19Aug
Primavera has arrived
Spring is here in two weeks. Weeks become months, and months become years. Time becomes increasingly scarce and before you know it, the hampster wheel of life throws you off another year, that is gone forever.
Days spent fishing with friends and family are days that are remembered. The normal days of life are usually not. Life is short, and then you die.
We become obsessed with catching the biggest fish, whilst the planning,preparation and change of focus must not be discounted, nor the friendship, laughs, camaraderie and journey along the way, nor the time spent soaking a bait when your cellphone cannot be reached.
Anyway, back to fishing. Spring (Primavera) is the month where we can expect to see Sailfish, Wahoo,Tuna, Cobia and some big Cuta around. The marlin season is officially mid September to mid November, and this is the time that breeding females come closer to shore to mate. All fish over 600 pounds are females, and there are usually about 5 or 6 smaller males vying for each females attention.
The Marlin grounds off Tofo has always been good. The all Africa biggest marlin (1084 pounds) was caught there in November 1969 by George Coates for a reason, and thankfully is an area where not alot of marlin fishermen come. But if you know, you know.
September October and November, i still have a few gaps that can be taken. Marlin fishing is not for everybody, until you try it and get a bucket list fish. Game fishing is for shorter days, and is a close second, because you never know what you will catch. We can prepare for certain species, but usually you get bycatch that is just as exciting.
Boat can comfortably take four fishermen, or smaller boat for ones and twoˋs.
Transport in is probably better to fly into Vilanculos from Johannesburg (direct), then transfer to the lodge by taxi (will take 3 hours) The usual flight between Johannesburg and Maputo and then Inhambane is still available, currently three times a week. Check for the flight that stops at Inhambane before Vilanculos first, as they change first dropoff daily. I'll collect at the airport.
Alternatively, go by road. Enjoy the journey.
Get your weeks reserved before 2026 is just another year. You can´t catch anything sitting at home or the office, unless you have a bait in the water.