Balancal

Bill’s 40th Birthday Present!

Bill and Christina from the United States were the Balancal’s guests for a few days in the third week of July 2009. We were delighted to hear that Christina had booked this charter as a 40th birthday gift for her husband!

Like most of the anglers fishing at this time of the year, our guests were hoping to see a big Madeiran blue marlin. This isn't always an easy task - most blue marlin caught and released in Madeira are the result of much hard work by the skipper and crew in selecting and working the right grounds, preparing the gear beforehand and coaching the angler during the fight. Even within prime season, we will experience fluctuations in the fishing as marlin move into and away from the grounds following suitable oceanic conditions, schools of baitfish and their own migratory routes. Fortunately the week that Bill and Christina arrived saw some very good fishing. The first couple of days were quiet but on the 22nd June, as Captain Anibal was trolling the Ribeira Brava grounds, Bill's first Madeiran blue marlin came into the pattern, taking the lure on the left short positioned close to the boat. The hookup was a good one and the fish was successfully released after a short battle. This was a fish estimated by Captain Anibal at around 700 lbs - a splendid first marlin for any angler and a wonderful 40th birthday present!

In the winter season, from 1 October 2009 until 31 May 2010, the Balancal can be chartered for full day (10.00 – 17.00) and half-day (10.00 – 14.00) Big Game fishing for €1.000,00/€600,00 respectively.

The Balancal is also available for excursion charters. Typically these may be morning, afternoon or twilight cruises to enjoy the coastal scenery, amazing sunsets or the chance to see the whales and dolphins that frequent the Madeira coastline.

For more information, please contact Tel: + 351 291 790 350, info@madeira-marlin.com, or visit: www.madeira-marlin.com