About the Zanzibar Deep Sea Fishing
A typical day includes pre-dawn pickup, a safety briefing, transit to the fishing grounds, two or three main fishing stops, and a surface interval where crew prepare a light lunch. Crews handle gear, bait, and navigation while you focus on the fight.
The action varies form your interests to that of the other guests. At times you will drift and hope a trolling line attracts a marauding tuna or a sailfish. Other moments you will drop live bait to the bottom and wait for a strike from amberjack or grouper. The best days mix predictable technique and random chance. The sea sets the terms. Your crew helps you meet them.
Deep sea fishing in Zanzibar means heading offshore in a robust charter boat, targeting pelagic species on reefs, drop-offs, and oceanic banks.
You will fish by trolling, jigging, and bottom-bouncing depending on the target and the depth.
A well-run full day starts early. The operator collects you, or you meet at the launch. The crew briefs the plan: species targets, lines and baits, safety, and any park zones. Boats run to chosen banks or channels.
You fish in shifts, pause for a light lunch, and return mid to late afternoon. Multi-day or overnight charters add night fishing, live-bait runs, and extended range into Pemba or Latham Island for serious blue-water targets. Confirm the itinerary and inclusions before you pay.
Pick a launch point by the species you want and by how much travel you accept. These are the places experienced charters use most often, and why.
Nungwi and the northern banks.
Why go: Launching from Nungwi gets you to deep water quickly. The northern banks offer channels, pinnacles, and current lines that attract large tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and sometimes marlin. If you want full-day runs with less transit time, Nungwi often gives the best balance.
Pemba Island and the Pemba Channel
Why go: The Pemba Channel and Pemba’s outer reefs look wilder and more remote. Fishermen find big yellowfin and dogtooth tuna here, and the structure suits long-range charters or multi-day trips. For anglers chasing large, powerful fish in quieter water, Pemba ranks high.
Mafia archipelago and Latham Island runs
Why go: Mafia and Latham Island connect to deep water and rich currents, and operators run extended trips here for serious trophy hunting. If you want a multi-day challenge, or to try for big billfish and hard-fighting tuna, these grounds deliver.
Mnemba atoll and Leven banks near the northeast tip
Why go: Mnemba and nearby banks are known for having clean water and frequent turtle and dolphin sightings alongside strong sportfishing options. Divers and anglers share the area for its visibility and healthy reef edges. For a combination of marine life and predictable fishing structure, these spots make sense.
Menai Bay / Kizimkazi and southwest circuits
Why go: Menai Bay gives sheltered launch options and routes that combine reef fishing with snorkeling or dolphin checks. If you want a gentler trip that can still produce solid catches, the southwest circuits work well.
Expect to meet a list of strong, fast fish. Common sport targets around Zanzibar include yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, kingfish, dorado, and various reef species when you move shallower. The exact mix depends on location and season. If you have a species priority, tell the charter and they will suggest the best launch and method.
Fishing is great in seasons of wind and waves. The practical window for productive deep sea fishing runs broadly from June through March, with variations by species and location.
The Peak clarity and calmer seas are often in the long dry months, and certain pelagics show up more in specific months so ask your operator for a target-season plan.
If your schedule is flexible, pick an early morning launch during the dry season for the best odds and calmer travel to the grounds.
Choose the right charter for your goal
If you want trophy billfish, pick an operator that runs long-range trips into Pemba or Mafia. If you want a fun, high-chance day with less transit, choose a Nungwi or Mnemba launch. Read recent trip reports and ask about success rates.
Book early and confirm inclusions
Charters vary in what they include: bait, tackle, licensing fees, fuel surcharges, and export or landing fees. Get a clear written quote and confirm how many anglers per boat. A smaller group gives more lines and more attention.
Know your kit and comfort
If you have personal rod and reel preferences, bring them. Otherwise expect the boat to supply reliable heavy tackle, stand-up rods for big fish, and light gear for jigging or bottom fishing. Bring motion-sickness tablets if you think you will need them and hydrate well before you go.
Learn basic angling checks before the fight
Listen to the crew’s instruction on how to set the drag, how to hand the rod, and how to run when a fish takes line. A good crew coaches you through the fight so you spend energy usefully and keep the fish safe for release if that is the plan.
Respect local rules and permits
Some trips and foreign vessels require permits or landing agreements. The charter should handle legal issues, but confirm who pays regulatory fees and whether catch must be landed locally or allowed for export. That avoids last-minute surprises.
Dress practically and protect your skin
Wear a light, long-sleeve shirt, a hat with a strap, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring non-slip shoes and a pair of gloves if you plan to handle lines or gaffs. The sun reflects strongly off water and a long day burns quickly.
Plan for safety and share health info
Tell the operator about any medical conditions and confirm lifejackets and emergency radio or GPS systems are on board. For remote runs, check whether the vessel carries oxygen and a first-aid kit.
Discuss catch policy and conservation
Fishing should be for fun and therefore, we encourage and practice catch-and-release for billfish and follow IGFA recommendations. If you care about conservation, pick a charter that handles fish carefully and practices responsible release. That keeps trophy fish in the water for future trips.
How much does a typical charter cost?
Prices vary by boat size, duration, and inclusions. Half-day or short runs can be about USD 200 per person on shared trips. Private full-day charters can be slightly higher up to over a thousand dollars, and extended or luxury charters cost more. Always get a written breakdown for fuel, bait, and taxes.
Do I need fishing experience?
No. Charters guide all levels. If you have no experience you will still learn rod handling and fighting technique under crew instruction. If you have experience and want to use your own tackle, ask the operator in advance.
Are big game species released or kept?
It depends. Many sport charters promote catch-and-release for billfish and keep reef species for local sale or consumption. Discuss the charter’s policy before you go so your expectations align with the crew’s practice.
Will I get seasick?
Possibly. Morning transits to deep water are calmer. If you are sensitive to motion, bring medication and sit near the center of the boat to reduce roll.
What species are seasonal?
Yes. Some pelagics show stronger seasonal patterns. Yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin appear at different times based on currents and bait. Ask the operator which months match your target species.
Do charters provide food and water?
Most do. Expect bottled water, light snacks, and a simple hot meal or BBQ if you book a full day. Confirm if alcohol or special meals cost extra.
Are children allowed?
Yes, on family-friendly trips. We can allow you to go fishing with your kids too however, we set age and weight limits for safety. Check the boat’s layout and lifejacket availability.
What documents do I need?
Bring ID and any travel documents and other documents we may requests. If you plan to export a catch, discuss permits and landing rules in advance so you do not face unexpected inspections or fees.
I have watched an angler in shallow light calm down into the long, slow fight of a tuna, and the whole boat changed its rhythm to match him. Those are the hours you remember: focused, rhythmic, and oddly generous. You will leave tired in a good way, and with a story that begins with a single, sudden pull on a quiet line.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
+255 695 102 840
hi@zanzibarsafaritours.com
1200, Baobao Street , Nungwi, Zanzibar- Tanzania
Copyright Serengeti Lion Safaris © 2025 All Rights Reserved