Frequently Asked Questions

For charter fishing, the operator includes all necessary licenses and permits in their price. If you plan to fish independently from shore or rocks, you'll need to purchase a recreational fishing license from local authorities. Our recommended charters handle all paperwork for you.

Madeira is famous for blue marlin (June-October), but also offers excellent fishing for bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado (mahi-mahi), and various bottom species like grouper and amberjack. The variety depends on season and fishing technique.

Not at all! Many charters cater specifically to beginners. Your captain and crew will teach you everything from baiting hooks to fighting fish. However, if you're targeting big marlin, some basic experience with fishing rods is helpful as the fights can be intense and tiring.

During peak season (June-October), we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for premium charters like Flipper II. Off-season bookings can often be made with 3-5 days notice. Last-minute availability exists but is limited.

Most charters offer free cancellation 24-48 hours before departure. Weather cancellations are typically fully refundable or rescheduled at no charge - safety comes first. Premium charters may require 72 hours notice. Always confirm the specific policy when booking.

Yes! Most charters operate as private bookings where you rent the entire boat. This is ideal for groups, families, or those wanting a personalized experience. Prices range from €450-€1,800 depending on boat size, trip length, and target species.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, a hat, light layers (it's cooler offshore), seasickness medication if prone, water bottle, and your camera. Most charters provide all fishing gear, bait, licenses, and refreshments. Some offer lunch on full-day trips.

Half-day trips run 4-5 hours, full-day trips 6-8 hours. Big game fishing typically requires at least 6 hours to reach the best grounds and have adequate fishing time. Bottom fishing can be productive in shorter 4-hour trips closer to shore.

Yes, all reputable charters provide professional-grade rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures. Top charters use brands like Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa. If you have preferred gear, ask if you can bring it - most captains welcome it as long as it's appropriate for the fishing style.

Blue marlin season runs June through October, with peak action in July-September. Tuna and wahoo are present year-round but also peak in summer. Winter months (November-March) offer quieter fishing with excellent bottom fishing and still some pelagic species.

Captains prioritize safety above all. If seas are too rough (typically 2m+ swells), charters will be cancelled or rescheduled with full refund. Madeira's southern coast is generally calm, but weather can change. Most experienced captains can read conditions and find fishable areas.

This varies by trip type. Big game fishing might go 10-25 nautical miles offshore where depths exceed 1000m. Bottom fishing stays closer, typically 3-10nm. One of Madeira's advantages is deep water very close to shore - you can be in 1000m+ depths within 15-20 minutes from Funchal Marina.

Prices range from €450 for budget-friendly 4-hour bottom fishing trips to €1,800+ for premium full-day big game charters. Average full-day sportfishing runs €800-1,200. Prices include boat, captain, crew, gear, licenses, bait, and usually refreshments.

Reputable operators include all essential costs: gear, bait, licenses, fuel, crew. Optional extras might include fish cleaning/filleting (€20-50), taxidermy services for trophy fish, premium lunch, or photos/videos. Tipping the crew (10-20%) is customary but not mandatory.

Yes! Charter prices are per boat, not per person. If the boat holds 6 anglers and you have 6 people, you split the cost 6 ways. Many charters accommodate 4-8 anglers, making it affordable when costs are shared among a group.

Basic fitness is sufficient for most fishing. However, fighting a big marlin can be physically demanding - some fights last 2+ hours. If targeting big game, reasonable upper body and core strength helps. Bottom fishing and light tackle is suitable for all fitness levels.

Some people are more susceptible than others. Madeira's southern waters are generally calm, especially mornings. Take seasickness medication 1 hour before departure as a precaution. Most people are fine, but if you're prone to motion sickness, consider a half-day trip first.

Yes, within legal limits. Most charters allow you to keep tuna, wahoo, dorado, and bottom species for consumption. Blue marlin are increasingly catch-and-release to preserve the population, though you can keep one if it's a trophy. Discuss with your captain beforehand.

Madeira encourages catch and release for blue marlin to ensure sustainable fishing. Most experienced charters practice this. Other species like tuna can be kept. Professional photos document your catch before release. Portugal has minimum size limits and seasonal restrictions for certain species.

Yes! Many charters welcome children 6+ years old. Bottom fishing and inshore trips are best for kids - calmer waters, shorter duration, and more consistent action. Ensure children can swim and are comfortable on boats. Life jackets are provided. Some charters specialize in family-friendly trips.

Absolutely when done with professional charters. All boats carry safety equipment, life jackets for all ages, first aid kits, and communication devices. Crew are experienced with families. Choose calmer half-day trips for young children and operators known for family-friendly service like Turipesca.