Sagres  Algarve

The Algarve has something to offer every type of angler, game , rock and cliff, pier, harbour and beach fishing. Many different species can be caught in their seasons. The best fishing is in the winter when sea's are rough, big bream (Sargo) bass and dourada are the main targets. Smaller bream, mullet, mackerel and bass may be caught during the more settled summer months.

3  Kg Dourada                                         A brace of small Sargo      
caught on mackerel from the fort Sagres    

Many of the locals take stupid risks fishing from the cliffs, perching on ledges a few inches wide to float fish at the base of the cliffs some 100m bellow. I have fished from the top off the cliffs using an 11' bass rod although a stiff 13' beach rod would be much more suitable.The best terminal gear for most fishing is a simple pierced bullet from 50 to 175 gm  with a long flowing trace.When fishing from a beach keep the bait as close to the rocks as possible.Best baits are mussel, crab and razor fish which can be collected at low water or bought from the fish market in Lagos.

Cars are no longer allowed on the fort and a charge of 300esc. has been introduced in 1997

 Typical scene  from the Fort at Sagres

Fishing for Bass from Zaviel Beach

If it is not possible to take full size rods, fun can be had tiddler bashing with a 9' telescopic rod rigged with a sliding float. I favour a middy piker with a couple of BB shot and no. 12 hook. This setup works very well in the deep water around the rocks and harbours. A lighter setup may be needed if mullet are the target.

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