This is the area in southern Mozambique where the warm Mozambican current comes in closest to shore. The Bazaruto Archipelago is blessed with a myriad of underwater structures that hold large amounts of baitfish, which in turn attract an immense variety of migrating pelagic that cruise past the area throughout the year. Due to its conditions, most fishing is done close to shore, within depths between 5 and 200 meters deep, commonly not further than 3 to 5 miles from the coast, This, of course means short and fast runs to the fishing grounds. Below a brief description of our main fishing areas (from north to south).

The reef commonly called ‘25 Mile’ is our most northerly spot, situated 7 miles north of the Bazaruto sandpit. This massive reef structure runs for more than 4 miles, with the shallowest area at around 8 meters. There are a great number of different pinnacles, which are generally surrounded by bait balls of Fusiliers, Garfish, Rainbow Runners, Jube Jube’s and others, producing big GT’s and other Kingfish, big Talang Queenfish, Crocodile Cuda, Queen Mackerel as well as an endless variety of other species. This is the area for variety and our preferred fly fishing and drop shot destination. Recent deep vertical jigging trips have produced great results as well. Good marlin catches have also been recorded on its outer ledges.

As one rounds the sandpit on the northern tip of Bazaruto Island, the shallow, sandy bottom drops off abruptly to a depth of around 30 meters. At 58 meters, a deep channel is created where a strong current collides with an irregular bottom structure causing an up welling, which is evident at the surface as the current rips. Both the sandpit and Dolphin Bay areas are good for Large Wahoo, Tuna and King Mackerel, as well as lesser game fish. Late in their season it can also be a favorite spot for Sailfish, and small Black Marlin. Its location also enables one to fish in relatively calm waters during cold front southerly winds.

The lighthouse, three trees and Nhangosse area are historically the archipelago’s most famous spots. Various factors contribute to this, of which the beauty of Bazaruto’s lonely lighthouse in the background is certainly one. It is also where two currents meet and the rocky reef ledges that run along the island make their abrupt end. In summer, the area is always teeming with baitfish such as Blue Runners and Torpedo Scads, which make ideal live baits for crocodile size King Mackerel swimming the deeper ledges. The shallow area, where the waves crash against the exposed reef, is the ideal hunting ground for GT’s and, as the reef drops deeper, one can find excellent jigging areas for all game fish and, of course, the grander Marlin that has made the area so famous.

Positioned in the middle eastern section of the island, it was so named when an angler caught a Sailfish off the beach. It is the most salient point on Bazaruto’s eastern side and has a long shallow ridge running north. It is a popular place for all game fish and billfish.

These reefs are simply the most prominent areas of a reef system that runs along this southern section of Bazaruto. Both 5 and 6 Mile are exposed at low tide and attract large numbers of game fish. Not only are the game fish associated with shallow reefs in this part of the world, but also large species of Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin.

Approximately 2 miles out from the southern point of Bazaruto Island, this massive reef – well exposed at low tide – is known for its breathtaking snorkeling on the inside ledges and unique scuba diving on the outside. Needless to say that such a long reef, which attracts divers for its diversity of life, also attracts big pelagic predators. The northern and southern edges of the reef are particularly good for GT’s and the deeper waters are well known for all other pelagic species. Just inside 2 Mile, situated on the gap between Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands, Kingfish Alley is popular for its Trevally species, which abound in good numbers and size. With the right conditions, it is a great area to work jigs, spoons, poppers and fly’s.

Running south of 2 Mile, the sandbanks on the eastern side of Benguerra Island run from 2 to 4.5 miles out to sea, making for very interesting drops where they end. Off the island of Magaruque, this drop is accentuated with massive drop–offs and canyons, providing some of the most exciting bottom structures around the archipelago. In some areas, the bottom drops for more than 150 m in a mere mile. During Sailfish season the area attracts huge pods and produces extremely fast action. Obviously with such irregular structures, the jigging potential is huge. Further south of this area there are also two reefs, which produce great GT action.

In the same latitude, but five miles out to sea, the 400 m counter line comes in quick and steep, formatting a 3–mile underwater canyon. Although this is very deep water for most game fish, we have had good success with monster Wahoo, Dorado and good size Yellowfin Tuna. It has also been around this canyon that we have had most of our encounters with Blue and Striped Marlin while pushing fast trolled artificials.

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