Marlin Fishing Spots in Cape Verde

Cape Verde has built a global reputation as one of Earth’s most prolific marlin fishing destinations. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this volcanic island chain is surrounded by deep ocean waters that serve as prime hunting grounds for one of the ocean’s most iconic gamefish the blue marlin. Anglers from across the world travel to these remote islands not just for the beautiful climate or the open Atlantic, but to experience the thrill of battling some of the largest marlin found anywhere.

When it comes to finding marlin fishing spots in Cape Verde, it’s not just about heading offshore and casting a line. The success of a trip depends on knowing where the fish move, how the currents interact with the underwater terrain, and which islands deliver the most consistent results. The top captains and crews in the region, like those operating aboard Miss Angela, have spent years mastering these waters, learning how to read the ocean and find the marlin that patrol the deep.

This guide closely examines the key marlin fishing areas in Cape Verde and what makes each unique. Whether planning your first trip or returning to chase a new personal best, knowing where to fish is the first step to landing that once-in-a-lifetime marlin.

São Vicente: The Marlin Capital of Cape Verde

When people talk about marlin fishing in Cape Verde, São Vicente is usually the first island that comes to mind. Home to the island’s bustling port town of Mindelo, this area is the heart of Cape Verde’s sport fishing industry. From here, seasoned crews launch into the deep blue to fish some of the most productive waters in the Atlantic.

What makes São Vicente such a standout spot is its underwater geography. The steep drop-offs and underwater canyons just miles from shore create perfect feeding zones for large blue marlin. The proximity of these deep waters means less travel time and more time fishing, making it possible to hook multiple marlin in a single day during peak season.

March through July is considered the high season for blue marlin in São Vicente, with many boats reporting daily encounters with fish ranging from 300 to 800 pounds or more. The combination of deep structure, strong currents, and experienced local crews makes this one of the most consistent marlin fishing spots in Cape Verde.

Santo Antão: Untouched Offshore Potential

Just a short ride from São Vicente, the rugged island of Santo Antão offers relatively unexplored offshore waters compared to its neighboring islands. With dramatic cliffs, rich marine ecosystems, and deep water off the coast, this region is ideal for big game fish like marlin.

The channel between Santo Antão and São Vicente acts as a funnel, concentrating baitfish and attracting predators. Marlin passes through this corridor regularly, especially during the warmer months. For anglers seeking a mix of adventure and action, fishing off Santo Antão can be a thrilling experience.

The remoteness of this area means fewer boats and less pressure on the fishery. It’s not unusual to find yourself completely alone with the horizon stretching in every direction just you, the sea, and the possibility of a massive marlin on the line. Captains familiar with these waters often use Santo Antão as a secondary option when fishing pressure is high in Mindelo or when conditions favor movement in that direction.

São Nicolau: A Seasonal Marlin Magnet

Further to the east lies the island of São Nicolau, another of Cape Verde’s top marlin fishing spots. Though not as heavily fished as São Vicente, São Nicolau has gained recognition recently for its strong seasonal bites and unspoiled offshore conditions. The waters here hold good numbers of marlin during the peak months and offer a change of scenery from the more trafficked western islands.

What makes São Nicolau appealing is the variety of terrain and currents that converge around the island. Offshore seamounts, steep underwater ledges, and nutrient-rich currents create ideal hunting grounds for billfish. During the spring and summer marlin season, it’s not uncommon for charters here to see double-digit raises in a single trip.

For those staying in São Vicente, multi-day fishing charters aboard boats like Miss Angela sometimes include a run to São Nicolau, allowing anglers to explore new waters while chasing trophy fish in less pressured areas. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to fish hard and explore the wider Cape Verde archipelago.

Sal and Boa Vista: Southern Action with Big Bluewater

While the northern islands are often the focus for serious marlin hunters, the southern islands of Sal and Boa Vista have their big game secrets. These islands are better known for their beaches and resorts, but offshore lies a deepwater fishing zone that can surprise even seasoned anglers.

Sal has long been a departure point for offshore fishing trips targeting tuna, wahoo, and dorado, but during marlin season, blue marlin show up with power and size. The ocean floor near Sal drops off quickly, offering access to offshore fishing grounds without long boat rides. To the south, Boa Vista has similar terrain and often holds good numbers of pelagic fish during seasonal migrations.

The advantage of fishing these islands is the combination of big-game potential and more laid-back, resort-style travel. Anglers looking to mix a family vacation with world-class fishing can enjoy both without compromise. And while the marlin fishing here may not be as high-volume as in São Vicente, the quality of fish can be just as impressive.

Raso and Branco: Remote Waters, Giant Potential

For those looking for the ultimate marlin adventure, the remote waters around the uninhabited islets of Raso and Branco present an unmatched challenge. Located between São Nicolau and Santa Luzia, these waters are wild, open, and rarely fished.

Because of their remoteness and isolation, the waters around Raso and Branco are home to massive marlin and schools of large tuna and other predators. Advanced charters generally access these areas on multi-day trips and are fished only when weather allows. But for those willing to go the distance, the reward is fishing grounds that see little pressure and hold enormous potential.

This region is where the most committed marlin anglers test their limits. The fish are big, the seas can be rough, and the distance from shore demands excellent planning. Still, every mile is worth it when the line tightens and a fish explodes from the surface in these untouched waters.

Understanding Cape Verde’s Fishing Conditions

Knowing where to fish is only part of the equation. Understanding Cape Verde’s fishing conditions, especially for marlin, is crucial. These islands sit at the crossroads of warm tropical currents and cooler upwellings. This combination produces a strong bait base, including flying fish, squid, and mackerel, all of which attract marlin in large numbers.

The consistent trade winds and calm seas during the prime fishing months allow for smooth trolling conditions. Most marlins are caught on artificial lures rigged precisely and run in large spreads behind the boat. The strategy includes teasing techniques, bait switching, and constant observation. The top captains in Cape Verde know how to work the waters with unmatched efficiency, increasing strike rates and giving guests every opportunity to connect with a blue marlin.

Fishing here is not just about the fish it’s about reading the signs, adjusting to the sea, and using every ounce of experience to be in the right place at the right time.

Final Thoughts: Marlin Fishing Spots in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is more than just a fishing destination; it’s a place where the ocean still feels wild, and the possibilities stretch as far as the horizon. Regarding marlin fishing spots in Cape Verde, few places offer such proximity to deep, fertile waters and consistent action with some of the ocean’s largest predators.

Whether you’re chasing granders off São Vicente, exploring remote drop-offs near Santo Antão, or heading south to the less pressured waters of Boa Vista, there’s always a new spot to discover and a new story waiting to be written. With the guidance of expert crews aboard professional vessels like Miss Angela, anglers have every chance to land the fish of a lifetime in one of the most exciting marlin fisheries in the world.