Be it fly fishing for tiger fish on the Zambezi or a deep water quest for marlin in the Indian Ocean, Southern and East Africa offers world class angling opportunities. The streams, rivers and dams in these regions offer good fly and bait fishing for many indigenous species as well as trout and bass which have been introduced from abroad.

The Indian Ocean islands and East and southern African coastlines attract fly fishing enthusiasts from all over the world and deep sea fishing for game fish is popular throughout the region. Large species such as marlin and sailfish are particularly sought after.

Only in Africa can fly anglers battle a powerful tiger fish while a herd of elephants peacefully forage on the river bank fifty metres away. Fishing on the Zambezi River, be it with fly rod or bait, provides a great opportunity for anglers to pursue their favorite pastime and simultaneously watch big game, an experience that can be repeated in many forms on southern and east Africa’s big rivers and dams.

And for those who prefer the ocean the regions offer spectacular deep sea fishing  – in the warm water off Kenya anglers have the opportunity to boat the big four of African bill fish – the blue marlin, Black marlin, Striped marlin and sailfish.

A wide variety of professional outfitters offer angling trips in southern and east Africa to suit all types of fishing. Many lodges are close to the big rivers and cater specifically for anglers.  Although serious anglers usually have their own equipment rod and reels can be hired. Many indigenous fish, including the formidable tiger fish and South Africa’s yellow fish (there are several species) take readily to flies and test even those skilled in the use of fly rods.

Many anglers prefer though the use of bait in the search of other species, including the many variety of tilapia which are prized as table fish.

Some anglers prefer to search for trout that have been introduced to a fair number of cooler waters, many at high altitude. Trout from the United Kingdom where introduced to South Africa (1890), Kenya (1921) and Zimbabwe (1929) and a thriving trout fishing fraternity has developed in these countries.

The coasts of South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya also offer fine salt water fly fishing, as do the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Seychelles group.

Ponta Torres, a 500 metre wide channel between Inhaca Island and the Mozambique mainland is world renowned amongst fly anglers searching for large game fish. The white beaches and clear waters lapping over coral reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Seychelles also add a picturesque background, noticed by even the most hardened angler.

Many outfitters in both southern and east Africa offer deep water fishing safaris in well equipped boats. Marlin fishing is particularly popular in Kenya and off Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.