Best Fishing Spots in Cape Verde | Miss Angela 

Cape Verde, a hidden gem off the West African coast, is regarded as one of the top destinations for sport fishing worldwide. Known for its warm, clear waters and thriving marine life, Cape Verde attracts anglers from across the globe who are searching for that once-in-a-lifetime catch. From blue marlin to yellowfin tuna, the waters surrounding these islands offer something special for every fishing enthusiast.

Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned pro looking for your next adventure, this guide will take you through the best fishing spots in Cape Verde, explain what makes them unique, and share tips for making the most of your trip.

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Why Cape Verde is a World-Class Fishing Destination

Cape Verde’s success as a fishing hotspot is not by chance. The islands benefit from their unique location in the Atlantic Ocean, where ocean currents bring an abundance of baitfish close to the islands. This, in turn, attracts larger predatory fish such as blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dorado.

The geographical structure of the islands provides another advantage. Deep waters can be found very close to the shore, meaning there is no need to travel far offshore to reach prime fishing grounds. This makes Cape Verde not only productive but also convenient for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water.

The archipelago enjoys stable weather conditions for much of the year, offering clear skies, calm seas, and ideal fishing conditions. The peak season for many species, especially marlin, extends from April to October. However, fishing here is productive year-round, depending on the species you are targeting.

The Best Fishing Spots in Cape Verde

São Vicente Island – Mindelo

São Vicente, and more specifically the area around Mindelo, is often considered the crown jewel of fishing in Cape Verde. It is the epicenter for big game fishing, especially blue marlin. What makes Mindelo special is how quickly anglers can reach deep waters. Within minutes of leaving the marina, you can be fishing in waters over 1,000 meters deep, where marlin are commonly found.

The waters off Mindelo are renowned for producing large marlin, with numerous records set here over the years. The blue marlin season peaks between April and October, making these months ideal for those targeting this powerful game fish.

Aside from marlin, Mindelo is also a productive area for tuna, wahoo, dorado, and occasionally swordfish. Charter operators in this region are highly experienced and offer modern, well-equipped boats with professional crews.

Santo Antão Island

Close to São Vicente is the rugged island of Santo Antão. Though less developed in terms of tourism, Santo Antão offers excellent fishing, particularly in the channel between it and São Vicente. These waters are rich in baitfish, making them attractive to predators like marlin and tuna.

The steep underwater drop-offs create perfect habitats for big game fish. Fishing trips here often yield impressive results, and the area is appreciated for its scenic beauty as well as its productive waters. Besides marlin and tuna, anglers can also expect to encounter wahoo, dorado, and barracuda.

Sal Island

Sal is best known for its tourism, with beautiful beaches and clear blue waters attracting holidaymakers. However, beneath the surface, it offers excellent fishing opportunities. Sal’s waters are rich with species like tuna, wahoo, dorado, and amberjack. While it may not match Mindelo’s reputation for marlin fishing, Sal provides reliable action for those targeting a variety of species.

Fishing charters from Sal Island are readily available and offer a mix of offshore and coastal trips. The island’s fishing grounds are relatively close, allowing for half-day or full-day trips that don’t require long travel times.

Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista is often celebrated for its unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere, but it is also home to some excellent fishing opportunities. The surrounding waters are home to tuna, wahoo, dorado, and marlin. Offshore fishing around Boa Vista offers exciting prospects for anglers, and the less crowded nature of the island ensures a more private and relaxed experience.

Fishing here is available year-round, though specific species are more active at different times. Tuna and wahoo are most common in the first half of the year, while marlin make their appearance later in the season.

Santiago Island

Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde, offers a more traditional fishing experience. While not as famous as Mindelo for sportfishing, Santiago’s waters are rich and provide opportunities for catching a wide variety of species. Bottom fishing for grouper and amberjack is popular here, alongside offshore trips targeting tuna and dorado.

Fishing from Santiago also gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and history. Combining fishing with exploration makes it a great choice for visitors who want more from their trip than just time at sea.

