Game Fishing

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Catch the Fish You Never Thought Possible

We are fortunate in having superb fishing almost all the year, and Zanzibar Game Fishing is synonymous with the finest fishing in Zanzibar. Some of the most exhilarating and challenging deep-sea fishing is available. Traditionally when the Kaskazi (north east monsoon) blows, the billfish arrive in great numbers.

There are two very definite seasons, the Yellow-fin Tuna season, which runs from August through to the end of October, and the Marlin season, which runs from December to mid March. Which fish can I expect to catch?

Striped Merlin

The Most Prolific of the Marlins

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Striped Merlin

Zanzibar game fishing image: A striped merlin

Striped Marlin are the most prolific of the Marlin and they seasonally migrate through the natural corridor between Pemba Island and the mainland. The Striped Marlin 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. In addition to long runs and tail walks, it will 'greyhound' across the surface, making a dozen or more long, graceful leaps.

Black Merlin

Power, Size and Persisntance at its Best

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Black Marlin

Zanzibar game fishing image: A black merlin

A highly rated game fish, the Black Marlin has the power, size and persistence of which anglers dream! This Marlin has tremendous power, and is known for its long runs and tail walking. Black Marlin in East African waters are generally larger than the other Marlin and have short, heavy bodies with the fins virtually locked in position.

Blue Merlin

The Largest of the Marlins

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Blue Marlin

Zanzibar game fishing image: A blue merlin

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.

Sailfish

The Acrobat

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Sailfish

Zanzibar game fishing image: A sailfish

The Sailfish is one of the most strikingly colorful 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.

Shortbill Spearfish

A Rare Catch

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Shortbill Spearfish

Zanzibar game fishing image: A shortbill spearfish

This elusive game fish does exist in the waters of the Pemba Channel, but is infrequently encountered and rarely seen and caught.

Broadbill (Xiphias Gladius)

The Gladiator

Zanzibar Game Fishing - Broadbill

Zanzibar game fishing image: A broadbill

Broadbill (Xiphias gladius) is known 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.

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