I‘ve booked the full day trip in march 23. We went out for trolling and bottom fishing. After 2.5 hours of trolling (no catch) we stop in front of an island near Madeira and did bottom fishing (nice view). This was the best time of the trip, because we‘ve got something to do and catches one (small) fish after another. After 2 hours we had lunch (chicken, salad, bread, cheese and cold cuts). On the way back we did 2.5 hours trolling, but never touched a rod. But this looks quite normal, because the water ist to cold at this time of the year for the big ones (marlin, tuna). They stay too far outside in the ocean. We would be very lucky if we catch some, but in summer the chances are quite better. So for winter/spring i would recommend bottom fishing.

Anyway, this 7 hours trip was absolutely worth it. You have a great day on the sea, have some cold beers or Softdrinks in the sun on deck, get a nice view of Madeira (from another angle) and maybe see some dolphins and whales on top. The whole crew was great, helpful and polite.

In hindsight I’m glad I booked the 7 hour trip, the 4 hour trip would go by far too quickly.  the money is not worth it compared to the full day trip.

I would do this again anytime.
DO IT!

Simon

Had booked online months in advance. got to the marina and there was a kiosk on the dock for the experience. spoke to Deborah who was very helpful and patient, with very good english. we sorted out the rest of the payment, discussed the type of fishing we wanted to do (full day big game) and were shown to the boat. had a quick run through of safety detail and were off. Captain Jose and his deck hand set up the rods, explained what to do if a reel started screaming and pointed out where the beers were! weather was great, fishing not so much. no bites and never touched a rod/reel for the 7 hrs. did see some dolphins though and the lunch laid on what beautiful.
Not to be disheartened, 2 of us decided to rebook for a couple of days later, for the bottom fishing. Again, Deborah sorted this all out for us. this time we opted for the 4 hr trip as each trip is quite costly. this time we did actually catch some fish, albeit, very small. Grouper and Snapper. good fun though. again, weather was great, skipper and deck hand attentive. hard work reeling in 180m though! would go again but will try and go mid season next time. we went mid October so not so many fish around. Thanks Jose and Deborah, for a great experience.

We have been coming to Madeira for years and always wanted to go big game fishing. This trip I was celebrating by 60th birthday and had my sons and partners/wife along. So we decide to take a full day trip on “Our Mary”. We were warned of the possibility of not catching anything in spite of Our Mary’s previous trip yielding 2 Big Eyed Tuna. The experience was what we were after and a fish would be a bonus. Captain Jose and his first mate were very informative and great company.
We were joined on the charter by Peter and a non fishing guest Patrick.
Four hours into the trip apart from 3 of the 7 on the boat seeing a turtle we had not caught anything.
Jose started to prepare lunch (very tasty) and said albeit tongue in cheek we will soon have a fish now.No sooner had we started eating then the first sound of reel realising it’s line was heard. My youngest son Tom jumped in the chair and was soon fighting what turned out to a Big Eye Tuna, 35 minutes later Tom was knackered but we had the fish on board. Listening to Jose shouting at Tom to keep the line tight and spread the line on the reel with Tom huffing and puffing was hilarious.
We soon had the lines out again hoping beyond hope that we had have further success. What followed next was beyond belief. We had 5 lines out. All of sudden someone shouted look a tuna is after one of the lures. You could see it’s wake behind the lure (unreal) Then bang a real let rip, Peter jumped in the chair.  Jose bellowed quick get the other lines reeled in. As soon as I started reeling bang another tuna was hooked and my reel went whirling , then bang my other son Jonathan’s reel was releasing line. We had 3 Tuna hooked on at once. All hell broke out as Jose and his mate got us organised. Obviously only one chair and so myself and Jonathan were bent over the side of the boat trying to reel in the other to fish, with all the time Jose shouting keep the line tight/spread the line. We would reel in 10 metres and then lose 20 metres as the fish decided it didn’t want to be landed. Tom became our team photography for the next hour it took to land all 3 fish.
With the skipper only being able to take 3 fish we had to release the 4th fish. The fish we kept weighed between 80 and 120kg, unbelievable experience.
Whilst Jose said he regularly catches 1 or 2 tuna he said this was his most successful trip in 4/5 years. For this to happen on the day we went out and on our first trip and on my 60th birthday trip to Madeira is something than will live with me and my sons forever.
Thank you Jose

This was an amazing experience!
Started on the boat with a few drinks and met new friends from around the world (Canada, UK, Holland and North Korea).
Captain said we are going after the big fish.
After 1.5 hours, we caught not one but two 200lbs tunas.
Never I was expecting this.  Beginners luck maybe.The excitement of realling in was just amazing.
I think the captain was as happy as we were.
Got help and tips from the captain and crew.
I recommend this adventure to everyone.

Absolutely fantastic that’s all I can say we were looked after, Captain and first mate were exceptional full on fishing knowledge will definitely be back.