built fishing boat usually means you get stable working space for lines, tackle changes, and the not-so-glamorous job of getting everyone set up quickly.

The trip includes equipment that is especially useful in big game situations:

• GPS to help the crew navigate to productive offshore spots
• A fighting chair, which gives you a safer, more practical position during a fight
• A restroom, so you are not stuck trying to manage comfort mid-session
• All fishing gear and bait, so you are not chasing the “what rod do I need” question at the last minute

When these basics are in place, your experience tends to feel calmer and more controlled. When they are not, even a good crew can struggle to help you in time. One reason I keep this in mind is simple: a charter like this depends on setup speed, and big game fishing gives you very little patience for confusion.

Your captain and crew: how the instruction can make or break the day

This trip is led by a highly experienced angler from Madeira, and the operation emphasizes that the skipper has built experience fishing commercially on the islands for about a decade. In plain terms, that local background is what helps when conditions shift and you need to change tactics fast.

What you should look for during the outing is clear coaching. The trip description promises that the skipper teaches what you need to know, even if you do not have experience. That matters because big game fishing is technical in small ways: bait choice, line handling, and knowing when to adjust based on what the water is doing.

I also like that the crew offers first mate support and can handle catch cleaning and filleting if you keep fish. That turns a potentially messy outcome into a finish you can actually use at home.

One real-world consideration from the broader reputation of charters like this: if anything goes sideways at the start of the day, the difference between a fun lesson and a frustrating slog can be whether the captain and crew keep communication tight. Your best move is to ask straightforward questions immediately once you’re aboard:

• What will we be targeting first?
• Where will we fish, and what does that mean for technique?
• What bait and presentation are you using right now?

If you get quick, direct answers, you are already on track.

What you will do on the water: bottom fishing and trolling

The trip offers a mix of fishing techniques, including bottom fishing and trolling. That combination is important because it lets the crew respond to how the fish are acting.

Bottom fishing is often used when you are working structure and depth where certain species feed. Trolling is more about searching and staying in motion to cover water. For you, the practical takeaway is this: you should expect some gear setup changes and some “watch and copy” instruction, not just one single method all day.

If you want the day to feel worth it, lean into the learning. The point is not only to catch, it is to understand what the crew is doing and why. You will likely get the most fun out of the trip when you treat it like a lesson with a strong chance of action.

The real rules of what you can keep

Here is the catch rule that shapes the whole experience: marlins are catch and release. Other species listed in the targeting plan can be kept, including fish such as tuna, wahoo, and mahi.

In addition, there is a social element. The trip notes that clients often share the tuna with the crew if they want. That can be a nice way to turn a successful day into a friendly moment, not just a transaction.

Also keep in mind how fish handling works. If you decide to keep your catch, the first mate will fillet it for you. That is a huge convenience on an island trip, because it keeps your day from ending with you figuring out how to prep seafood in a hotel kitchen.

Food and drinks: what to expect for a half-day plus

Food and drinks are included. That is good news for value, and it keeps you from burning time hunting for snacks in Funchal.

But do not assume this is a full sit-down meal service. The experience is more like onboard refreshments and simple fare. For the most comfortable day, eat a solid meal before you leave, then use the included food as the backup. This matters especially if you are booked on the longer end of the duration, since you will likely be focused on lines, not dining.

Meeting at Avenida do Mar: the practical reality of getting to the water

This trip runs from a meeting area around Av. Do Mar 9000, and you return to that same place at the end. Pickup from hotels is not included, so you are responsible for getting yourself to the dock area.

That is usually fine, but it affects planning. You do not want to be late, and you do not want to be stressed about taxis at the last minute. If you are staying in Funchal, build in extra buffer time and aim to arrive early enough to get settled and understand what is happening before you head offshore.

If you can, check details in your booking to confirm:

• which exact meeting spot you are assigned
• the starting time for your specific departure
• whether the small-group or private format changes how quickly you get onboard

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

You want comfort first. The basics listed are:

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Camera
• Comfortable clothes

For clothing, think practical, not fancy. The activity rules say high-heeled shoes are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed. If you bring a bag at all, keep it small enough to manage on a working boat.

Also pay attention to the not-suitable items list. It is restrictive for a reason, boats have safety and space limits. Leave pets, bikes, scooters, and anything glass-based at home. If you are prone to seasickness, this is also not the best match, since the trip is on the Atlantic.

Duration and timing: when 4 to 7 hours feels different

The trip duration is 4 to 7 hours, and the starting times depend on availability. That range is not a tiny detail. More hours usually means more time to work techniques, more chances to change approach, and more chances for something to happen.

At the same time, long time on the water can wear on your energy, especially if conditions are slow. That is another reason comfort and food planning matter. Pack light, stay hydrated, and expect the day to be an ocean experience, not a staged show.

If you are booking specifically for marlin, remember catch and release. You may feel like you are chasing a trophy that you are not allowed to keep. Frame it as a challenge and a story, not a souvenir hunt.

Price check: is $199 per person a fair deal?

For $199, the inclusion list is what makes this a realistic deal: gear and bait, food and drinks, first mate services, fishing license, plus catch cleaning and filleting. In big game fishing, those add-ons can quickly make a cheaper-looking option more expensive in the final math.

That said, value depends on execution. A smooth start with clear instruction and a properly matching boat turns the day into a confident lesson plus action. A rough start, where the crew is less engaged or the setup is changed, can turn the same activity into a lot of waiting with a line in the water.

My take: if you want a learning-focused big game charter, this can be a strong value in Madeira, but only if the morning onboarding is organized. Your best strategy is to arrive early, ask questions immediately, and watch how the crew communicates once you are onboard.

Who this trip is best for

This experience fits you if you:

• want hands-on coaching and are open to learning as you fish
• are excited by species like tuna, wahoo, mahi, and the chance at marlin action
• care more about the fight and the sport than a guaranteed fillet trophy
• do not need hotel pickup and can easily get to Av. Do Mar 9000

It might not fit you if:

• you are very sensitive to motion or have had strong seasickness before
• you expect guaranteed fish, or you need a highly interactive guided lesson every minute no matter what
• you want a big onboard meal experience instead of snacks and refreshments

Should you book the Madeira big game fishing trip?

If your idea of a great day is being on a well-equipped boat, learning bottom fishing and trolling, and trying for serious Atlantic species, then this can be a good bet. The equipment, license coverage, and onboard help add real value, and catch cleaning with filleting is the practical kind of included service that saves hassle.

I would book with one extra mindset: confirm the boat and the plan at the start, and do not be shy about asking for quick guidance on bait and technique. Big game fishing is unforgiving, and the best days happen when communication is tight from minute one.

If that is your style, go for it. The Atlantic has a way of turning even a slow day into a memorable one, especially when the crew keeps you engaged and focused.

FAQ

How long is the big game fishing trip from Funchal?

The duration is listed as 4 to 7 hours, with exact starting times depending on availability.

What fish can I target on this trip?

The trip targets big game species including blue marlin, white marlin, tuna, wahoo, mahi, and other big game fish.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Marlins are strictly catch and release. You can keep other species, and if you choose to keep your fish, the first mate will fillet it for you.

What is included in the price?

Included are all fishing gear and bait, food and drinks, first mate services, the fishing license, and catch cleaning and filleting.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup from hotels and return are not included. The experience starts and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need fishing experience to join?

No experience is required. The skipper will teach you what you need to know.

What languages are spoken during the trip?

The live tour guide is listed as Portuguese and English.