Fishing in Zanzibar

With clear tropical waters and beautiful beaches comes an array of reef fish and small marine wildlife, making Zanzibar a fisher’s paradise and perfect for those who enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling.

If you’re looking for something different, the ocean isn’t the only place to drop your line. They also have an array of freshwater lakes like Lake Victoria. Trips to deep freshwater fish in Lake Victoria can be organized through the local villages, Musoma and Mwanza. 

Big Eye Trevally

Native to the warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, these fish are nocturnal feeders. The best way to catch them is by illuminating the water after dusk. Bait can be dead or alive and can include squid, different species of fish and crustaceans, or lures. 

They are delicious to eat and can grow rather large, so making sure you have the proper equipment is essential.

Bull Dorado

Also known as mahi-mahi, this gamefish is a real beauty. They’re a regular catch off the west, north, and east coast of Zanzibar. The bull dorado can most commonly be found near floating objects such as driftwood or buoys. Their large size and delicious taste make them a popular catch.
They can be found close to shore and in open waters.

Barracuda

These aggressive fish are usually found near the surface and close to coral reefs. They have a snake-like look with extremely sharp teeth. They’re scavengers and could pose a threat to people who are snorkelling or scuba diving nearby.

Silverfish such as the mackerel make good bait, and they tend to go after the tail first then come back for the rest, so don’t reel in if they don’t get hooked the first time.

Broadbill Swordfish

These fish can be caught by deep-sea fishing, as they spend much the daylight deep below the surface. Bait can include anything from squid to mackerel to specialized lures, and using weights can help you get your bait deep enough. You can expect them to put up a big fight, and you’ll need a hefty rod and reel to bring one in. 

Spring

You can expect to find billfish from November until March, though it isn’t uncommon for them to be caught year-round. The broadbill swordfish is also popular during these months as well as in November.

Summer

March until June is monsoon season, and it often rains for days with the sun only peeking out for a little bit at a time. It’s best to avoid planning your fishing trip around these months. The best times to visit Zanzibar are between August and March, avoiding the monsoon season.

Fall

Between August and October is ta great time to fish in Zanzibar. There are lots of different types of marlin during the fall months. You can find blue as well as black marlin between August and October, and the striped marlin is prominent during November all the way until March. 
The shortbill spearfish can also be caught between August and October in the Pemba Channel but is a rare find.

Winter

The sailfish is a popular catch during January and December but can be caught year-round. Rough seas and strong winds can be expected in January, but usually, calm down in February.
 

Zanzibar is a safe and beautiful tourist destination. It’s perfect for couples, honeymooners, and families. There’s no shortage of exciting water-sports, charter boat tours, and snorkelling. They have some incredible local cuisine, including coconut bean soup and ndizi Kaanga, or fried plantains. 

There are lots of beautiful ocean-side resorts to choose from that will fit into any budget. You can also take a break from the sun and sand and go on one of the many historical tours available to learn more about the culture of this beautiful area.

You need a fishing license to fish in fresh water and salt water. The fishing charters in Zanzibar normally have the fishing license included in the price, so you don't need to buy one if you're chartering a boat.