Come fishing in Mozambique - catch Kingfish and pelagic species in Bassas Da India

Intrepid Mozambique

The Fishery

Bassas da India (also known as Basse de Judie) is an uninhabited, roughly circular atoll about 10 km in diameter, which corresponds to a total size (including lagoon) of 80 km². It is located in the southern Mozambique Channel, about half-way between Madagascar (which is 385 km to the east) and Mozambique, and 110 km northwest of Europa Island. It rises steeply from the seabed 3000 m below with a reef rim that averages around 100 m across and completely encloses a shallow lagoon that has a maximum depth of 15 m. What better structure would you expect for the deep sea fishing trip of a life time. Intrepid has run 3 highly successful trips to Bassas with the best operator and continue to promote Bassas our favoured deep sea destination.

The atoll consists of barren rocky islets, with no vegetation, totalling 0.2 km² in area. Those on the north and east sides are 2.1 to 3 m high, and those on the west and south sides 1.2 m. The reef is completely covered by the sea from 3 hours before to 3 hours after high tide. The coastline of the reef measures 35.2 km. The region is subject to cyclones. The atoll has long been a maritime hazard and is the site of numerous shipwrecks some of which are still visible on the South East of the atoll.

Our guides will take you along the various shelves and reefs and canyons off the attoll in search of the larger species. The species most sought after at Bassas da India are various kingfish species, queenfish, wahoo, dorado and other pelagic species that also include marlin. The region produces a steady number of big fish and the term that correctly describes the fishery is Jurassic … Eat or be eaten, so you don't often catch small fish, as they will be eaten on the way in, while the sizable bull sharks remain close to the top of the food chain .

Off shore fishing is more popular, as it allows the angler greater freedom to target the surrounding reef while having a fighting chance of bringing in a trophy giant trevally. Fishing from the atoll is only possible in a low tide but proves to be extremely challenging when you appreciate the reefs structure beneath the surface. While 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 12 - 15 weight rods supported with the best drag system reel you can afford. You can expect to raise giant trevally, snapper, dorado, tuna, and even wahoo. There are spans of reefs and deep channels dotted along this atoll, providing a home to numerous species of sport fish.

Based on experience we strongly recommend that you consider approaching this fishery with conventional angling gear. This allows you to cover more water in various conditions while having a better chance of actually landing trophy fish that include GT's well over 100 cm's and wahoo of 30 kgs. Multi-Piece surf rod and coffee grinder or multiplier with 80lb or braid of 60 lb nylon are recommended, supported with 60lb to 100lb clear nylon leader (plenty of spare line). Suggested lures are plugs with heavy duty split rings and extra strong hooks (plenty of spares), spoons (plenty of spares), Jigs, Hooks 2/0 4/0 6/0 /8/0. The rest is up to you. Intrepid fly practices a strict code of catch, tag and release.

There are large shoals of bone fish, and like the Seychelles one can expect to target cruising GT's with a good chance of landing them on a 12 weight within the atoll. With more time available on the 12 day trip, anglers will have more opportunity to explore the flats and prospect bonefish, trigger fish, parrot fish and other species.

The boat is a 42 feet / 11.5 m. She is the preferred size of vessel our skipper based on the experience of navigating and fishing around this remote destination. The guests can expect to share a double bed in close quarters. The bathrooms include a hot shower, basin and toilet. There is space for the guests to sit around the dining table in the saloon as well as the exterior. There are 2 trampolines on the front of the ship for guests to lie on as well as sleep on (weather depending). There is ample space for all the anglers to fish off the mother ship while guests can spill into the tender to get closer to the reefs. Guests can enjoy music, DVD's and magazines onboard.

Each day starts at first light with coffee and rusks. Cereal is provided until a warm breakfast is served around 8am after a few hours of fishing. At lunch you can expect to dip into some fresh tuna sushi and a healthy salad or pasta. Drinks are available all day and dinner is served around 7 pm once moored au on the atoll. Dinners consist of fish and meat and are exceptional. Each night you will be expected to do a 3 hour watch to ensure that the skipper gets some rest and the crew are safely moored through the night. Intrepid Fly does recommend that you do this trip as a group who knows each other based on the fact that you will be living on top of each other and sharing a double bed for 12 days!

Season

The fishery is open all year round. The best times for fishing are May - October. 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 atoll is 240 nautical miles from Vilanculos (Bazaruto Archipelago - Mozambique). The trips we operate depart from Vilanculos and returns to there.There are daily flights from Johannesburg (2 hours direct) to Vilanculos. The group generally arrives at Vilanculos at mid day and boards the mother ship straight away. One can expect to take 2 days to get there. This is solely dependant on the weather. The only way to get there is to sail and the conditions while crossing can b treacherous. Be advised this is an extreme fishing experience while your safety is a priority and you are in the care of the most experienced.

Fly Fishing:

Conventional 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