The dilemma for most anglers is often how can they use some of their well earned holiday time fishing while at the same time keeping all sweet on the domestic front. Add to this the constraints imposed by cash and you have a problem in need of an inspired solution.

This year I found the answer! My wife was happy and my bank balance allowed. I had heard stories of a place where there were all sorts of fish from large Dogfish to massive Blue Marlin rarely under 220lbs and up to approximately 900lbs with plenty of Tuna thrown in for good measure. All this only four and a half hours flying time from London.

Gran Canaria, with its even climate, well designed resorts and developed tourist industry provides beautiful beaches and places of interest to see, along with lots of restaurants, clubs and pubs. Gran Canaria lies along the 38th parallel off the west coast of Africa. It is about 30 miles in diameter and is nick named "the miniature continent" because of its differing climates and eco-systems. Most of the fishing from boats is around the ledge, which is about six miles off shore.

Accommodation on the island can be found to suit most pockets, from two star self-catering to a five star hotel. Most of the package holiday companies have a range of options but shop about as prices can vary as can quality. We stayed in Puerto Rico, which is a lively, purpose built resort with a nice sandy beach. The resort has a couple of shopping centres, housing restaurants, shops and bars etc. We were pleasantly surprised to find the prices well below those in the U.K.

One reason we chose the resort of Puerto Rico was that it boasts a modern harbour, which attracts boats from around the world. It is also the home of a charter fleet providing daily fishing trips. A walk along the harbour arms in the latter part of the afternoon will let you witness the boats returning from their day's fishing trips. In my search for a boat to go out on I met Paul Flanner of "The Dorado" and "Cavalier". He quickly explained that it was too early in the year (mid February) to catch Blue Marlin and that the Tuna would not start their run in until March, I found his honesty refreshing after other promises. He went on to explain that the Dolphins follow the Tuna shoals in with Marlin following them in, arriving in June, July and August.

Though I was too early in the year for Marlin I was not worried as, seeing the boats coming back with good catches of what looked like Spurdogs and an assortment of species, I knew there was good fishing to be had. Back in my hotel I met two chaps who regularly fished from boats at home (England) who had been out for a day's fishing. They told me that their trip had been one of the best they had had for years, with plenty of fish, a helpful crew and lots of refreshments.

I looked forward to my trip with anticipation. First, to keep the other half happy, I agreed to go on an island tour by coach. The island is fascinating and diverse with magnificent scenery and breathtaking views. This trip turned out to be the only trip I went on. While I enjoyed one of the stunning views of the island I turned and tripped, as my foot went numb I new there was serious damage. This is where I was very glad I had medical insurance to pay for the ambulance and medical fees. I ended up on crutches and was non-weight bearing for the rest of our stay. This put an end to my fishing plans.

As often as I could I went by taxi to the harbour to watch the boats come in with happy anglers and their catches. I have started saving up to return, but this time in July or August when I will have that chance of catching a Blue Marlin. In line with www.fishingworld.co.uk 's conservation views I will not be killing any of these magnificent fish instead I will be enjoying seeing them swim away. With this in mind I was glad to here that the Dorado and Cavalier refuse to kill any Billfish unless it is large enough for world record consideration. This has won Captain Deniz Cabrera the 1998 Captain's Release Award for spearfish releases.

While www.tackleworld.co.uk can make no recommendations Paul Flanner can be contacted at: Los Veleros 107E, Barranco De Agua La Perra, Puerto Rico, 35130, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Tel: 00 34 630 189 790