Madeira firing up

[Roddy Hays]

The bite the past two days in Madeira has been reminiscent of the mid 1990's. REEL TIGHT, a 62 Viking and Peter Bristow's CATHERINE B have been in the thick of the action, both boats recording three bites each yesterday from 600lb plus fish. Today the American boat came good and released a fish they called 1100 - 1200 lbs. Several other fish have been seen and caught the past three days from the seven boats fishing, indicating that a decent patch of fish is in the area. Interestingly, a good by-catch of bull dolphin to 50lbs for the first time in 15 years has also indicated something may be different.

I have a few contacts on the island if anyone wants to see if there's some spare days fishing this season. Drop me a pm.

Looking good for July 4th !

[Seth]

I have fished Madeira the past few years and while I caught some nice fish the action was pretty slim. A lot of water was covered and while the water looked really good, there were not many signs of life. A few whales and an occasional bait school made for little entertainment. It is refreshing to hear the news coming out early in the season. The dolphins are definitely a good sign. This fishery has been poised to crank up. Maybe it was in a slow 7-10 year cycle. If things really crank up then maybe we will see several good years ahead. I sure hope so. Madeira is such a unique place. I love it!

[Sea Draggin]

Thanks for the report Roddy! And all the other help you sent me.

[Wireman]

Roddy, are Stuart and Bark at it this season again?

[Patudo]

It's going off really well at the moment. Of the fish hooked and raised today, I just want to mention that the local charter boat OUR MARY skippered by Jose Serrao got a really nice fish of 900++ today after a 1hr 55 minute fight. Jose would not call it any bigger without killing it but his angler Barry who has fished Madeira for nearly ten years called for the release. That's their second fish in four days, the other being estimated at around 700. Both fish ate the same short corner bait. Kudos to the team. It was a very good feeling hearing of their success as I had some good times on that same boat with Jose, Barry and other anglers, and old Captain Ron when I was working there.

[Roddy Hays]

Bark and Stewart will be over that way later in the season for various reasons. Whether they fish Madeira will depend on the bite - I think they may go down to La Gomera for their stint, I believe.

I spoke with Tracy last night, he tells me his boys are in Madeira as of today and will be fishing next week - expect some decent reports then, I'm sure.

There aren't many boats fishing there this year (typical !) and I understand that my old vessel, MARGARITA, hasn't even been out yet this year. Plenty of room and deals on various boats to be had if anyone fancies a go. Drop me a pm for details and contacts.

I've been promised a pic of the TIGHT LINES big fish - hopefully will be able to post something soon.

Dustin - one of your special baits ??

[Wound Up James]

Plenty of room and deals on various boats to be had if anyone fancies a go. Drop me a pm for details and contacts.


Madreia..???? ....i'm in...If you're comin' w/...........hmmnnnnn......a week in Maderia for a week in Bermuda !!!!! i smell a trade.......


can't believe how well Andromeda swam off the long tag up short ( 3rd wave )......never would've guessed.....more input please rodski...

p.s. Alan Card's looking for his lure......Ian wants a green one (441 337 2109).....or bigfishbermuda.com ...i think..

[Roddy Hays]

Lots more fish seen in Madeira yesterday too. As I speak I know of several people packing - FAST ! Unfortunately, none of them are me !



I'd trade weeks with ya, James, but can't offer you anything the Madeira end in return. Fancy a week shopping in Jupiter instead ? We could roll past Pinders and loll all over the counter when they put the clams on ice

Andie - hmm, she's a sweetie. Now ya can see why so many people like her.......

Tell Alan and Ian to drop me a line or ring me. You've got my number. I'll try and sort them out. Guess Travis turned 'em in, hey ? Dwirty wascal (to continue the Wascaly Wabbit theme). Make sure that Travis man stays in touch too then. I want some photos !

[Roddy Hays]

Madeira fired again today. Several fish caught including a nice fat one aboard the BALANCAL.



Really rough Madeiran day, as you can see. A good 2 - 4 inch chop on the water, a big old girl lifting her skirts and a long 5 minute ride back to the house. Hmmm, hope Fletcher sends some photos like that one !

WOUND UP FELLA - what happened first day out for the Andies I sent ya ? Did you pull yours ? What's firing in Bermuda ?

[Seth]

ohhhhh, I wish I was there