Popper & Plugging In Mozambique

Popping & Plugging

Popping is done from either shore or offshore. A medium heavy rod of 7’ with a reliable strong “coffee grinder” type reel is used to cast the surface lure. The recommended method of retrieval for best results is to point the rod tip at the lure, retrieve any slack line and firmly sweep the rod tip in a downward motion approximately 45 degrees. Allow the lure to rest for several seconds and if a fish has not taken the lure repeat as necessary. Popping is a very active way of fishing, and catching some of the toughest fish like giant trevally and dogtooth tuna will make every moment a memorable one.

Featured Resort - Matemo Island

Located in the breathtaking Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique, Matemo offers guests the quintessential tropical island experience, with beautiful white beaches and thousands of palm trees swaying in the breeze. A perfect vista of endless white sand and translucent sea mesmerizes those who visit, whilst the untouched marine environment allows for constant new discoveries of Mozambique, whether diving, snorkelling, fishing, or exploring unspoilt beaches. The tropical waters around Matemo are one of Mozambique’s best–kept secrets. Here in clear waters that reach 30c in summer, you will discover a marine ecosystem that is absolutely pristine. Each of the 24 palm–thatched, air–conditioned chalets is situated on the beach within metres of the sea and offers en–suite bathroom, outdoor shower, mini–bar and verandah and complete with hammock for watching the world go by. The central guest areas are elevated above the sea, perfect for sundowners whilst watching.

Targeted Fish Species

Giant Kingfish

Locally known as “Ignobilis”, and our main target species, the sheer power of this fish is virtually unparalleled and it is known for bending hooks, breaking leaders and snapping lines. Present all year round and an extremely aggressive predator, we frequently bring in fish in excess of 30 kgs (70 lbs). This makes them one of the most sought after quarry of any serious angler.

King Mackerel

A very good eating fish, these fish are mostly caught on the reef banks north–east of Medjumbe and off the “Wall”. Average size “cuta” is between 10 kg and 18 kg and some big specimens around 25 kg.

Yellowfin Tuna (yellowfin, skipjack & bonito)

This is our main target species. Big shoals of tuna move in and out of the Pemba area all year round. A strike from these brutes makes for some exciting fishing given an average size tuna taken out is around 10 kg to 20 kg, with some in the 30 kg to 35 kg also caught.

Wahoo

These aquatic missiles are one of our main target species. They are found all year round with peak activity around September towards April. These fish are taken on almost any form of bait - artificial and organic. Our Quirimbas record is a beast of 32 kg.

Dorado

Being a great fighting fish, we target this rainbow coloured acrobat of the sea. Peak season is October to March. It is not strange to have a full house strike from these magnificent fish when you troll past any floating objects, which they seem to favour as a point of ambush.