Cris Dillon Black Marlin Mozambique
Mozambique has to be one of the most fantastic tropical spearfishing destinations in the world. Warm water and an abundance of fish make this the place of dreams for many spearfisherman around the world.
For some it is the allure of might gamefish like the Black Marlin which frequent these waters almost all year round. For others its finding trophy reef species of which a number of world records have been shot in these waters. Check the IUSA Mens World Spearfishing Records 11 world records have been taken in the same areas you will dive.
Mozambique is on east coast of Africa and has a vast and ruggedly beautiful coastline that is home to some of the best fishing in the world. Starting with Santa Maria in the southern end of the coastline to the deep reefs further north. These dive sites range from extreme blue water locations famous for the giant Black Marlin to remote reefs holding trophy reef species and other great gamefish.
The capital of Mozambique, Maputo receives most international flights. The trips are based 40 min boat ride away, with accommodation ranging from 5 star private lodges to more rustic chalets on the water’s edge. So there will be something to suit your budget and needs.
Spearfishing Green Jobfish in Mozambique
Due to the nature of the type of diving here I prefer not to take large groups and provide a more personal hands on experience for each of my clients. This means that I accompany each dive and will be in the water at all times with you. There is much to learn about getting good fish in this area and I will share these secrets to ensure you get the fish you are after.
Mozambique Spearfishing Seasons
January / February
Calm seas and can have very good weather for 10 consecutive days. The water can also be very clean on the shallow reefs, which is good for bottom fishing. Lots of small tunas bring in the game fish. Spanish Mackerel, Dorado ,Wahoo , with both Sailfish and Marlin around. This is a great time of the year.
March
Expect calm seas sometimes with occasional tropical storms that can last 3 or 4 days. This is why I recommend 10 days so that if there is a down day or two, you still get lots of dive time. This is prime time for GT kingfish in shallow water and the Green Job Fish. The Spanish Mackerel and GT’s abundant, along with some big Wahoo, Sailfish, and Marlin on the blue water spots.
April
Similar to March, but is peak holiday season so advanced booking essential.
NB- Peak holiday seasons accommodation costing will be more expensive.
May / June
The seas are very calm, the water does start to cool down so the numbers of pelagic fish does reduce. However the fish are generally bigger and it’s a good time for trophy hunting. The big Spanish Mackerel move to the shallow reefs and Bigger Wahoo can be found on the Marlin spots. This is generally the time of the year when the guys catch the biggest Marlin.
July / August
The water is usually cleaner as this is the dry season which opens up the northern reefs and wrecks for diving. The water temp drops bring with it larger Wahoo and Spanish Mackerel.
September
Although this is late winter the fisherman get their best fishing in the deep. With good catches of all pelagic gamefish, including big Black Marlin. The northern reefs produce some of the biggest wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna around this time of the year.
October
This is normally the windiest month, and the transaction of the seasons, so weather can be variable. The fishing however can be great, but allow for some weather days in between dive days.
November and December
Weather turns early in November and the sea starts to warm up bringing with it an abundance of gamefish. The weather is generally good and the visibility can be an excellent 20-40m. This is the start of summer and you will be spoilt for choice.
December is a peak holiday season so advanced booking essential. Accommodation costing will be more expensive.
Spearfishing Overview
November and March – April are the prime Marlin seasons when the large shoals of small tuna congregate on the deep water banks attracting all sorts of large game fish.
January and February are the warmest months and prime game fish times of the year. However Wahoo and Sailfish seem to like March through into winter.
April through to June have the best weather and although maybe the game fish are not as prolific, the shear time in the water compensates for this and you get just as many fish. Winter (May-end September) is the dry season and the water on the shallow northern reefs get very clean. This gives you so many options on any given day.
Late Winter game fish returning from the sardine shoals down south are big and fat. This in itself makes the winter run special.
The biggest factor affecting the fishing is however the tides. Strong spring tides cause strong currents and are good for gamefish. While the currents are slower on the neap tides making reef hunting easier.
For this reason most trips are scheduled over 10 – 7 days to ensure that you get the best of both worlds.
Southern Mozambique has deep blue water where you will be diving in 40-60m of ink blue water. The Deep reefs for pelagics range from 20-30m and the northern reefs for reef species range from 16-25m. Sometimes you will dive these spots and more all in one day.
NB – Reef species are not allowed to be taken around Inhaca Island and southward towards Ponta Do Ouro as the area is now in a marine protected area.
Fishing permits are required and the boats used are through a licensed operator. The sale of any fish is also not permitted in Mozambique.
Giant Trevally Wreck Diving Mozambique
Spearfishing Mozambique – Spear Junkies Ep 1
Spearfishing Marlin in Mozambique Ep 3
Spearfishing Gear Needed
The spearguns you will need here is going to be 1200 – 1300 rollerguns anything shorter and you will be doing a lot of ‘tag and release’. Even when the vis down you might encounter very big fish and need the penetration power. I suggest at least 2 meters of soft bungee cord attached to a 30m buoy line with one or two solid foam floats +/- 10 liters.
NB – Thick heavy bungees are useless here, opt for thinner and stretchy ones. You will land heaps more fish.
Reel guns are fine but only for the experienced spearfisherman, who have used a reel gun on large pelagic fish before. The problem is that big fish like Marlin are often encountered and land this fish on a reel gun is difficult. (Belt reels are non negotiable here, firstly for safety reasons, secondly to assist with landing big fish)
If you are specifically looking for Marlin big blue water guns can be used, however they may be too cumbersome for most other game fish. There are good rollergun setups that are probably better.
Summer water temperatures range from 24-28 deg C so a 3mm wetsuit is good.
Winter the water temps will range from 20-24 deg C so a 5mm top is advisable.
Very Important:
Please insure that your equipment is in good working order, and that all guns have been tested. Preferably in a pool to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. You do not want to come halfway around the world and miss on a fish of a lifetime because of faulty gear. If you need help I will assist wherever I can. I can also supplying gear for your trip, so you dont have to fly in with heavy shafts ect.
Mozambique Spearfishing Packages
10 nights – 7 days spearfishing Luxury Option
1- 4 Divers trip – from $22 000.00 USD
These prices include:
Luxury accommodation and meals. Comfortable 30ft dive boat. Transfers to and from from Maputo via boat. All guiding fees and costs.
10 nights – 7 days spearfishing Budget Option
Max 3 Divers trip – from $14 800.00 USD
These prices include:
Good accommodation with air con and meals. Comfortable 35ft dive boat. Transfers to and from from Maputo via boat. All guiding fees and costs.
These prices exclude:
Alcohol drinks, Spearfishing Gear
All prices might fluctuate according to exchange rates and fuel costs at the time.
Please Read Terms and Conditions