The Azores, a magical archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, are more than just volcanic landscapes and stunning lagoons. For the sport fisherman, these islands represent one of the last sanctuaries for big game fishing in the world.
🎯 Big Game Fishing in the Azores: Quick Summary
Table of Contents
| What? | Get an EXCLUSIVE 5% discount with Azores Fishing Charters. |
| Where? | Triangle Islands (Faial and Pico) and São Miguel. |
| When? | Best Time to Visit: July to October (Blue Marlin Peak). |
| Species | Deep-sea fishing focused on trophies. |
| Why? | Proximity to deep waters and record-breaking fishing. |
| My Azores Home Advantage | Proximity to deep waters and record-breaking fishing. |
Imagine yourself aboard a boat, with the deep blue of the ocean all around you, waiting for the powerful strike of a giant blue marlin or a record-breaking bigeye tuna. In the Azores, this dream is a tangible reality.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure where excitement and adrenaline meet natural beauty and sustainability, keep reading. Discover why the Azores are your next destination and how to experience it with an exclusive discount through My Azores Home!
What is big game fishing, and why are the Azores special?
Big Game Fishing, or Deep-Sea Fishing, is a type of sport fishing focused on catching large fish, such as swordfish, tuna, and marlin. In the Azores, this practice reaches another level due to a unique set of geographical and oceanographic factors:
- Immediate Depth (The Drop-Off): The islands are submerged mountain peaks that emerge from the ocean floor. This means the deep waters, the natural habitat of large pelagic fish, are close to the coast. There is no need for long hours of sailing to the “fishing spots,” which maximizes fishing time.
- Gulf Stream: The Gulf Stream’s influence brings warmer, nutrient-rich waters, creating an ideal ecosystem for the food chain of large predators.
- Primary Migratory Route: The Azores lie on a critical migratory route for several tuna species and, above all, for the majestic blue marlin, making them a mandatory stopover for these giants.
This combination ensures the Azores are consistently ranked among the Top 3 global destinations for blue marlin, alongside Cape Verde and the Caribbean.
The Giants of the Azores: What to Expect to Capture?
When talking about Big Game Fishing in the Azores, particular species immediately come to mind, actual trophies for any angler.
The Majestic Blue Marlin
It is the undisputed star of the Azores. Known for its strength, speed, and acrobatic leaps when hooked, the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) can exceed 500 kg! The peak season for its capture runs from July to October, with the highest activity in August and September. The Azorean waters are renowned for producing “trophy-sized” blue marlin (Ganders), with several European and world records set here.
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The Mighty Tuna (Tunas: Bigeye, Yellowfin, Bluefin)
If the Blue Marlin is royalty, the Tuna is the warrior. The Azores offer an incredible variety of tuna that provide epic battles.
- Bigeye Tuna: Often the first to arrive. Provides incredible fights and can be fished from spring to autumn.
- Bluefin Tuna: The most valuable species and sometimes the largest. Although bluefin tuna fishing is more regulated, their presence in Azorean waters, especially in winter and spring, attracts more experienced anglers.
- Albacore and Yellowfin Tuna: Although generally smaller than bigeye tuna, they are speedy and common in the summer, offering consistent action.
Other Species of Big Game
- Spearfish: A more undersized swordfish, but equally fast and challenging, often caught during marlin season.
- Dorado / Goldfish (Mahi-Mahi): A brightly colored, fast, and aggressive fish, commonly found near floats or drifting objects.
- Wahoo: Known for its extreme speed and sharp teeth, it is primarily captured using trolling techniques.
Where to Fish: The Big Game Fishing “Hotspots” in the Azores
Although fishing is possible on almost all the islands, the central triangle and São Miguel are the major centers for Big Game Fishing, with excellent maritime infrastructure:
| Island | Main Port | Fishing Focus |
| Faial | Horta | The largest island in the Azores offers an excellent base for fishing. The waters off Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo are rich in tuna and provide great opportunities for blue marlin during the season. |
| Pico | Lajes do Pico/Madalena | Located opposite Faial, Pico Island also offers quick access to deep waters. It’s an excellent spot for tuna and marlin, with Pico Mountain providing an unforgettable backdrop. |
| São Miguel | Ponta Delgada | The largest island in the Azores offers an excellent base for fishing. The waters off Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo are rich in tuna and provide great opportunities for blue marlin during the season. |
When to Fish: The Annual Sport Fishing Calendar
Seasonality is crucial for maximizing your chances of landing a big trophy. Here’s a summary of the best time for big game fishing in the Azores:
| Time of year | Main Focus | Target Species |
| May – June | Start of Trolling Season | Blue Marlin (Pico), Bigeye Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna, Swordfish. July, August, and September are the peak months for trophy fishing. |
| July – October | Transition between blue marlin, bigeye tuna, and wahoo. | Transition of blue marlin, bigeye tuna, wahoo. |
| October – November | Season Finale / Trolling | Blue Marlin Season (Pico) |
| December – April | Off-Season / Bottom Fishing | Transition of blue marlin, bigeye tuna, and wahoo. |
The Onboard Experience: Fleet, Equipment, and Fishing Philosophy
To succeed in this adventure, it is essential to choose an operator with proven expertise, state-of-the-art boats, and a responsible fishing philosophy.
