Africa
Fishing in
Tanzania 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Tanzania-6.37°, 34.89°
🎣 Live catches in tansania
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Fishing trips in Tanzania
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GetYourGuideZANZIBAR FISHING EXPRIENCE
GetYourGuideZanzibar fishing game
Zanzibar Big Game Fishing – Ocean Spirit
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Through charter boat providers or the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute.
- Cost
- Sportfishing Permit: From 50 USD. Usually included in charter/lodge price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the stay/tour
- Available online?
- No
Tanzania offers incredible deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean, especially around Pemba and Mafia Island. Most providers organize all permits. Little developed = pristine waters!
Book fishing tours in Tanzania
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons. Marine parks have their own regulations.
- Catch limits
- Moderate limits for food fish. Big Game: Catch-and-Release increasingly common.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite fishing prohibited (was a problem). Nets prohibited in marine parks.
- Catch & Release
- Increasingly common with specialized providers.
Tanzania's waters are lightly fished and offer enormous potential. Pemba Channel is legendary for giant marlin and GT!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Pemba Island & Pemba Channel (Marlin, Swordfish, GT, Dogtooth Tuna)
- —Mafia Island Archipel (Sailfish, Kingfish, küstennears Fischen)
- —Sansibar & Nungwi (Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado)
- —Latham Island ('Das Fisch-Kaufhaus', Gelbflossenthun, Wahoo)
- —Dar es Salaam (Ausgangspunkt für viele Chartertouren)
Target fish
Freshwater
Lake Victoria: Nile perch. Lake Tanganyika: Endemic species. Little developed for tourism.
Saltwater
Indian Ocean with the deep Pemba Channel. One of the last hardly fished big game areas in the world!
Starting from1,000 USD / day
Best season: September to March (calm seas). Marlin peak: September-December. GT: Year-round.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Charter boats provide everything. For fly fishing for GT: Bring your own 12wt.
- Fishing guides
- Deep Sea Charter: 400-1,000 USD/day. Lodge on Pemba/Mafia: 300-600 USD/day.
- Transport
- Flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Small planes to Pemba/Mafia Island.
- Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis MANDATORY. Sun protection. Travel insurance. Medical care on islands limited.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Fishing equipment permitted. Visa available on arrival (50 USD).
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Approx. 50 USD (usually included in lodge/charter price)
Guide prices
Deep Sea Charter: 400-1,000 USD/day. Island Lodge: 300-600 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 100-200 USD (Zanzibar, simple boat). Premium: 400-800 USD/day (Pemba Lodge).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Tanzania
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Flights
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Airport Transfer
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