The warm tropical waters of Mozambique support a stunning variety
of fish, coral, marine mammals and plants. Over two thousand
fish species, representing over 80% of the families of the
Indo-Pacific region, occur here.
The islands of the Bazaruto archipelago are world-renowned
salt-water fly-fishing destinations. In the north of the
country the Pemba channel and the Lazarus Banks offer some
of the best big game fishing in the world.
Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago has been considered one of East Africa's best, and certainly Mozambique's, premier fishing destinations. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of the world's most popular gamefish including black, blue and striped marlin, indo-pacific sailfish, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, king mackerel, giant trevally, barracuda, prodigal son, groupers, snappers and a vast array of other gamefish.
Quirimbas Archipelago
The Pemba region in Mozambique is one of the best fishing
hotspots in the world. The deep drop-off immediately to the
east of the Quirimbas Archipelago guarantees a unique sports
fishing experience. The Southern current passes near the coast
here and billfish can be taken within shouting distance of
shore. A wide variety of gamefish species can be taken from
the complex of habitats formed by the Quirimbas Archipelago
itself, while the Saint Lazarus Bank due east of Quilálea
is a hotspot for tuna and billfish. Both the Archipelago and
the Bank have yet to be discovered by big game fishermen.
Species and Seasons
for fishing
Marlin
Bazaruto became, and is still, famous for its giant black
marlin as numerous fish passing the 1000-pound mark were caught
in the past, and presently fish close to that mark are either
caught or released every season. Although black marlin represents
the majority of the catches, blue and striped marlin are also
present in these waters. Marlin season runs from mid September
to mid April, with October to December being peak season.
Sailfish
The area might be famous for its black marlin, but Bazaruto's
winter run of sailfish probably attracts most anglers to
these waters. These acrobatic fish which can attain 130
lbs and average around 70 lbs have been caught year round,
although they are much more prolific between mid-May to
mid-October.
Wahoo
Known to achieve speeds of over 70 km/h, these bullet-shaped
fish are present year round with a peak in the early summer
months of September to November. In these waters, wahoo
average around 40 pounds but bigger fish are frequently
caught, with the resort's record standing at 68 lbs;
a fish caught on a fast trolled marlin lure in October 2001.
Dorado
Colourful as a rainbow, this hard fighting fish takes into
the air when hooked, providing a breathtaking spectacle.
Bulls over 40 pounds are normally caught from September
to April.
Giant Kingfish (GT's)
Locally known as "Ignobilis", the sheer power
of this fish is virtually unparalleled and this unstoppable
fish is known for bending hooks, breaking leaders and snapping
lines. Present year round, being an extremely aggressive
predator and frequently attaining sizes in excess of 70
pounds makes them one of the most sought after quarry of
any serious fishermen.
King Mackerel
Definitely the most abundant species in these waters, the
king mackerel abounds year round and takes most varieties
of bait.
Sharks
There are various different species of sharks around these
waters, with the most frequent release being the Zambezi's
(bull), dusky, blacktip, hammerhead and tigers.
Other gamefish species:
• Tuna (yellowfin, bonito & skipjack)
• Trevally / Kingfish (12 different species)
• Great barracuda & sea pike
• Queen mackerel
• Groupers & snappers
• Queenfish, Pompano, Prodigal son, Job fish
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