Nosy Be, Ifaty, Salary, Betania

Big-game and traditional fishing in Madagascar

Trevally and tuna off Nosy Be, a hand line cast from a Vezo pirogue in Ifaty or Salary: two ways to fish in Madagascar, with local crews and fishermen, and with respect for marine resources.

Duration Half or full day at sea
Level Beginners to experienced, sea legs helpful
Who for Adults, children on selected trips
Season Best April–May and October–November

The activity

What is it like?

Big-game fishing takes place aboard a fully equipped boat, with a skipper and crew who know the banks and drop-offs. Depending on the season and target species, you troll, cast surface lures or jig in deep water. Trips last half a day or a full day, or even several days to the north-west archipelagos.

Traditional fishing is shared with the Vezo, the fishing people of the west and south-west coasts. Aboard an outrigger pirogue, under sail or paddle, you fish with a hand line near the reef, help haul in a net and learn to read the wind and tides. It is as much an encounter as a fishing trip.

We encourage you to fish responsibly: release billfish and any catch you do not need, and respect size limits, seasons and the rules of marine protected areas. Your guide helps you choose the trip that suits your experience, your budget and the weather of the day.

100% tailor-made

On the spot

Things to do and see

The highlights of the activity, arranged around your pace and your wishes.

Big-game fishing off Nosy Be

Head out for the day to the banks and nearby islands in search of trevally, tuna and kingfish, trolling or casting, with a local crew.

Several days among the islands

Over several days, head to the Mitsio or Radama archipelagos to fish more remote spots, depending on the trips available locally.

By pirogue with Vezo fishermen

In Ifaty or Salary, climb aboard an outrigger pirogue with a village fisherman for hand-line fishing near the reef, early in the morning depending on the tide.

When the pirogues come home

In the late morning or afternoon, watch the boats land their catch on the beach, the fish being sorted and the nets mended.

How Vezo villages fish sustainably

In the south-west, many villages temporarily close octopus fishing grounds to let stocks recover: your guide explains how these local rules work.

Destinations

Where to go

Our favourite places for this activity, to link together or to slot into one of our tours.

North-west

Nosy Be and its islands

A renowned sport-fishing area, Nosy Be gives access to offshore banks and neighbouring archipelagos such as the Mitsio and Radama islands. Depending on the season, you troll, cast or jig for trevally, tuna, kingfish and billfish. The season generally runs from mid-March to December.

South-west, north of Toliara

Ifaty

This Vezo fishing village, set on a lagoon sheltered by the coral reef, suits both styles: big-game trips offshore, available as an optional extra during your stay, and traditional fishing from an outrigger pirogue with village fishermen. Offshore, the rainy season from January to March is generally avoided.

South-west, between Toliara and Morombe

Salary

Further north, Salary Bay is sheltered by the reef and lined with Vezo villages. After the long coastal track, a day at sea is a welcome break: optional big-game fishing, hand-line fishing from a pirogue or simply an outing with local fishermen, depending on the weather and what you fancy.

West, near Morondava

Betania

About ten minutes by pirogue from Nosy Kely, Betania lives to the rhythm of some 2,400 Vezo fishermen. You see the outrigger pirogues, nets being mended on the beach and the return of the boats, in a village that has kept its traditional way of life. More an encounter than a fishing trip, to be enjoyed respectfully.

In pictures

The activity in photos

A few images of the activity and of the places where you can enjoy it.

The right time

When to go

Around Nosy Be, the fishing season generally runs from mid-March to December, with two peaks for trevally in April–May and October–November; January and February, at the height of the cyclone season, are best avoided. Off Ifaty and Salary, the rainy season from January to March is also best avoided. Traditional fishing is possible almost all year, depending on the sea.

Giant trevally: peaks in April–May and October–November around Nosy Be.
Sailfish: generally from mid-April to early November.
January–February: cyclone season, trips often suspended.

Month by month

Jan not advised
Feb not advised
Mar possible
Apr ideal
May ideal
Jun possible
Jul possible
Aug possible
Sep possible
Oct ideal
Nov ideal
Dec possible

Ideal
Possible
Not advised
This month

Recommended season: Best April–May and October–November

In your bag

Gear and equipment

What is provided and what you should bring to make the most of the activity.

Provided

Equipped boat, skipper and crew for big-game fishing
Suitable rods, reels and lures
Life jackets on board the boats
Pirogue and lines for traditional fishing
Local guide or escort

What to bring

Mineral sunscreen and a hat with a strap
Polarised sunglasses
Light long-sleeved clothing
Windproof jacket for the ride back
Seasickness tablets
Water and snacks if not provided
Dry bag for phone and documents
Shoes that can get wet

Peace of mind

Safety advice

A few simple rules so you can enjoy the activity with peace of mind. On site, always follow your guide’s instructions: they know the ground and the conditions of the day.

Wear the life jacket provided on the boat; for a pirogue trip, ask for one in advance, especially for children.
Check the weather with the crew: in strong wind or rough seas the trip is postponed, however keen you are to fish.
The sun is fierce at sea: use mineral sunscreen, wear long sleeves and a hat, and drink plenty of water.
Follow the crew’s instructions while playing a fish: a line under tension, hooks and a gaff can all cause injuries.
Do not touch spiny or venomous fish such as scorpionfish, and handle your catch with a glove or towel.
Avoid alcohol before and during the trip, and tell the crew about any health problem or seasickness.
Take out travel insurance that covers water sports, medical costs and repatriation.

With BEMIRAY

Why choose this activity?

Two kinds of fishing, one trip

A day of big-game fishing off Nosy Be, a morning in a pirogue with the Vezo: we can combine both in the same itinerary, between two stages of your tour.

Partners chosen on the ground

We work with local partners and recommend the trip that suits your experience, the season and the weather of the day, rather than an off-the-shelf package.

Fishing that respects the sea

Catch and release encouraged, size limits and protected areas respected: a way of fishing in keeping with our commitment to local communities and nature.

Fully organised, tailor-made

Transfers, timings planned around the tides, choice of trip: tell us what appeals to you, we build the itinerary and reply within 48 hours.

Good to know

Your questions

Another question? Our team replies within 48 hours, in English or in French.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The crew explains the techniques, prepares the tackle and helps you while you play a fish. Experienced anglers can bring their own gear or ask for a targeted trip, casting or jigging, depending on the season.

Can children come along?

Yes, for a short lagoon outing or pirogue fishing in calm seas, with a life jacket in their size. Offshore big-game fishing is long and physical and better suited to teenagers; the minimum age depends on the operator.

What happens to the fish that are caught?

It depends on the crew: we encourage you to release billfish and any catch you do not need. Some of the rest can often be kept to be cooked. Ask about the crew’s practice before you set out.

Do I need a fishing licence?

For an organised trip, any formalities are generally handled by the operator. We confirm this when preparing your trip, together with the rules that apply in any protected areas you will pass through.

How can I combine fishing with a tour?

Fishing fits neatly into the free days by the sea: in Ifaty on “Encounter Madagascar: Myth and Legend”, in Salary on “Rice Fields, Kingdoms & Rituals”, and in Nosy Be on “Ultimate Escape in Madagascar” or “On the Trail of Northern Madagascar’s Treasures”.

How much should I tip the crew?

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated, both for the crew and for the fisherman who welcomes you aboard his pirogue. Your guide will explain local custom and suggest a reasonable amount for the length of the trip.

Combine it