Kenya - Fishing

See the outline map of Africa showing where Kenya is.

Game and sport sea fishing are quite popular in Kenya, with 'V' boats - so called because of the extended fishing equipment out of either side of the stern of the boat - plying their trade up and down the coast of Kenya.

For the record - The method of fishing from the boats is that the person fishing sits (belted-in) on a chair facing aft - and holds the rod in a butt holder secured in the lower belly area - the crew bait (or lure) the hook(s) and the skipper then trolls accross the section of sea he believes to hold the target fish species - once the fish bites (and you'll know when it does!!) the skipper cuts the engine and the hard work begins - lowering the rod to reel in and leaning back, raising the rod to bring the fish in.

We went out for a day's game fishing from The Blue Marlin Fishing Club from the Pemba Channel, near Diani Beach resort area south of Mombasa. There were four of us (we two plus two German nationals) in the boat, out for half a day (4hrs) fishing. The two German guys were 'not very well' so we got in the chair more often than not.

In 4 hours we had about 2½ hours actual fishing - so we ended up with about 45 minutes each with a rod in hand - 'J' caught three good sized dorado - the biggest just under 40kg - 'G' also caught three dorado but a bit smaller, with the biggest just over 30kg - The Germans caught one fish each and gave up! Sounded like a football score to us! England 6 - Germany 2. A great result!

Kenya Sea Fishing - Sport or Game Fishing Species:

Barracuda -
Barracudas belong to the great order of Perch-like fishes, Percomorphi. Barracudas form the suborder known as mugiloids. They can be caught all year round in Kenya waters, up to 35 kg. Found around the numerous reefs in our area.

Blue Marlin -
Blue Marlin are one of the most wanted deep sea fish, which can also be seen around islands. Catch this fish with lures and bait. After the strike the Blue Marlin jumps out of the water, an image you will never forget! World record 636 kg. These are seasonal visitors to the Kenya coast following bait fish as they migrate.

Bonito -
The Bonito is one of the most popular bait fish. Weight up to 3kg. They are available in great numbers when migrating up or down the coast of Kenya - not always present.

Dorado -
The Dorado is a colourful surface hunter in Kenya's warm waters. The strongest fighter of the middle weight fish. Prolific when in season and will take any bait. Weight up to 40 kg.

Wahoo -
The Wahoo is an extremely fast surface hunter that takes most baits. Weight about 25 kg, 1.5m long. One of the best eating fish.

White Tuna -
The White tuna or Albacore is a member of the Tuna family that visit the Kenya coast in great numbers in season. Great sport - we are told, on light line.

Yellowfin Tuna -
The Yellowfin tuna belongs to the family of tuna. A common visitor to the Kenya coast. Most likely to be caught with strip bait or jig. The Yellowfin is renowned for its fighting ability.