Cape Verde Fishing Activities
Cape Verde Fishing Activities
Cape Verde is a dream destination for anyone who loves the sea. This island nation, floating in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa, is known for its rich marine life, warm weather, and proximity to deep waters, qualities that make it one of the most exciting places for fishing in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned sportfisher or a curious traveler looking to try something new, the variety of Cape Verde fishing activities offers something for everyone.
Cape Verde’s waters are alive with possibility, from battling massive blue marlin offshore to catching tuna, wahoo, or dorado. Beyond big game fishing, visitors can enjoy relaxed coastal fishing, bottom fishing trips, and island-hopping tours that mix leisure with light tackle action. Thanks to the unique geography of the islands, it takes very little time to get from port to prime fishing zones, making it easy to spend more time fishing and less time traveling.
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Verde and want to include fishing in your itinerary, or if you’re coming specifically for a sportfishing holiday, this guide covers all the fishing activities you can enjoy and when and where to find them.
Deep Sea Fishing: Cape Verde’s Premier Adventure
The most famous of all Cape Verde fishing activities is deep-sea fishing, especially for big game species like blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish. The deep ocean trenches and seamounts surrounding the islands create ideal habitats for these large predators, which patrol the waters just a few miles from shore.
Blue marlin are the star attraction, particularly from March through July, when marlin season peaks. Boats trolling lures near São Vicente, Santo Antão, or São Nicolau can expect multiple strikes daily, with marlin often between 300 and 800 pounds or more. Some of the biggest blue marlin ever caught in the Atlantic have come from these waters, so Cape Verde is considered a top destination for serious marlin hunters.
Professional charters like Miss Angela offer full-day deep-sea trips with expert crews who know the local waters, understand seasonal fish behavior, and use proven techniques to give guests the best possible shot at landing a giant. These trips are typically all-inclusive, with tackle, bait, food, and drinks provided, and are suitable for everyone from first-timers to experienced offshore anglers.
Big Game Fishing: More Than Just Marlin
In addition to blue marlin, Cape Verde’s offshore waters are home to a long list of big game species. Yellowfin tuna appear in large numbers during spring and autumn, especially from February to May and September to November. These hard-fighting fish travel in schools and can often be seen feeding on the surface in a frenzy.
Wahoo is another exciting target, especially from January to April. Known for their speed and aggression, they are commonly caught while trolling at high speeds near ledges or drop-offs. Wahoo strikes suddenly, making strong, fast runs challenging even for skilled anglers.
Dorado (mahi-mahi) and sailfish are regular visitors in warmer months, particularly from May to October. Dorado are beautiful, brightly colored fish that leap and run when hooked, making them a great light-tackle option. Sailfish are less common but provide spectacular aerial battles when they appear.
Big game fishing in Cape Verde is not only about catching fish but also about the total experience clear blue water, stunning views of the islands, and the thrill of being out on the open ocean with a rod in hand and a trophy fish on the line.
Bottom Fishing: Relaxed Yet Rewarding
Not all Cape Verde fishing activities take place offshore. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, bottom fishing offers plenty of excitement without the need to venture too far from land. This method involves dropping baited hooks to the seafloor to catch grouper, snapper, amberjack, and moray eels.
Bottom fishing is a great way to introduce beginners to fishing, and it’s also a fun option for families or travelers who want to mix a boat trip with the chance to bring home fresh fish for dinner. Many charter operators offer half-day bottom fishing trips that stay within sight of the island coast, making them more affordable and less time-consuming than full-day offshore excursions.
Depending on the island and fishing depth, you can also target smaller reef species or larger predators that hide near rocky underwater structures. It’s a peaceful and productive way to fish, often with high catch rates and minimal waiting time.
Inshore and Light Tackle Fishing
Cape Verde’s shorelines and nearshore reefs are also rich with life, offering opportunities for light tackle fishing from smaller boats or the beach. These trips are perfect for anglers who enjoy casting lures or working jigs in shallow waters, targeting species such as needlefish, jacks, barracuda, and trevally.
Fishing close to shore means calmer waters and more scenic surroundings, and these shorter trips are often better for beginners or those prone to seasickness. Many local operators offer personalized half-day or sunset sessions that allow you to enjoy fishing and sightseeing around the islands.
This kind of fishing is also popular among travelers staying in Sal or Boa Vista, where long beaches and rocky points make shore casting a popular option. You won’t hook a marlin from the beach, but you’ll still get the thrill of a strong fish and the beauty of a Cape Verdean sunset.
Spearfishing and Free Diving
For the more adventurous traveler, spearfishing and freediving are exciting ways to explore Cape Verde’s waters. The clear visibility and abundant fish life around the islands make this a popular activity, especially among experienced divers.
While not as widely promoted as deep-sea charters, local dive shops and specialized guides can arrange half-day spearfishing trips, often targeting reef species like parrotfish, groupers, and amberjack. These trips are typically small and personal, focused on protecting the marine environment.
Participants must usually bring or rent specialized gear and be comfortable swimming in open water. It’s an intense, physical way to fish, but for those who enjoy being in the water, it offers a unique connection with the ocean and its ecosystems.
Family-Friendly Fishing Options
Cape Verde fishing activities can also be tailored for families with kids. Many charters offer family-friendly outings focusing less on big game and more on action and enjoyment. These may include bottom fishing, sightseeing tours combined with light trolling, or half-day trips that stay close to shore.
These trips are designed to be educational and entertaining. Children can learn about the local marine life, help bait hooks, and enjoy the thrill of catching fish in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a fantastic way to introduce young travelers to the joys of the ocean and foster a love for nature and fishing.
Best Times for Fishing Activities in Cape Verde
While some fishing is possible year-round, the best months vary depending on your target species and desired activity. For blue marlin, the prime season is March through July. For tuna, focus on February to May and September to November. Wahoo are best from January to April, while dorado and sailfish appear mostly in May through October.
Bottom fishing, shore fishing, and light tackle trips are viable year-round, with success rates influenced more by weather and local currents than by fish migrations.
The winter months are usually windier due to the Harmattan trade winds, but skilled captains know how to find sheltered spots and keep fishing safe and productive even during those periods.
Final Thoughts : Cape Verde Fishing Activities
Cape Verde fishing activities offer more than an exciting catch they provide access to a lifestyle rooted in the sea. From big game thrills offshore to relaxed family outings near the coast, there’s a fishing experience here for every kind of traveler.
With its unmatched variety, consistent weather, and professional charters like Miss Angela, Cape Verde is a top-tier destination for anglers worldwide. Whether you want to battle a marlin, catch your dinner, explore underwater reefs, or spend a peaceful day on the Atlantic, the islands of Cape Verde are ready to welcome you.
