Mozambique fishing tour

Fishing Tour in Mozambique with Hezekiah Safaris and Tours *

Join Hezekiah Safaris and Tours for an unforgettable fishing tour in Mozambique, where the thrill of the catch meets the beauty of one of the world's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're looking to hook a marlin or simply enjoy the serene ocean views, this adventure promises to offer lasting memories. 

Fishing Trips to Mozambique: An Overview

Mozambique, with its 2,500+ km coastline along the Indian Ocean, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. The warm tropical waters, influenced by the Mozambique Current, teem with diverse marine life, making it ideal for big-game offshore adventures, shore-based angling, and even freshwater tiger fishing. The country offers a mix of world-class sport fishing for billfish like marlin and sailfish, alongside inshore targets such as giant trevally (GT), bonefish, and pompano. Fishing trips here are often combined with beach lodges, snorkeling, and eco-tours, providing a relaxing yet thrilling experience. However, note that the far north (e.g., Cabo Delgado) can be unstable due to historical conflicts—stick to southern and central coastal areas for safety. Trips are best booked through reputable operators like FishingBooker or local lodges, which handle permits, gear, and transfers.

Key practicalities:

• Visa and Permits: A passport valid for 6+ months is required, plus a tourist visa (obtainable on arrival or via embassy). A 30-day fishing license (around $10–20 USD) is mandatory for all anglers and can be bought at local maritime offices with your passport.
• Getting There: Fly into Maputo (international hub), then connect domestically to spots like Vilanculos or Inhaca. From South Africa, direct flights to Vilanculos are popular. Expect 4x4 transfers for remote lodges.
• Gear and Costs: Many charters provide rods/reels (trolling setups for offshore, fly gear for inshore), but bring your own lures, jigs, poppers, and leaders. Trips range from $200–$800 USD per person/day, including boat and crew; full packages with lodging start at $1,500–$3,000/week.
• Sustainability: Tag-and-release is encouraged for billfish. Avoid beach seine nets in overfished areas.

Some Fishing Spots in Mozambique

Mozambique's top spots are clustered in the south and center, where coral reefs, islands, and deep canyons create productive grounds. Here's a breakdown of the highlights, focusing on accessible, high-yield locations for trips:

1. Bazaruto Archipelago (Vilanculos/Benguerra Island) Often called the "crown jewel" of Mozambican fishing, this UNESCO-protected national park spans 1,430 km² with five islands and shallow reefs. It's renowned for record-sized black marlin (up to 1,000+ lbs), blue/striped marlin, sailfish, GT, wahoo, dorado (mahi mahi), yellowfin tuna, and permit. Offshore trolling peaks from September–December for marlin/tuna, while fly-fishing in channels (March–July) targets bonefish, pompano, and queenfish. Inshore reefs yield jobfish and king mackerel. Access via Vilanculos airport; charters like Big Blue Vilankulo offer half/full-day trips ($300–$600) or multi-day lodge stays (e.g., Benguerra Lodge). Shallow waters surprise with big fish close to shore—perfect for beginners to pros.
2. Ponta do Ouro (Southern Coast) Near the South African border, this marine reserve is a hotspot for deep-sea action, with consistent marlin (blue, black, striped), sailfish, king mackerel, and dorado. Half-day nearshore trips hit reefs for amberjack and snapper, while full-day offshore runs (8–10 hours) chase billfish in 50–100m depths. Water temps around 27°C make it reliable year-round, but September–January is prime. Charters like Gaf Adventures or Prime Zulu ($250–$500/day) depart from Ponta do Ouro; combine with shark cage diving or beach launches (note: official ramps only to avoid fines). Shore fishing here is decent for GT and barracuda using lures.
3. Inhaca Island (Near Maputo) Just a 30–45-minute boat from Maputo, this accessible island offers a mix of offshore and inshore fishing in protected bays and reefs. Target kingfish, barracuda, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and occasional sharks or marlin. Half-day trips ($150–$300) from Number 1 Boat Charters include trolling for dorado and bottom fishing for snapper/red roman. It's great for families—short trips with lunch on the island. Best June–September for sailfish; avoid rainy season cyclones (January–March). Fly to Maputo, then boat transfer; licenses available locally.
4. Tofo/Guinjata Bay (Inhambane Province) Inhambane's bays and reefs are underrated for shore and deep-sea fishing. Guinjata Bay ranks as a top spot for GT (up to 50kg), kingfish, tuna, and mackerel from the beach or pier—ideal for light tackle or fly-fishing. Offshore charters target marlin and broadbill. Stay at Golden Palms Resort for self-catering with braai spots to cook your catch. Best December–April for warmer waters; trips via local operators ($200–$400/day). Combine with whale shark sightings (December–February).
5. Pomene Reserve (Central Coast) Dubbed the "GT capital," this wild area excels in shore popping/jigging for giant trevally (30–50kg), plus queenfish and barracuda. Boat trips hit reefs for tuna and wahoo. Limited to 4 anglers/week for exclusivity; access via 4x4 from Beira. Prime February–May; remote vibe suits hardcore anglers.
6. Nacala Bay (Central-North) A sheltered bay for half-day nearshore (GT, tuna) or full-day canyon runs for marlin/sailfish. Good for bottom jigging (amberjack, snapper). Charters from Nacala port ($300+/day); best September–January.

Best Time to Go and Tips

• Peak Seasons: September–January for marlin/tuna (dry, warm 25–30°C); May–September for sailfish (cooler, less rain); March–July for fly-fishing/inshore.
• Weather Note: Dry season (May–November) is ideal; wet season (December–April) brings cyclones but bigger inshore fish.
• Tips: Use Pulsator lures for trolling; bring 30–80 lb tackle for big game, lighter (10–20 lb) for shore. Book ahead via FishingBooker or Sportquest Holidays for verified charters. Expect skipjack tuna schools everywhere—great for chumming. For freshwater, try Cahora Bassa Dam for tigerfish (June–October), but it's inland.

Mozambique's fishing is explosive and accessible, blending adventure with stunning beaches. For personalized itineraries, consult operators—happy hunting!

Mozambique Fishing Vacation Operators

Mozambique's pristine coastline and rich marine biodiversity make it a top destination for fishing vacations, offering everything from big-game marlin pursuits to inshore fly-fishing for GT and bonefish. Operators typically provide all-inclusive packages that include accommodations (often beachfront lodges or resorts), guided charters, meals, and transfers, with options for 3–7 day trips starting around $1,500–$5,000 USD per person (depending on group size, season, and luxury level). September–December is peak for offshore billfish, while May–September suits sailfish and cooler weather. Always book in advance, especially for 2025, and confirm fishing permits (about $20 USD) through the operator. Focus on southern and central regions for stability—avoid the far north if possible.