There still exists that place, which is on every fisherman, and spearfishermans dream list. That remote place where it's not too deep for spearos, but deep enough for big fish. Billfish, gamefish, reef fish and even bone fish live there, and on most days you won't see another yacht. This shoal is visited by few people. The name is the Primieras. Davide baixo, Pantaloon and Baixo Lacerda are a few names to google.
S 17 37 04.0
E 38 14 02.2
It's a 74 kilometer shoal/reef system that drops off to 700m deep in 3.5 kilometers , but has high points of 10m deep. No, it doesnt break the surface, and is (closest point) 25 nautical miles (1.852 kilometers) offshore from land with no town worth mentioning. Remote, no cellphone signal, no land in sight, in fact only the sea, and fish.
Sure, it is difficult to reach. You got to fly in and out on a one time per midday flight from Maputo, then you motor sail overnight to get there. (river of 18 miles, then 60 miles of open sea, then the reef starts).
On top of that you got to book a year in advance to get 6 nights on a liveaboard for a season that is only 4 months, 16 slots. April, May, June and July. But hey, that's why we go there. We want remote, untouched, as virgin as can be.
I've just returned from hosting three groups over 3 weeks. Two groups were spearfishermen of 4 in each group, plus me, and the last was 5 guests, 2 of which spearfished, and 3 who were on rod and reel, jigging and trolling and on occasion, casting with poppers and stickbaits.
There can be challenges with wind, because you in open ocean, but then you run to the lee of Fogo island, 20 miles away from the northern point of the shoal. Not a problem. Safety first.
Let's talk spearfishing. The average depth of the shoal we dive on is 18m. Flashers are set between 6 and 10m, and they attract Marlin, Sailfish, king mackeral, barracuda, wahoo, and plenty reef fish. We dive on the pressure points on the currant side of the shoal, then drift over. I've expierenced vis between 6 and 40m plus, all depends on conditions. When it turns on, its incredible, as good as it gets. We shot billfish, king mackeral to 27 kilograms, trevally, barracuda, jobfish (green and rosy) and scored many personal bests. We didn't find the dogtooth tuna this time, but we have seen them there before, and got them. It's a place where dreams and reality meet.
Weights are supplied on the yacht. You can fly in with a 23kg main bag, a 5 kilo allowance for "sporting equipment" and a 7.5 kg for hand luggage on www.lam.co.mz/eng
Rod and reel fishermen enjoy long days of exciting fishing. Morning to night..... Even into the night. Up to 35 different species were caught, with most released usually on jig. Bring plenty jigs between 150 and 300g, Trolling lures, hooks, and your own jigging and casting rods. Trolling rods are on the yacht. Don't forget wire for the toothy types.
Chef on board prepares the most tasty dishes everyday from fresh fish. Sushi, sashimi, cerviche, fish in the oven, fish fingers, fish fillets, fish on the braai are just some of the fare you will enjoy. You will pack on a few kilos on your 6 night trip.
Fly in to Quelimane, Moçambique, where you will be met, and transferred to the yacht, a 45ft sailboat cat. 4 cabins await you. Groups of up to 6 people should budget approx 125 000 zar (usd 7000) for the yacht for 6 nights, 5 days fishing. Let me help you put this adventure together with an expierenced captain, reliable yacht, and myself. Bookings open from April till Aug 2024. Small deposit required to reserve the choice weeks. Guy don't procrastinate, as the mid season gets reserved quickly. I will run a "singles" group for guys (ones and twose) who can't put a group together, so you dont miss out. Let me know early if you interested, so i can get to work.
Usually people book for the next year when they complete a trip. Space is limited, so time is of the essence. See you there next year. Lets go for June / July 2024.
Footnote: Lazarus banks (northern moz, off Pemba) season starts September through to end November. Still a week, or two available. #Popping, #jigging and #livebaiting paradise.
Then Febuary is Watamu, Kenya for a Billfish grand slam. Best month, and one of the few places in the world for a chance on a Billfish grand slam on rod and reel, including Black, Blue, Striped Marlin, Sailfish and Broadbill (swordfish) in 24 hours.
Rest of the year I'm at www.silverfishlodge.co.za in Inhambane, Mocambique doing fishing and spearfishing charters from the lodge.
New for The summer is liveaboard trips on a 50ft yacht with tender, from Barra, Inhambane to POMENE and back. 5 nights, 4 days unlimited fishing. Fly into Inhambane, or Vilanculos.
Local knowledge is important, and i have plenty of expierence in these areas. Let me help you plan a bucket list trip. #fishingmozambique or #spearfishingmozambique