The Sustainable Commitment (Catch & Release)
In the Azores, catch-and-release fishing is strongly encouraged, especially for blue marlin and other iconic species. This is the philosophy of the best fishing operators and ensures that the marine sanctuary remains healthy and productive for future generations. When choosing your charter, make sure the company adheres to this strict ethic.
State-of-the-art equipment
A good Big Game Fishing boat is equipped with the best professional equipment (Heavy Tackle), which includes:
- Fighting chairs for big fish.
- World-class rods and reels (sometimes up to 130 lb).
- State-of-the-art technology (probe, radar, GPS) to identify the best course of action.
🤝 Your Exclusive Partner in the Azores: Azores Fishing Charters
To ensure your experience is top-notch, My Azores Home has established a direct partnership with Azores Fishing Charters, one of the most respected and experienced companies in the archipelago, based on the most sought-after islands for this sport.
And why choose them through us?
🌟 Exclusive My Azores Home Advantage: 5% Discount
We guarantee that your fishing adventure starts at the best price. When you book your Big Game Fishing Charter with Azores Fishing Charters through My Azores Home, you benefit from an exclusive 5% discount on the total service price.
This is an offer you won’t find directly on the partner’s website, making it an exclusive benefit for our readers and customers. It’s our way of rewarding your choice and ensuring you experience the thrill of the Atlantic at the best price.
Want More Discounts in Other Activities and Services? Check our > Partners Page <
Azores Fishing Charters Featured:
- Proven Experience: Captains with decades of experience in the Azorean waters are essential for locating large pelagic vessels.
- Quality Fleet: Boats equipped for the most demanding sport fishermen, in compliance with all safety standards.
- Focus on the Trophy: Dedication to providing the best encounter with blue marlin, tuna, and other large species.
At Azores Fishing, we are deeply committed to the sustainability of our species. We fish in accordance with IGFA regulations and release all swordfish we catch, except in cases of potential record catches.
We also have minimum sizes for all types of fish that we catch using different fishing methods, releasing any that do not meet these minimum sizes. All other fish that meet the minimum size are kept to share with our customers, friends, and family, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the best that our seas have to offer.
What is included in your booking?
Transparency regarding what’s included in the base price is a significant point of trust. Big Game Fishing charters with Azores Fishing Charters typically include:
- Captain and Experienced Crew: Essential to ensure safety and proper bait placement.
- Fuel: Essential for long days of deep-sea fishing.
- All necessary equipment: rods, reels, lines, lures (Heavy Tackle and Light Tackle).
- Food and Drinks: snacks, sandwiches, and non-alcoholic beverages (water, soft drinks) for the entire day of fishing.
- Licenses: The sport fishing license is handled by the company (always confirm this detail at the time of booking).
How much does the adventure cost? An idea of prices
Big Game Fishing prices reflect the quality of the boat, equipment, crew, and time commitment (8 to 10 hours at sea). Although the price may vary depending on the season and type of boat, the cost of a Full Day Charter for a group (up to 6 people) in the Azores is generally between €1000 and €1500 (total price per boat).
| Type of Charter | Average Duration | Average Price (Total Boat Price) | Advantage with My Azores Home |
| All Day | 8 to 10 hours | €1100 – €2000 | 5% Exclusive Discount! |
| Half Day | 4 to 5 hours | €600 – €1200 | 5% Exclusive Discount! |
Remember that the investment covers the rental of the boat and crew, making it more affordable when split among a group of friends or colleagues.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Big Game Fishing
What is the best month to catch Blue Marlin in the Azores?
The peak season runs from July to October, with August and September being the months when you have the highest probability of encountering the biggest specimens.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
For Blue Marlin and particular tuna species, the primary and sustainable practice in the Azores is Catch and Release. Captains can advise on the applicable rules for other catches.
Do I need a fishing license?
No need to worry. The sport fishing license is typically arranged and included in the charter price by Azores Fishing Charters.
What should I bring on board?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable clothing. The charters provide all fishing gear, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
🚀 Start Your Big Fishing Game in the Azores Adventure Today!
Your Blue Marlin awaits you in the deep waters of the Azores. Don’t let this opportunity slip away! High season is limited, and the best charters sell out quickly.
Fill out the form below to book Big Game Fishing with your exclusive 5% discount.