Zanzibar Fishing - Complete Seasonal Guide

The Striped Marlin (November - March)

It is the most prolific of the Marlin and they seasonally migrate through the natural corridor between Zanzibar and the mainland. This game fish is well-known for its fighting ability and is renowned for its speed and acrobatic displays. It has a reputation for spending more time in the air than in the water just after it is hooked.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A striped marlin.

Season - The prime Marlin season runs from mid-November to end of March. In March it would seem that the fish are much larger than average.

The Black Marlin (August - October)

A highly rated game fish in Zanzibar, the Black Marlin has the power, size and persistence of which anglers dream! The Black Marlin in Zanzibar and East African waters are generally larger than the other Marlin and have short, heavy bodies with the fins virtually locked in position.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A black marlin.

Season - During August to the end of October, large Blacks can be found amongst the Tuna. The prime Marlin season runs from mid-November to end of March.

The Blue Marlin (August - October)

The Blue Marlin is the largest of the Marlin family. It is a more streamlined version of the Black Marlin. It has a long slender bill extending up to a virtual point on the top of the head where the dorsal fin slants, resulting in a huge speed take off compared to other Marlin.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A blue marlin.

Season - During August to end October large Blues can be found amongst the Tuna fish.

The Shortbill Spearfish (November - March)

This elusive game fish does exist in the waters of Zanzibar on the Pemba Channel, but is infrequently encountered and rarely seen and caught. This fish is a highly migratory deep-water species feeding at or near the surface on medium-sized fish, including Dorado, Flying Fish and Pilot Fish, Squid and Crustaceans. They appear to be available all year in small numbers. The methods are the same as for other billfish.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A shortbill spearfish.

Season - mid November to end of March with December being the best month.

The Sailfish (All Year esp. December & January)

The Sailfish is one of the most strikingly colourful game fish of all - its outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal which is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots. Its body is dark blue and silver and lights up with white dots and lines of electric blue.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A sailfish.

Season - Seen and caught throughout the fishing season but most prolific during December and January.

The Broadbill (All Year esp. October, November & March)

Broadbill (Xiphias gladius) is know as the 'Gladiator of the Sea' due to its reputation of being the toughest of all the billfish with a violent mood, and is considered by many to be the toughest of all billfish to catch - the ultimate challenge in big game fishing in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A broadbill.

Season - all year but best in October, November and March when the seas are very calm. December before the wind goes round to the north-east can also be an excellent time to catch r Broadbill.

The Tuna - Angling on Adrenaline (August - October)

From August we start to see large numbers of migrating Yellowfin Tuna fish, which are, pound for pound, one of the strongest fish that swim and can put up a challenging fight. These swift, sleek marauders of the worlds' oceans can be picked out from their close relatives by their bright yellow finlets and belly.

Zanzibar fishing photo: A tuna fish.

Season - August to October provides excellent sport for Tuna fish. Some of the Tuna are huge and involve a long, exciting and exhausting fight in the chair.

Lesser Game Fish

Some of the fish found in Zanzibar for this particular category are:

• The Giant Trevally
• The Kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson)
• The Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus)
• The Wahoo
• The Barracuda

Zanzibar Fishing - Our Rates

Half Day: 5hrs

Suli Suli Boat:

USD 395 per trip

Tamimi Boat:

USD 540 per trip

Haraka Boat:

USD 640 per trip

Full Day: 8hrs

Suli Suli Boat:

USD 545 per trip

Tamimi Boat:

USD 740 per trip

Haraka Boat:

USD 940 per trip

Prices Include

• Price Includes
• Charter of boat
• Skipper
• Bait
• Tackle
• Equipment hire
• Lunch (full day)
• Snacks (half day)