04/13/2026
, a seasoned spearfisherman from Pico Island in the Azores, carries on his family’s generation-old tradition, living by the sea. Growing up with his house a stone’s throw from the ocean, Paulo was hooked early, mesmerized by his father and brothers’ epic tales and the fish they hauled in, further fueling his spearfishing dreams.
The nutrient-rich waters along Pico’s rugged coast teem with massive tuna, wahoo, mahi, amberjack, and hefty groupers amid steep volcanic drop-offs and strong currents. Embracing bold risks with a sharp focus on the sea’s unpredictability, Paulo lives by hard-won lessons of patience, humility, respect, and gut instinct - trusting his intuition when something feels off.
Alongside the ocean’s harvest, a garden yields fresh bounty, sustaining family and community. This simple, straightforward, and rewarding life captures the essence of Azorean resilience.
Paulo’s Go-To RIFFE Setup
Marauder 63 with 7.5mm double flopper mini shark fin tabs shaft, and Horizontal Reel (versatile for bottom and open water)
RAIDER 70” with breakaways and float-line (for big pelagics)
Read more about RIFFE’s elite Team Divers — link in bio.