Africa & Indian Ocean

Africa and Indian Ocean fishing charters offer some of the most exciting frontier big-game fishing left, in waters that see a fraction of the pressure of the Atlantic and Pacific hotspots. Cape Verde has exploded onto the scene as one of the most reliable spring blue marlin fisheries in the world, while Kenya's Malindi and Watamu coast carries a deep sportfishing heritage stretching back to the days of Hemingway-era safari anglers. Both deliver warm water, hard-charging fish and a real sense of adventure.

Top fishing destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean

The region's two standout hubs sit on opposite sides of the continent.

• Cape Verde — The waters off São Vicente (Mindelo) and Sal produce astonishing numbers of blue marlin in a tight spring window, with plenty of fish in the 300-to-500-pound class and true granders in the mix.
• Malindi and Watamu, Kenya — This historic Indian Ocean coast offers sailfish, striped and blue marlin, and dorado over the deep water off the reef, with a long, warm season and a friendly, well-established charter fleet.

Best time to fish Africa and the Indian Ocean

The seasons here are sharply defined. Cape Verde's blue marlin bonanza runs April through July, with the peak in May and June, when boats can raise double figures of marlin in a day. Kenya's Malindi and Watamu fishery follows the calmer northeast monsoon, roughly November through March; sailfish peak December through February, while broadbill swordfish and yellowfin tuna add variety through the season.

What you'll catch

Off Cape Verde, it is blue marlin almost to the exclusion of all else during the peak, with the odd wahoo and mahi-mahi. Off Kenya, expect a broader billfish spread: sailfish, blue marlin, black and striped marlin, plus yellowfin tuna, dorado and reef species on lighter tackle. Both destinations reward anglers who commit to full days of trolling in productive blue water.