The Pemba area is popular for the sheer quantity of its year–round game fishing, although peak Sailfish season is between July and December in this part of Mozambique, whilst peak activity for Wahoo occurs from September to April and from October to March for Dorado. Yellowfin Tuna is a main target species in Mozambique, with big shoals moving in and out of the Pemba area all year round. Kingfish are also present all year round and their size and sheer power makes them one of the most sought after quarry of serious fishermen. Marlin fishing is not yet well– established at Pemba, although small Marlin are caught in local waters from time to time.
Our main fishing boat, Mandenga, is a Gulf Craft 31” Dolphin Super Deluxe, powered by two 115hp Yamaha outboard motors. This state–of–the–art boat has an extended T–Top to shield our guests from the tropical Mozambican sun. On board, our captain and gillie will present you with tackle, lures and bait and will ensure that you have the best professional guidance, whatever your fishing ability. Our second boat, Shooter, is a Cobra Cat 480 powered by two Yamaha 70hp motors, which is ideal for two fishermen and a skipper.
Situated about an hour’s boat ride from Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, this fishing area marks the start of the Quirimbas Archipelago – the first island in the archipelago is only about 3 miles north of Ponta Diabo. This site consists of a number of small ledges on a sloping bottom, which leads to a big ledge dropping off to 120 m. This is the perfect spot to ambush game fish as they move in and out of the rich currents around the islands.
This site is located approximately 45 minutes by boat from Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, just before Ponta Diabo. As the name suggests, this is a fishing site where a river comes into the ocean and one can catch all sorts of game fish waiting for small fish to come out of the protected river environment.
This reef is a big underwater bowl in the continental shelf, situated in the mouth of Pemba Bay, about a 20-minute boat ride from Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa. In this area we have had most of our success with Sailfish.
Located approximately 1 hour from Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa by boat, this site consists of a number of reefs one mile off shore and one mile south of the lighthouse on Ponta Muanhane. This site is teeming with KingMackerel and Yellowfin Tuna.
Based at Pemba is our specialized fishing boat, Broadbill, a 42–ft catamaran, which comes with state–of–the art equipment, including safety gear as well as tackle, terminal tackle, lures and bait. The captain and his team will provide you with all the professional guidance and comfort you need on the fishing charters. One of the world’s most renowned fishing destinations is accessible from Pemba: St Lazarus Banks, a sea mountain 20 x 30 km in extent, rises from 2,4 km deep to within six metres of the ocean surface bringing together a fascinating combination of marine life. We offer luxury live–aboard boat trips to St Lazarus Banks on Broadbill from Pemba for the ultimate game fishing extravaganza.
With over 20 years of fishing in the north of Mozambique, Broadbill skipper, Andre Hanekom, is an expert at finding the best fishing grounds based on sea and weather conditions. Broadbill also offers live–aboard island hopping between Pemba and Matemo with a river estuary stopover…
The Pemba area is popular for the sheer quantity of its year–round game fishing, although peak Sailfish season is between July and December in this part of Mozambique, whilst peak activity for Wahoo occurs from September to April and from October to March for Dorado. Yellowfin Tuna is a main target species in Mozambique, with big shoals moving in and out of the Pemba area all year round. Kingfish are also present all year round and their size and sheer power makes them one of the most sought after quarry of serious fishermen. Marlin fishing is not yet well- established at Pemba, although small Marlin are caught in local waters from time to time.
Amongst Matemo’s top fishing species you will find 6 different species of Kingfish, Great Barracuda, Yellowfin Tuna, Pompano, Jobfish, Dorado and Wahoo.
Northern Mozambique is home to the world–renowned St Lazarus Banks, where avid fishermen can expect to experience exceptional fishing. St Lazarus Banks is an undersea mountain that rises from the depths of the Mozambique Channel on the western edge of the Indian Ocean, northeast of Pemba in Mozambique. Species found include Black and Giant Kingfish, Barracuda, Dorado, Queenfish, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Sailfish. All billfish fishing is operated on a strict catch and release policy.
Best fishing occurs from September to April (this time of year everything is breeding and feeding, with warm winds and currents in the north). During September through to April Kingfish, Sailfish, Black Marlin and Dogtooth Tuna abound. September and October is excellent for Wahoo. Sailfish and Marlin fishing is at its best between November and May. From June to August the fishing is fair, subject to weather conditions.
Best for Kingfish, Marlin and Dorado between January to mid June (more protection against southerly winds). Best catch: a 450–pound Black Marlin.
The channel between Ibo and Matemo Islands, with its 1.4km drop–off, is very good for Dorado, both Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, Sailfish and Black Marlin. The biggest Dogtooth Tuna catches occur between Ibo and Matemo.
Read our latest fishing trip reports submitted by guests and guides.
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