Fishing in Mozambique

Spanning over 800,000 km² along Africa’s southeast coast, Mozambique is a land of dramatic contrast—pristine tropical beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life sit beside remote rivers and rugged wilderness. Its nearly 2,700 km of coastline, intersected by the mighty Zambezi and remote backwaters, offers diverse angling in exotic settings. While certain northern regions remain unstable, the country’s southern and central zones are safe and welcoming, especially when threaded through reputable lodges and guides. With relatively low travel costs, friendly locals, and rich biodiversity, Mozambique is an emerging gem for anglers seeking thrilling and affordable fishery experiences. Learn more about fishing in Mozambique from our blog.

Zambezi River & Cahora Bassa Dam offer prime tigerfishing territory. The river and dam deliver clear, warm freshwater in the high-water season, drawing big Hydrocynus vittatus (tigerfish). Water depths range from shallow runs to 30 m in dam sections, with deep channels and rocky drop-offs creating perfect habitat for trophy fish. Lodge-based float trips or boat transfers grant access to secluded runs, far from overcrowded areas. On the Indian Ocean coast, south and north from Beira to Maputo, rock jetties, estuaries, and tidal flats draw iconic inshore game species such as the giant trevally. Offshore charter grounds begin just miles from coastal lodges or island retreats like Bazaruto. These tropical waters are teeming with billfish and other pelagic species. Fishable depths range from 50 m near reefs to over 500 m over deep-water channels and current lines near submerged banks.

Mozambique is one of the best destinations for African tiger fish, and hosts some of Africa’s largest specimens — 35 kg+ trophy fish are achievable in the Zambezi and Cahora Bassa. Other freshwater fish include barbel and smaller predators such as nembwe and African pike. Giant trevally (GT) inhabits tidal flats and rocky headlands along the coast, sharing the environment with barracuda and bigeye trevally. Blue and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, kingfish, and wahoo roam offshore waters. Sharks, rays, and reef species such as cobia, snapper, and grouper complete the fishing landscape of Mozambique.

On the Zambezi, fly fishing with large streamers and spinning lures are king for tigerfish; boat-based float trips let anglers chase fish deep into remote reaches. Night-barbel fishing with bait rigs is best for those seeking a heavyweight challenge. Denizens of coastal flats and estuaries respond well to spinning, using natural bait or soft plastics, with sight-fishing producing memorable encounters, and catching a GT on the fly remains one of the highest pleasures known to the angling community. Just watch out for the tide - in certain parts of Mozambique the tidal cycle can be as high as 4 meters (13 feet)! Offshore, trolling with skirted lures and live baits is the way to go for the large pelagics. And if you're lucky to observe a feeding frenzy, with thousands of shore birds diving for food, be sure to anchor or let the boat drift nearby - casting into the thick of things will produce, wahoo, tuna, and other fast water runners. Charter crews are adept at reading currents and bird behavior to find the strike zones.