FISHING IN EAST AFRICA

TANZANIA

The deep waters of the Indian Ocean along Tanzania's coast are rich in big-game fish, from marlin and tuna to

swordfish and biting barracudas. All the same, the waters of Tanzania are only just beginning to gain the world-wide fame of the Kenyan coast, so the waters are less populated and fishing at its most pristine. Tuna and other pelagics migrate through the Pemba Channel on a yearly basis, but can be found in smaller numbers throughout the year. Besides the big-game fish, grouper, red snapper, and other local species are populous along the coastal waters.

ZANZIBAR

the spice island. Home to some of the best big game and deep sea fishing opportunities in the Indian Ocean.

There are no less than six different types of billfish in the Zanzibar's Pemba channel just north of Nungwi and your chances of catching at least 3 different types in a season are really good. Besides the billfish there are huge sharks

(Mako, Tiger, Thresher and Hammerhead to name but a few), tuna fishing, large wahoo, king mackerel, dorado, barracuda, and record size giant trevally plus many others.
In peak Marlin season, the bill fish move right up to the coast line to gorge themselves on the tuna, making the north of Zanzibar very interesting for enthusiastic anglers. These fish show inexhaustible displays of strength and a chance at a personal best is very good.
Basically our seasons take place with the tuna season running from August to October, and then the billfish season for marlin and sailfish running from November till March. In between the game fish are always there. Large Tuna can reach

up to 100 kg’s, with many schools of 50 kg tuna still migrating through our waters.  The tuna are followed by the big marlin. Our main striped marlin season runs from December through to March whilst large black and blue marlin are caught in September till December.

KENYA

The Kenyan coastline has been fished by many intrepid big game fishing adventurers such as Ernest Hemmingway in the past. In the early days Kenya made a name for being one of the best sailfish destinations in the world, with on it's day a run of striped marlin that Hemingway himself commented on being one of the best.

Kenya's best feature as a big game fishing destination is the variety of fish available, these include three types of marlin, blue, black and striped, broadbill swordfish, sailfish and many different sharks. Whether you are a hard core marlin fisherman, a fly or light line fisherman, or maybe someone who prefers to jig deep or drift for shark, quietly waiting for the ratchet to scream - what ever your preference we really do have it all.

UGANDA

Uganda is proud to have the biggest area of Africa’s biggest lake share between three countries; much of its territory is covered with water bodies, rivers and lakes. The biggest lakes are: Victoria, Albert, Edward, and Kyoga. In particular,

Lake Victoria is becoming a tourist destination in Uganda thanks to the attractions offered by the archipelago of the

Ssese Islands, with its virgin beauty and nature. The Islands are 84 in number: some of them are very small; others have

big extensions and population, Bugala Island is the most popular and hosts the biggest population; it has the best accommodation for visitors, a natural white sand beach and other activities, like fishing, bird watching excursions,

and boat riding. The second biggest and spectacular island is Bukasa, where you can experience and participate in the real village and traditional way of fishing, natural walks in uncontaminated forests, experiencing African crops and fruits.
Ssese Islands are reachable through public transport boats from Kasenyi Landing Site or by ferry boat from Entebbe Pier to Lutoboka Bay in Bugala Island. It is also possible to hire private boats.

FISHING TANZANIA

Along the mainland coast, Pangani and Dar es Salaam are the most popular area for deep-sea fishing. Trips from

Pangani and Tanga offer easy access to the Pemba Channel, a main migratory route for big-game pelagics. Outfitted charters are best arranged from local lodges, and the guide will know where best to look for a big-game catch. Around Dar es Salaam, fishing boats can be chartered and trips arranged around the areas of Msasani Bay, as well as the larger hotels and lodges. Excursions usually take the form of day trips and although the area is not as populated with large game fish, smaller species are in plentiful supply.
In the Zanzibar Archipelago, resorts and lodges along the northern and eastern parts of Unguja and the island of

Pemba offer fishing charters that venture into deep waters. Fishing is becoming a popular alternative to snorkelling and dive trips along the reefs, and boats take clients out into the Pemba Channel and surrounding waters.
Pelagics and big-game fish are abundant in the isolated waters around Pemba and Unguja, and reward the adventurous fisherman with their size and bounty. PRICES ON REQUEST

