Fishing in Africa

Africa – The only continent with a long coastline on the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Sea fishing in Africa generally means “little big game”, or even “big game” fishing – alluding to the size of the fish to be expected. But don’t let the “little” mislead you – it is not uncommon for anglers to experience the greatest physical challenges here, as the fish are incredibly strong and demand pretty much everything from the angler during the fight.

Fishing in Africa, Global Fishing Adventures

When we talk about “big game” fishing, we are referring in particular to trolling with large lures (artificial baits). These lures do not always have hooks on them – sometimes they are only used as “teasers” to initially attract the fish. If this is successful, prepared natural baits – usually smaller mackerel-like fish – so-called “pitch baits” are then presented to the predator. The advantage of this method is that considerably more fish are hooked and less are lost in the fight (due to the use of circle hooks). Big game fishing also includes fishing for very large sharks. Here you fish from a drifting or anchored boat with large natural baits.

Fishing in Africa, Global Fishing Adventures

You could say that everything is one size smaller with “Little Big Game” fishing. This is basically true, but fishing with surface lures (poppers or stickbaits) and (speed) jigging are also involved. The latter two methods in particular are extremely strenuous and even the mere lure presentation requires the angler to be in good physical condition. When a larger fish takes the bait, it really gets down to business – but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

The abundance of species off the coast of Africa is enormous – if you use different fishing techniques, it is not unusual to catch 20-30 fish species in a week. Below is a selection of 3 fish species that are particularly popular with anglers:

Blue marlin

The largest of all swordtails – and also a relentless fighter. Blue marlin can be found in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and are one of the classic “big game” fish. They are only caught when trolling. On the African Atlantic coast, the Cape Verde Islands are among the best fishing grounds for this species. Marlin of 100-150 kg are the average here – good fish can reach 300-400 kg and exceptional fish can even break the 1000 pound mark (so-called “grander” / from 454 kg).

Fishing in Africa, Global Fishing Adventures

Yellowfin tuna

Just like its relative the bluefin tuna, the yellowfin tuna is an incredibly persistent and tough fighter. This species does not grow as big as the “BFT”, but if you hook fish over the 100 kg mark, you might think that they are even more powerful than their “blue brothers” in the same weight class. Best spot: Ascension Island (a small island in the South Atlantic) – but the Cape Verde Islands also regularly produce large “yellowfins”.

Fishing in Africa, Global Fishing Adventures

Giant Trevally

This really is a fish that you can already tell is evil. The giant trevally is the largest species in the trevally family and can weigh over 80 kg. Fish over 50 kg are already considered very large. The “GT” is the main target of popper anglers, i.e. anglers who fish the reefs with surface lures (poppers). But the predators are also frequently hooked when jigging in deeper water layers. GTs don’t hesitate for long once they are hooked and move off like a steam engine. Heavy tackle (PE 8-10) is required for large fish, as the fish often move into the coral reefs if they cannot be held — and then they are inevitably lost. One of the absolute best spots for big giant trevallies are the “7 Brothers Islands” in Djibouti.

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