GUIDE FOR DEEP SEA FISHING TRIPS IN KENYA WITH AFRICANMECCA

The coast of Kenya is the ultimate destination for the big game fish that challenges even the most experienced angler’s skills, but there is also plenty of fun to be had by beginners who want a high-energy beach vacation on the Indian Ocean. AfricanMecca can organize multi-day fishing excursions from your beach hotel in Mombasa Island, Watamu, Lamu Island, Malindi, Kilifi, Funzi Island and Chale Island.

No matter when you visit, Kenya always offers the chance to catch world-record-size giant trevally, light tackle dorado, kingfish, barracuda and the fastest fishes in the ocean – sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and marlins. Larger tuna migrate through the area from August, and you could land a 200 pounder on any given day. Find the tuna and you may also find shark – hammerhead, tiger and leaping mako. For a remarkable deep sea fishing experience in Kenya, venture out on multi-day excursions to face the strongest fighting fish in the Kenyan waters – broadbill swordfish.



In the clearer offshore sea, you find small groups of striped marlin that are exciting to catch, albeit easier than black and blue marlin. When you are not fishing or waiting for a nibble on your hook, watch the water for migrating whale shark, humpback whale and dolphin. In July and August, medium size black marlin are caught in the shallow waters close to seashore, and at the end of September and early October till December is when the sailfish are most abundant and resident respectively.

Known as “suli suli” by the locals, these incredible aquatic creatures are some of the most playful large game fish, especially on light tackle. Hooking one of these fish is the most difficult part of the experience, but once you do, the great sailfish jumps into the air, giving you quite a show while you reel it to the boat.

From December through March, the iconic marlins are in the area. Black marlin are found closer to the shoreline, and the thrilling blue marlin is found in the deeper water amongst the tuna shoals starting in mid-February. The south facing ledge at Watamu Banks between Malindi and Watamu offers exceptional live bait fishing, and the most common fish are giant trevally, kingfish, large yellowfin tuna, wahoo and black marlin. Also at Malindi is a section known as the “Boiling Pot” where the ocean currents collide with a ledge to create an upwelling that sets the stage for phenomenal fishing.



The primary place for deep sea fishing on the East African coast is Mombasa and Watamu where the natural underwater mountains attract both baitfish and predator. Go on deep sea fishing trip in Watamu, and you can have your own “fantasy slam” of catching broadbill swordfish, sailfish, striped marlin, black marlin and blue marlin all in the same day. It’s no wonder that the ILTTA World Championships, televised events and several other tournaments are held here!

Other AfricanMecca recommended angling destinations in Kenya are Malindi and Lamu. Fishing for billfish and shark on the Kenyan coast follows a tag and release program, and the location is the centerpiece of many conservation organizations, with the largest being Kenya Association of Sea Anglers, International Game Fish Association and African Billfish Foundation. Fishing excursions are also available in Lake Victoria in western Kenya.



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