Tanzania is a country in East Africa that is home to an abundance of exotic fishing opportunities as well as some of the most stunning scenery on earth. With the geography ranging from mountains to coastal beaches, the variety of fishing opportunities is staggering. The rugged landscape, fierce wildlife, and powerful fish found in Tanzania make it a unique experience found nowhere else on earth.
The diverse waters found in Tanzania are home to over 500 species of fish that are consumed for food. For anglers who love a challenge or want to relive what it's like to start fishing all over again, Tanzania is the perfect place. These waters have exotic fish that are unlike anything you’ve ever caught before. In the rivers and streams fish can vary from dainty to dangerous and on the coast, they are massive and fast.
No matter where you go there are fish to catch that will test your skills and make Tanzania one of the most memorable trips of your life.
Freshwater Fishing Tanzania
Freshwater fishing in Tanzania is a unique experience with unusual fish in every body of water. In the mountain streams, rainbow trout are the unlikely resident that was stocked over 100 years ago and have been reproducing in the wild ever since. These mountains provide cooler temperatures and clean water which is the perfect environment for these trout to thrive. While these trout may not grow as large as the rainbow trout in the U.S. fly fishing the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro more than compensates.
Downstream from the mountains, huge rivers form and the target species change from trout to vundu and tigerfish. Vundu are a catfish species with long bodies and flat heads that are capable of growing to five feet long and over 120 lbs. These catfish have the ability to breathe air allowing them to survive in harsh conditions like drought. Tigerfish are the most popularly targeted river fish in Tanzania and their aggressive behavior and toothy mouth make for some incredible strikes. The hardest part of catching one of these beasts is setting the hook. Tigerfish have a mouth that is almost solid bone and filled with teeth so the hook needs to find the right spot to dig in otherwise they will easily throw or spit your bait.
Deep Sea Fishing Tanzania
On the coast of Tanzania giant trevally and dogtooth tuna are the two primary target species and also happen to be two of the most exhillarating fish to catch. Dogtooth tuna prefer to hunt for food near reefs either on their own or in small groups. These solitary predators are formidable fighters that can grow to over eight feet long and almost 300 lbs. Strong gear is required for these fish and anglers typically use stout rods, reels filled with 100 lb test line, and a wire leader to help prevent their teeth from cutting the line. The most popular ways to catch dogtooth tuna is either by trolling or jigging near the reefs.
The giant trevally is one of the most sought after fish in the world and has become known as “the ultimate sportfish.” GTs as they are often called, are famous for hitting topwater plugs and lures followed by a hard fight on spinning gear. Specialized heavy duty spinning gear is critical to fighting a giant trevally that can grow to almost six feet long and over 100 pounds. While these fish are smaller than dogtooth tuna, giant trevally are pound for pound the hardest fighting fish in the world.
Further offshore there are more familiar species to target including yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. Trolling is the most common way to target all of these species but it will depend on the season. While deep sea fishing in Tanzania, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, yellowfin tuna, barracuda, and wahoo can be caught throughout the year. From August to October, yellowfin tuna are on the prowl and dominate these waters. From September through March, swordfish, sailfish, and striped, blue, and black marlin are all feeding in the area. Tanzania is not as well known for fishing as other locations in Africa but the low pressure and rich waters are what make it such an amazing place to catch big fish.
Things to Do
Tanzania is a safe country with stunning wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture. You can adventure everywhere you look with African Safaris, mountain hiking, and gorgeous beaches. If you are looking to experience something wild, Tanzania is the perfect place for anyone with a sense of adventure.
Tanzania Weather
Tanzania is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons will be opposite of the U.S. or U.K. Also, Tanzania doesn’t have the same type of seasons that we are used to, instead of summer, fall, winter, and spring they have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. January and February are the short dry season which is followed by the long rainy season from March through May. The most popular season for tourism is during the long dry season from June to October. Just before the new year in November and December, the short rainy season puts an end to the drought. Depending on the type of trip you want to plan it’s important to keep these unique seasons in mind.
