Deep sea fishing in Pemba

Pemba Island and the 55-kilometer section of the Pemba Channel are possibly the most exhilarating locations for deep sea fishing vacation in Africa. The deep blue waters of the ocean reach depths of over 820 meters, and the environs of the island are incredibly beautiful. Big game fishing around Pemba Island is always conducted in strict compliance with IGFA regulations that do not permit reef fishing.

The specialized, custom-built boat you hire will take you out to deeper locations where you can try your luck in deep sea fishing in Pemba channel. You need not be a seasoned angler because your inboard expert skipper will guide all your attempts including assisting the more experienced guests with distinct reeling in techniques and quests of their bill-fish  of choice.

Deep sea fishing in Pemba Channel

On your deep sea fishing in Pemba, you will encounter some unique forms of bait they use.For instance, there is the queen fish or as the locals call it, "pandu." Queen fish are typically up to 50 centimeters in length and are actually a tightly compacted fish shaped with silver-grayish coloring on both sides with a large mouth. Other forms of tuna and bonito are also used as alternatives. You also have the option of going on night trolling expeditions by using their usual lures. Your captain will take you around the deeper ends where other techniques such as live baiting, jigging and popping are also used.

Aside from the billfish,  guests can catch yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, kingfish, barracuda, ruby snappers, almaco jacks, tiger and mako sharks and many more. The more intrepid fishermen can try their hand at snagging a giant trevally. The reason Pemba Island is such a grand location for deep sea fishing is that a tame warm north current flows through the channel that is ideal for the drawing large numbers of baitfish. The deep and clear water along with the presence of food attracts many migratory billfish and other residents of the open seas serving to make deep sea fishing in Pemba such a great sport. That is what makes the region an exceptional world-renowned fishing terminus.

You might be interested to know that we promote tag and release of all billfish and sharks. When on your angling holiday on the Pemba channel, you will learn that the prime season lasts for a good eight months in a year. August through November are the best months for the yellowfin tuna.

The billfish season for marlin and sailfish is best from September through March with distinct bills found in varying months. September through December are best times to catch blue and black marlins while December to March are set aside for stripped marlins. Big game fishing in Pemba along with fishing in Zanzibar and Mafia have yet another major advantage over other locations, and that is its superb weather conditions with composed seas. Since Pemba Channel is on the sheltered side of the island, it is spared from the strong monsoon winds blowing in from the wide-open Indian Ocean. Another interesting factor is the astoundingly gigantic sized fish that can be raised in these waters.

The heaviest weight of a blue marlin on record in Pemba is over 300 kilograms and for a black, over 350 kilograms. Include Pemba Island on your deep sea travel in Eastern Africa and you just might be the record holder like Jim Costello from South Africa for raising fifty-two striped marlins in one hundred and twenty hours only!

We welcome you to try out this amazing activity using the best deep sea fishing club in the Kenyan Coast. The day long trip starts in the early hours as you set sail with  a customized fishing boat. Snacks, water and other refreshments are  available for sampling as the day goes by and lunch is served on the boat. At the end of the day, you can relax at the club with your family or friends. The club is situated at the shores of the Indian Ocean overlooking the Wasini island in the sleepy village of Shimoni. There is a swimming pool in the compound for those who do nor prefer the salty waters of the ocean.

There is a well stocked bar in the club and both local and continental dishes are served for  lunch and dinner.