Inland Fishing
Fishing is an economic mainstay of many parts of rural Tanzania and quickly becoming a popular activity for visitors along the country's rivers and lakes. Although not permitted in national parks, fly and lake fishing in remote areas is

a rewarding and peaceful way to experience the beauty of African scenery and enjoy the country at a leisurely pace.
The freshwater lakes of Tanzania offer fishing opportunities for visitors willing to venture off the beaten track. Fishing along Lake Victoria affords an opportunity to experience freshwater lake fishing and observe life around the lakes of Tanzania. Fishing trips can be organised from surrounding villages, as well as the larger ports of Mwanza and Musoma, where boatmen will gladly arrange for you to accompany them on their daily trips to net Nile Perch and Tilapia in the waters offshore. Trips to Rubondo Island National Park also offer fishermen a base from which to embark on trips around the Lake Victoria and its tributaries.
Fly fishing along the many rivers and large streams Tanzania is another rewarding experience for sportsmen wanting

to experience remote areas at a leisurely pace. During the rainy season, rivers and their tributaries swell with fish and river life, and any time after the short and long rains is a good time to plan a fishing safari. Many adventure safari companies cater for international fisherman looking for the best fishing waters in East Africa, and everything from trolling through flood plains to fly fishing in mountain streams is possible. PRICES ON REQUEST

FISHING ZANZIBAR

Rates - 2010/11 price list

Above rates include: soft drinks (sodas), mineral water, fruit, snacks, a pack lunch on full day charters, a pack dinner

on night fishing charters, all meals on the live aboard charters, all equipment, tackle, lures, bait, fuel, skipper and deckhand.

Please note: These rates are for the boat, NOT per person and exclude hotel transfers

FISHING KENYA

Kenya is one of the few places in the big game fishing world where a fantasy slam (all 5 billfish) is a definite possibility. The first achieved in March 2005, included 2 black marlin, 1 blue marlin, 1 striped marlin, 5 broadbill and 2 sailfish, all released. Then again twice in 2009. The second big advantage is the benign weather close to the equator, making 'blow outs' very rare.

All the big game fishing boats we recommend are first and fore most seaworthy vessels, with all the safety equipment required by Kenyan law. We also require our fishing boats to be on the Kenya Association of Sea Anglers list of recommended boats (K.A.S.A. the industries official watch dog who's rules are a little more thorough). All our skippers support tag & release whole heartedly.

Kenya's deep sea fishing season starts from the beginning of July through to April. The southeast monsoon (Kusi) blows from mid March to mid November and is cooler than the northeast (Kaskazi) which blows the rest of the time. The seas are warmer and calmer during the Kaskazi months.

Most fish are not resident but migrate through Kenyan waters. We have a good idea of when the best time is to fish for individual species but the exact time depends on water temperature, availability of food, current, water clarity, etc.

The main billfish season (sailfish and marlin) runs from October to mid to late March, however sailfish and black marlin often come inshore in numbers in July and August (these months have been fantastic for black marlin on many occasions). If you want to target blue marlin or striped marlin you are better off coming between January and the middle of March (book early if you want a decent boat between Feb 15 to March 15, many are booked a year in advance).

All the boats we recommend support wholeheartedly the practice of ‘Tag and Release’ of billfish, shark and many types of game fish.

FISHING UGANDA

Sport Fishing: Uganda is an ideal fishing destination. With one third of the country covered by water; there is great opportunity for sport fishing. Nile Perch of up to 108 kg have been caught on some instances; the other types to catch include Tilapia, Tiger fish, ferocious fighter, Ngara (Genus alestes), catfish and barbel.
Sport fishing is done on Lake Victoria and Murchison Falls National Park. The main catch of the Lake is the Nile Perch, which is the largest fresh water game fish in the whole world; the method of fishing is by use of trolling lures. The most common fish of the lake is tilapia. At Murchison Falls, fish are often caught using live bait. Fishing is generally done over a few days, requiring some level of fitness and experience. East African Safaris will organize for your sport fishing activity; this activity will be enjoyed especially in Ssese Islands. PRICES ON REQUEST