African Island Giants
Radama Archipelago, Madagascar
Situated off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Famous for its extraordinary wildlife and dramatic landscapes, the island is also emerging as a premier angling destination. Madagascar fishing offers access to some of the best pelagic and reef action anywhere, with giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, sailfish, and other trophy species thriving in its pristine waters.
Accommodation
Private Island Lodge
Season
March – December
Species
Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, King Mackerel
Style
Spinning, Popping, Trolling,
Jigging, Fly-fishing
The Ultimate Saltwater Destination
Highlights:
- Trophy Species in Untouched Waters: Target huge Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Black Marlin, King Mackerel, Grouper, Barracuda, Bluefin Trevally and countless other Indian Ocean gamefish, all thriving in Madagascar’s remote, lightly pressured fisheries.
- Private Island Base in the Radama Archipelago: Stay in an all-inclusive beach lodge set on a private island, perfectly positioned in the legendary Radama chain, renowned for producing monster GTs, powerful doggies, and record-class marlin.
- Unmatched Fishing Infrastructure: Fish from custom-rigged boats with top-tier tackle and equipment, guided by expert crews who specialize in handling the brute strength of Madagascar’s trophy fish.
- Beyond the Fishing Experience: Unwind on pristine beaches, explore vibrant reefs, and immerse yourself in the raw natural beauty of Madagascar, combining world-class angling with a true Indian Ocean island escape.
7 DAY PACKAGE
US$3,500 per angler
- Six full days guided inshore & offshore fishing
- Five nights all-inclusive accommodation, meals & drinks at private island beach lodge.
- All transfers & two nights in hotel on arrival & departure
Endless opportunities exist in this region of Madagascar, from popping for huge GT’s to jigging for Dogtooth Tuna on the various dropoffs or trolling for giant Black Marlin offshore. Live-bait fishing for various species and inshore light tackle fishing can be equally rewarding. Beach fishing from the island is an added bonus for those who enjoy land-based game-fishing.
Target Species:
Countless gamefish species can be caught on any given day, including Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Black and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, various Groupers, Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, and giant Barracuda.
Environment:
Madagascar has developed its own distinct ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife since it split from the African continent an estimated 160 million years ago. Approximately 95 percent of Madagascar’s reptiles, 89 percent of its plant life, and 92 percent of its mammals exist nowhere else on Earth. Its more than 3,000 miles of coastline and over 250 islands are home to some of the world’s largest coral reef systems and most extensive mangrove areas in the Western Indian Ocean. Other than the fish, these waters are also home to turtles, manta rays, zebra and whale sharks and even migrating whales. Prime whale watching season in Madagascar is June to September, where in the sheltered seas around Île Sainte Marie humpback whales gather to calve, nurse their young and mate before moving back to cooler seas in the winter.
Boats & Equipment:
The lodge has a fleet of 32 ft center-console boats with 300 HP Suzuki – suitable for up to four anglers with a two-man crew and the latest electronics and VHF radios. Two larger boats are also available for billfishing offshore.
Top-class Shimano and Zenaq popping and jigging tackle is available at the camp, as well as a small tackle shop.
Lodging:
The beach lodge is located on 400 hectare private island of Antanimora and is made up of 14 spacious and ventilated traditional chalets. They are each equipped with king size beds or twin beds depending on the option chosen, mosquito nets, several remote-controlled fans, as well as a large bathroom. The site’s electricity supply is provided 24/7 by several generators, coupled with photovoltaic solutions.
Food & Drinks:
The main restaurant consists of a bar, lounges, a large terrace bordering the huge shaded swimming pool; as well as a dining room upstairs, overlooking the sea, where breakfasts, lunches and dinners are taken. The shop is also open every day. Before or after fishing, it allows you to take stock of the equipment in consultation with our skippers, buy souvenirs, sun cream, etc.
Great attention is paid to the cuisine at the lodge, fresh products are carefully selected each week and the chef suggests a new menu every evening with several choices of starters, main courses and desserts. Fresh fish of course finds a place on the menu every day and pizzas are made in the wood-fired oven.
Other Activities:
- Snorkeling, stand-up-paddle boarding, kayaking and a variety of other water activities are available.
- Some of the best scuba diving in the world.
- Hiking and exploring on the island.
- Venture to other islands or have a sunset dinner on one of the many beaches.
The lodge is located on the private island of Nosy Antanimora in the Radama archipelago off the northwestern corner of Madagascar.
How to get there:
Fly into Fascene Airport ,an international airport located on the island of Nosy Be. Since Nosy Be is one of the most developed tourism destinations in Madagascar, the airport is one of the busiest in the country. Direct flights are available from Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Italy are possible.
Documents Required:
A valid passport is required. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and other Western European nations do not need a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days.
Travel Arrangements:
We take care of all flights, transfers and hotels to and from the lodge and will be included in the final quote.
Guests have the option of booking their own flights as well.
Sample Itinerary
Total Trip Duration: 8 – 9 days
Day 7:
Transfer back to the island of Nosy Be for the flight home.
Double Occupancy Rates and Shared Guide/Boat:
7 nights, 6 days fishing: $3,500 USD
What’s Included:
- Six full days of guided fishing – four anglers on per boat.
- Five nights all-inclusive with meals & drinks at the beach lodge.
- Two nights (arrival & departure) at the guesthouse on the main island.
- All transfers to & from airport.
- Tackle & equipment (option to bring own tackle).
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare to Nosy Be, Madagascar.
- Dinner & drinks on arrival and return transfer day.
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Entry visa ($35).
- Trip insurance.
GALLERY
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes Madagascar one of the top destinations for Giant Trevally and Dogtooth Tuna fishing?
Madagascar’s Indian Ocean waters are among the richest and least pressured in the world. The country’s remote offshore reefs, volcanic seamounts, and coral drop-offs create ideal hunting grounds for trophy giant trevally and massive dogtooth tuna. Unlike more heavily fished regions, Madagascar offers anglers the chance to target record-class fish in truly wild conditions. Beyond GTs and doggies, these same waters also hold sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and giant grouper, making it a multi-species paradise for serious anglers.
When is the best season to fish in Madagascar?
The prime fishing season in Madagascar runs from October through December and again from March through June. These months align with calmer sea conditions and peak feeding activity for GTs and dogtooth tuna around the reefs and seamounts. While year-round opportunities exist, the off-season (January–February) can bring cyclones, and July–August often has strong trade winds that make offshore access more difficult. Planning your trip during the prime windows maximizes both fishing success and comfort on the water.
How do I get to Madagascar for a fishing trip?
Most international anglers fly into Antananarivo (TNR), Madagascar’s capital, which is serviced by flights from hubs like Paris, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. From there, you’ll take a domestic flight to coastal hubs such as Nosy Be. Limited direct flights to Nosy Be are also available during peak seasons.
What can I expect beyond the fishing experience in Madagascar?
Fishing in Madagascar is only part of the adventure. On land, the country offers some of the most unique wildlife and scenery on earth, from lemurs leaping through baobab forests to chameleons blending into lush rainforests. Combine world-class fishing with cultural visits to remote villages, snorkeling on untouched reefs, or exploring natural wonders like the Avenue of the Baobabs or Tsingy de Bemaraha. This blend of culture, wilderness, and extraordinary biodiversity makes a fishing trip to Madagascar as memorable off the water as it is on it.