Intrepid Mozambique

Fast becoming one of the preferred fly-fishing destinations in Southern Africa is the Bazaruto Archipelago. To many anglers the island names like Bazaruto and Benguerra and coastal areas like Vilankulos and St Sebastian are becoming more familiar. With numerous 5 star lodges and more affordable options, the angler has an established base from which to set off and search for trophy fish. Daily flights from Johannesburg to Vilankulos make this a very accessible fishery.

The Fishery

It is no secret that Mozambique offers unlimited fishing opportunities, across the entire coastline. This particular coastline allows you to target fish from the shore, providing the intrepid angler with great deal of choice. The coastline varies from lengthy beaches to flat and wide rocky ledges that meet deep channels and ledges, to ever shifting sandbars, points, small bays, estuaries, and the surf zone. Our guides will take you out to various pinnacles and canyons off shore in search of the larger species. The species most sought after in Mozambique are kingfish, queenfish, garrick, pompano, stumpnose, cobia, skipjack as well as stripped mackerel to name a few. From the boat you will catch various pelagic species, but most sought after are sail fish and of course marlin.

Off shore fishing is more popular, as it allows the angler greater freedom to target the numerous reefs in the region. Specially designed fly-fishing boats and an experienced guide are essential in this area. The Bazaruto Archipelago is vast, and requires an excellent boat and highly experienced skipper to access the various pinnacles that you will drift over in search of the pelagic species. Our specially geared fully equipped 22 foot ski boat “Intrepid” and our world renowned guide allow you the intrepid angler to cover the vast underwater canyons in search of trophy bill fish. Sailfish and marlin are regularly caught on fly and this is both the region and area of expertise our guide Ant Diplock offers.

While fly fishing off shore for the pelagic species, you will be fishing at a depth of around 30 metres with fast sinking lines, and weighted flies. You are encouraged to use 10 – 12 weight rods supported with the best drag system reel you can afford. You can expect to raise dorado, tuna, bonito, couta, jobfish, cobia and even wahoo. There are spans of reefs and deep channels dotted along this coast, providing a home to numerous species of sport fish. Our guides will put on top of the most productive reefs and will advise you on the most productive flies as well as the best stripping techniques.

While targeting bill fish, we recommend that you use a 15 weight rod with a floating line on a high quality reel. Sail fish will be raised over the underwater canyons by various methods. They will be teased close to the boat and our guide will advise you when and where to deliver the short and accurate cast expected of you. The rest is up to you. Intrepid fly practices a strict code of catch, tag and release.

The Lodges

Intrepid Fly arranges various packages in this region, all accompanied by a guides and hosts.

We have selected 2 lodges to meet your needs and your budget without compromising the world class fishing.

Intrepid Fly’s preferred 5 star accommodation; is a private lodge is situated on the St Sebastian Reserve. This exclusive lodge provides for 6 anglers and 2 guides. You will be waited on by highly trained staff, providing you with the best in comfort, cuisine, relaxation and of course exceptional fishing both on and off shore. We highly recommend this destination because of its proximity to the most productive sandbars, channels and reefs in the archipelago. Your fishing is as close as 10 minutes away. Through this lodge you will have access to 2 large boats and experienced skippers. The lodge offers exceptional meals, a pool, jacuzi, fire pit, bar, DSTV and independent en suite chalets connected to the lodge by boardwalks.

Intrepid Fly’s preferred 3 star accommodation; is located on the mainland just outside Vilankulos, situated in a prime location on the mainland directly opposite the gap between Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The venue is a newly opened lodge – designed entirely around fishing and fishermen! Our lodge is fully serviced and provides excellent meals served by dedicated and friendly staff. With relatively easy access to most of the best reefs around Bazaruto, Benguerra and Margaruque Islands, as well as some nearby shallow inshore reefs, it is perfectly situated for the saltwater fly fisherman. With a professional fly fishing guiding operation and excellent practical boats, this camp brings quality fishing in the Bazaruto Archipelago to you at a very affordable price specifically for the angler who doesn’t insist on the luxuries.

Season

The lodges are open all year round. The best times for fishing depends on the species you are targeting January - April: queen fish, king fish, barracuda, couta, cobia. April – July: sail fish, bludger. September – November: sail fish. October – December: queen fish, king fish, barracuda, couta, cobia. Consider that the temperature can exceed 40 degrees centigrade in December and January. February and the first part of March is the traditionally the cyclone season. The best months to target sailfish are April – June, and September – November.

Tackle

For all your fishing requirements, please contact us so that we can assist you in your selection. Intrepid Fly can source all equipment at a competitive price, or call us to arrange for you to visit a shop we recommend close to you (SA only).

General Information