Madagascar - Turtle Bay Camp

General Fishing

Madagascan game fishing is in its infancy, and fishing from Nosy Be is under developed - meaning fish densities are high. The area is particularly renowned for its high sailfish count and during peak months it is common to see 100 sailfish a day finning on the surface, many over the 100 lb mark.

Marlin as large as 350 kg (mostly black), as well as other local pelagic game fish species such as trevally, dorado, king and queen mackerel, giant kingfish, barracuda, wahoo and tuna, are also found in abundance. Reef, bottom and fly fishing are equally good.

Peak season is reportedly May through to January. However during the windy months of June and July the inshore fishing is more productive after which the marlin congregate in larger numbers close to the drop-off of the continental shelf. Fishing in the area is excellent most of the year so no month should see you coming away empty handed. December brings the start of the seasonal rains with heavy tropical downpours although this mostly falls at night, leaving the days clear.

Species: Season:

• Black Marlin: August to mid March, with August – October seeing highest numbers.
• Sailfish: Good from August to mid March, with May to September being the best months.
• Dog tooth Tuna: October - April

Off-Shore

Angling The eastern shelf of the Mozambique Channel drops in some places from 15 meters to “infinity” (more than a hundred meters). It is barely 3 km from Kalakajour Island and runs parallel to the island for 8 miles.

Heading out to the drop-off you will find brilliantly clear water (20 meters plus visibility) teeming with sea life. Fishing along this shelf you will find most of the local pelagic game fish species in abundance including sailfish, giant trevally, dorado, king mackerel, barracuda, wahoo, large dog tooth tuna, and more. The reef fishing and bottom fishing can be equally good. Ignobilis can also be found both in the vicinity of the island and off shore.

The camp operates a 28-foot Cape Craft ski boat with 2 x 225hp outboard motors fully equipped for game fishing. The skipper and one-man crew are extremely adept at their jobs and are very knowledgeable in terms of fish species and their proximity to the camp - thus avoiding unnecessary travelling time. The tackle provided on the boats is of a good standard.

Fly Fishing

There are large flats in front of the camp and deep drop-offs around the island (these are accessible on foot, or via one of the sea kayaks). The lodge’s boat is designed for fly fishing, as it has an open, unobstructed front deck – making it perfect for fishing the continental drop off, which is just 3 kms off the island.

Fly-fishing tackle: for shore-based angling we recommend a 10-wt and 6-wt outfit, both loaded with intermediate and floating lines. The 6-wt is perfect for the many smaller species on the flats which provide great fun on light tackle! The 10-wt is more suitable for targeting larger fish and for the casting distance needed in the channels and along the edges of the coral flats. The flies we have used for shore-based angling have consisted mainly of chartreuse and white Clouser Minnows in sizes 2/0 and 4/0 (and when they say “Chartreuse’n white, chartreuse’n white, chartreuse’n white!” they really mean it!). Smaller charlies (sizes 2-10) in chartreuse, chartreuse and white, and pink and white also proved to be very handy as well.

For off-shore angling, a 12-wt loaded with a full length DI-7 sinking line is probably most appropriate. A full length DI-7 is more suitable for deeper areas (10- 15m) and handles better in currents. A sinking tip with a running line would be fine for targeting fish in water shallower than 10m, but we generally do not recommend it for deeper water. The flies we have successfully fished off shore have included Mega Clousers (size 6/0) and chartreuse and white Clouser Minnows in sizes 2/0-4/0. Make sure to stock up on flies, since large toothy fish quickly strip flies to bare hooks.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

Sunday:

Fly from UK to Paris to connect with an Air Madagascar direct flight to Antananarivo. Depart CDG Airport 1655

Monday:

Arrive Antananarivo 0545. Once customs and immigration formalities have been completed, and visas purchased, take an onward flight to Nosy Be (depart at 0700, - arrive 0805). Transfer by boat to your island accommodation – which is new and simply furnished - stopping to fish and snorkel on the way. Dinner in the boma.

Tuesday - Saturday (5 days):

All day fishing (half day boat fishing, half day shore fishing). Full board accommodation

Sunday:

Spend the morning shore fishing followed by lunch at the camp.After lunch begin your return journey back to UK, via Antananarivo and Paris.

Cost includes: Economy flights, airport transfers, boat transfers, fuel, 6 nights at the camp, full board in camp, 5 half days of boat fishing, unlimited shore fishing, drinks (local beer, local rum and soft drinks only).

Cost excludes: Travel insurance (mandatory), airport taxes, fishing tackle, visas, gratuities, items of a personal nature.

What to take: a comprehensive list will be provided with travel documents.

Madagascar is situated within a malaria zone so you will need to seek professional medical advice on anti malaria precautions. Humidity in the summer months (November – May) is also extremely high and one should guard against dehydration and sunburn. A wide brimmed hat and sun block cream are imperative, as is a good insect repellant. A lightweight headlamp is strongly recommended, along with a fleece should temperatures drop during the evening. Excellent snorkelling surrounds the island, so it is recommended you bring your own equipment. Towels are not provided – please bring your own. Comprehensive medical kit containing Methialate/strong antiseptic, immodium, antihistamine cream for bites/itching etc and sea sickness tablets. This camp accommodates a maximum of 10 guests in five two-bed, wooden chalets, situated amongst palms on the beach.

The chalets are very basic but spotlessly clean with comfortable beds and mosquito nets. Ablutions are stand alone with a separate long-drop toilet facility and a separate shower. Only cold water is available but due to the climate this is not usually a problem. The ablutions, restaurant area and kitchens have lighting and the chalets are lit at night by paraffin lamps. The lodge is established on a clearing shaded by coconut palms, merely 20 meters off the beach! The island is fairly small (approximately 8 km in perimeter) and a walk around the island during low tide is strongly recommended. The most beautiful shells are found along the sandy beaches and lots of bird life and reptiles (such as the many geckos and chameleons) make for an interesting hike. Once the tide starts pushing over the flats, kayaks are available to explore the many channels that feed the flats with fish. There is no cell phone reception at the camp.