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Popular Fish Species Found in Cape Verde Waters

Cape Verde offers an exceptional variety of fish, making it a versatile destination for anglers. Some of the most targeted species include:

Blue Marlin

Cape Verde is world-renowned for its blue marlin fishing. The fish here are large, powerful, and present in good numbers, especially between April and October. The chances of hooking a marlin within a short trip from shore are higher here than in many other destinations worldwide.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are highly prized for their strength and speed. They are commonly found between March and June and often travel in large schools. Tuna fishing in Cape Verde can deliver intense, action-packed days on the water.

Wahoo

Known for their blistering speed and aggressive strikes, wahoo are available throughout the year but are most plentiful from October to March. These fish make for exciting sport and excellent table fare.

Dorado (Mahi Mahi)

Colorful and acrobatic, dorado are a favorite among many anglers. They are widely available and can be caught nearly all year. Their tendency to gather around floating debris makes them a reliable target during offshore trips.

Swordfish

Though more challenging to target, swordfish are present in Cape Verde’s deep waters. Night fishing trips often yield the best chances for hooking these elusive and powerful fish.

Amberjack and Grouper

For those interested in bottom fishing, amberjack and grouper offer challenging fights and delicious rewards. These species inhabit rocky areas and reefs near the islands.

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Best Time of Year for Fishing in Cape Verde

The fishing calendar in Cape Verde varies slightly by species.

• Blue Marlin: April to October is the prime season for marlin fishing.

• Yellowfin Tuna: March to June is the best period for targeting tuna.

• Wahoo: Most active from October through March.

• Dorado: Found in good numbers throughout the year.

• Swordfish: Typically targeted year-round, with better results at night.

Choosing your travel dates based on the species you wish to catch ensures the best chances for a successful trip.

What Makes Cape Verde Unique for Fishing

Proximity to Deep Waters

Unlike many fishing destinations where deep-sea grounds require hours of travel, Cape Verde offers immediate access to deep waters. This maximizes fishing time and minimizes transit.

Reliable Weather

Cape Verde benefits from a consistent climate with calm seas and warm temperatures, providing excellent fishing conditions for much of the year.

Experienced Crews and Modern Boats

Charter operators in Cape Verde are known for their professionalism. Boats are typically well-maintained, equipped with the latest fishing technology, and operated by knowledgeable crews who understand the local waters.

Record-Breaking Potential

Cape Verde holds a reputation for producing some of the largest blue marlin caught anywhere in the world. Many anglers visit with hopes of landing a fish that exceeds 500 pounds.

Tips for Planning Your Fishing Trip to Cape Verde

Plan Ahead

During the peak fishing seasons, particularly for marlin, charter availability can be limited. Booking in advance ensures you secure the dates and boat you prefer.

Choose the Right Charter

Selecting a reputable charter with experienced crews is key to a successful trip. Look for those with strong reviews and a proven track record in Cape Verde’s waters.

Pack Accordingly

Bring sun protection, light clothing, non-slip shoes, and motion sickness remedies if needed. While most boats provide gear, you can bring personal equipment if you prefer.

Stay Flexible

Fishing is unpredictable by nature. Some days are more productive than others, so maintain a flexible attitude and trust your captain’s guidance.

More Than Just Fishing

Cape Verde offers more than excellent fishing. Its islands boast beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage. Exploring these attractions can make your trip even more rewarding. From hiking trails on Santo Antão to relaxing beaches on Boa Vista and vibrant music scenes in Mindelo, Cape Verde provides a well-rounded travel experience.

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Final Thoughts

Cape Verde stands out as one of the world’s premier fishing destinations thanks to its abundant marine life, accessible deep waters, and experienced charter services. The islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago each offer unique fishing experiences suited to various preferences and skill levels.

Whether you are chasing the thrill of hooking a giant blue marlin or simply looking to enjoy a day on the ocean with family and friends, Cape Verde delivers exceptional opportunities for all anglers. Prepare for a fishing adventure filled with excitement, stunning scenery, and the chance to create unforgettable memories on the waters of this Atlantic paradise.

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