Shark fishing in the Algarve
One of best experiences of my life was going Shark fishing. Take a trip to the town of Portimao and find the Sardine restaurants on the Harbour front. Here you will also find several stalls offering various trips around the Algarve. Head for the one with the sign marked NITUCHA. Nitucha is the name of the fishing boat you will be going out on. For about 10.500 escudos(just over £30) you spend a whole day approximately 7 miles out to sea, big game Shark fishing with your captain Martin Hardy. Also included in the price is Beer/Lemonade and a snack. All tackle and bait is supplied.
The Blue shark is the most common in the
Algarve, although the odd Mako or Hammerhead Shark may
occasionally come along. The size of the fish vary from 20lbs to
50lbs, although much bigger ones exist. I went on the trip twice
and we caught a total of 4 Shark, the biggest weighing in at
50lbs. Whether you are a beginner or have fished before Martin is
always on hand to offer advice and information. What this man
doesn't know about Shark fishing is not worth knowing. When I
went in June already 50+ fish had been caught and the season had
only just started a few monthsago.
One thing you need to take with you is plenty of patience. You can spend hours doing nothing and then all hell breaks loose. At one stage we had 2 fish hooked. With Martin running frantically in between we got them both. Normally the Mackeral rods will come out to pass the time. This is great fun as it's possible to catch up to 3 at a time. Take lots of sunscreen as it gets very hot out there and with the wind blowing you must protect yourself. Shark seem to feed more when the wind is blowing, which is fine but the sea can get very choppy so make sure you have some sea sickness tablets with you. WATCH THOSE TEETH, THEY ARE VERY VERY SHARP.
If you like the idea
of going on the trip but not to fish you can always pay a lower
rate and go as a spectator and just sunbathe. 
If Shark fishing sounds too much for you, other trips are available where the fishing is a little more sedate. You can fish for Sea Bream, eels etc. I'm sure this is fun but nothing can beat seeing a 5 foot shark appear just yards in front of you, it's a sight you will never forget.
ALL FISH ARE RETURNED ALIVE AND UNHARMED WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
PRICES ARE CURRENT AS OF JUNE 1999
See the details below for contact information,
Martin Hardy
Tel & Fax : (082) 40 10 36
Mobile : 0931 995 55 85
Mobile : 0931 981 24 18