REEL TIME
4
24,00 ft
Paje Beach, Zanzibar (TZ)
From
$ 300
Deposit non-refundable
Fishing in Zanzibar
Zanzibar, a tropical archipelago located off the coast of East Africa, is known for its beautiful, crystal clear blue waters and warm, tropical weather. Located in the...
Read more..Zanzibar, a tropical archipelago located off the coast of East Africa, is known for its beautiful, crystal clear blue waters and warm, tropical weather. Located in the Indian Ocean, this little group of islands has seen a tourism boom in the last 16 years. Full of jaw-dropping resorts and mouthwatering restaurants, Zanzibar has become a popular destination for couples, families, and fishermen alike.
Inshore there are interesting predators such as Barracuda nad Big Eye Trevally. Off-shore fishing will produce Dorado, Swordfish, Tuna & Marlin. This means the only fishing problem your likely to have is deciding which amazing species to target.
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Tips & Tricks, bait and more
With clear tropical waters and beautiful beaches comes an array of reef fish and small marine wildlife, making Zanzibar a fisher’s paradise and perfect for those who enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling.
If you’re looking for something different, the ocean isn’t the only place to drop your line. They also have an array of freshwater lakes like Lake Victoria. Trips to deep freshwater fish in Lake Victoria can be organized through the local villages, Musoma and Mwanza.
Big Eye Trevally
Native to the warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, these fish are nocturnal feeders. The best way to catch them is by illuminating the water after dusk. Bait can be dead or alive and can include squid, different species of fish and crustaceans, or lures.
They are delicious to eat and can grow rather large, so making sure you have the proper equipment is essential.
Bull Dorado
Also known as mahi-mahi, this gamefish is a real beauty. They’re a regular catch off the west, north, and east coast of Zanzibar. The bull dorado can most commonly be found near floating objects such as driftwood or buoys. Their large size and delicious taste make them a popular catch.
They can be found close to shore and in open waters.
Barracuda
These aggressive fish are usually found near the surface and close to coral reefs. They have a snake-like look with extremely sharp teeth. They’re scavengers and could pose a threat to people who are snorkelling or scuba diving nearby.
Silverfish such as the mackerel make good bait, and they tend to go after the tail first then come back for the rest, so don’t reel in if they don’t get hooked the first time.
Broadbill Swordfish
These fish can be caught by deep-sea fishing, as they spend much the daylight deep below the surface. Bait can include anything from squid to mackerel to specialized lures, and using weights can help you get your bait deep enough. You can expect them to put up a big fight, and you’ll need a hefty rod and reel to bring one in.
Top sport fishing species in Zanzibar
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Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside.
MORE INFO >Dorado
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Sailfish (Istiophorus) are one the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. Often described as the fastest fish in the sea, sailfish can weigh up to 90 kg (200 pounds) and grow up to 3 m (9.7 ft) in length.
MORE INFO >Sailfish
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Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have long and largemouths with teeth.
MORE INFO >Wahoo
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Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg) in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside.
MORE INFO >Yellowfin Tuna
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Distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Giant Trevally - also known as GT - (Caranx ignobilis) is the most wanted species for popping lovers. They can be 1,70 cm long and reach up to 80 kg (175 lb)!
MORE INFO >Giant Trevally
FISHING SEASON IN Zanzibar
Spring
You can expect to find billfish from November until March, though it isn’t uncommon for them to be caught year-round. The broadbill swordfish is also popular during these months as well as in November.
Summer
March until June is monsoon season, and it often rains for days with the sun only peeking out for a little bit at a time. It’s best to avoid planning your fishing trip around these months. The best times to visit Zanzibar are between August and March, avoiding the monsoon season.
Fall
Between August and October is ta great time to fish in Zanzibar. There are lots of different types of marlin during the fall months. You can find blue as well as black marlin between August and October, and the striped marlin is prominent during November all the way until March.
The shortbill spearfish can also be caught between August and October in the Pemba Channel but is a rare find.
Winter
The sailfish is a popular catch during January and December but can be caught year-round. Rough seas and strong winds can be expected in January, but usually, calm down in February.
TOP FISHING TECHNIQUES IN Zanzibar
TOURISM & OTHER ACTIVITIES
Zanzibar is a safe and beautiful tourist destination. It’s perfect for couples, honeymooners, and families. There’s no shortage of exciting water-sports, charter boat tours, and snorkelling. They have some incredible local cuisine, including coconut bean soup and ndizi Kaanga, or fried plantains.
There are lots of beautiful ocean-side resorts to choose from that will fit into any budget. You can also take a break from the sun and sand and go on one of the many historical tours available to learn more about the culture of this beautiful area.
LEGISLATION / REGULATIONS
You need a fishing license to fish in fresh water and salt water. The fishing charters in Zanzibar normally have the fishing license included in the price, so you don't need to buy one if you're chartering a boat.
