Pemba Channel, Kenya
In Kenya, the Pemba Channel is known as the best place in the country for bi game deep sea fishing, but it is alos probably the best destination in all of Africa. Our local partner, the Pemba Channel Fishing Club has an excellent reputation especially for marlin fishing. In fact, the club holds over 50% of all of the marlin records in Kenya and 7 IGFA marlin records for allof Africa. For anyone who has ever thought about trying to set an IGFA record for salt water big game fishing, this is an excellent place to try, Thre are great opportunities especially for women’s records.
The destination is also turning into a favorite among fly fishermen. In fact, one of the club’s most illustrious guests, the famous Billy Pate, one of the world’s best fly fishermen who holds 110 records was extremely impressed with the fishing here. Among the many fish he caught during his stay was a 124 lb striped marlin on 12 lb test line. After a week of fishing the channel he noted that he had never fished waters with such an abundance of striped marlin. In fact, it might be the only place in Africa where striped marlin have been caught on the fly.
The club has 3 boats for deep sea fishing with crews that have an accumulated 150 years of experience among themselves. Kadi Nahoda, captain of the “White Otter” holds the record for the most marlins caught in a single season with a total of 116 marlins caught, marked and released. All of the fishing with the club is in fact catch and release. All of the crew members and captains operate under the rules of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the international organism that governs and supervises sport fishing records throughout the world. The club is an IGFA member.
In addition to fishing the Pemba Channel, the club also offers other interesting options, such as night fishing for sword fish. It also offes an incredible trip to Pemba Island in the Archipelago sleepig o0n the fishing boats or on the club’s yacht the Kisiwani, a comfortable completely equipped air conditioned boat with accomodations for up to 10 persons.
The lodge provides all the necessary conventional fishing equipment. For marlin fishing, we recommend fast 9 foot 12 to 15 weight rods. Reels should have an excellent drag and a capacity of 400 meters of 50 lb backing. Be sure to use a good salt water line such as the “Mastery Series” . We recommend large streamers (4 to 12 inches long on 6/0 hooks or larger) in blue and white, blue and green or yellow or white and pink.
The Pemba Channel Fishng Club Lodge can accommodate up to 14 guests in simple bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens. The Club also had a central lodge building with a large bar and lounge area decorated with fishing photos and marlin trophies where the local cocktail, the “Sundowner” is served. Meals are served in common dining area. The service and food usually surpass all expectations.
To get to the lodge guests usually fly into Nairobi first and then either catch a conecting flight or the train to Mombasa. Lodge personnel meet guests at the airport or train station and transfer them the remaining 80 kilometers south to Shimoni.
Location: The Pemba Channel Fishing Club is located in the small village of Shimoni, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, 80 km to the south of Mombasa
Season: August – March
Best dates:
Marlin: Mid November to the end of March
Yellow Fin Tuna: Beginning of August to the end of October
Sailfish: December and January
Nº of rods allowed: N/A
Fishing techniques practiced: Spinning, jigging, fly fishing, trolling
Species available: Blue, black and striped marlin, sword fish, sailfish, mako, tiger and bull shark, dolphin fish, giant trevally and many other lesser game fish.
Notice to travellers: Make sure that your regular vaccinations are up to date and that you are vaccinated against yellow fever. Once you have arrived pay attention to what you eat or drink off the hotel premises Gastric and intestinal problems occur frequently though they are usually not serious and there is no reason for worry. Consult your doctor about anti-malarial treatment.
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