October and November are the months Big Black Marlin are found off Bazaruto Island Mozambique. This has been proven many times with among the All African record held By Johnny Harrel of 1300LBS (590KG) caught in October 1998  Duarte Rato seems to get at least one in a season each year and many more close to the magic number of 1000 pounds releasing them to fight another day.

This is the reason we set of in search of a grander every year. Taking the best tides weather and moon phases into consideration to help increase our chances at finding our big Julie. Last year we were unlucky to not get one marlin to stick but we had an awesome adventure as always.

We stay as always at our favourite spot

Dugong Lodge https://www.facebook.com/DugongLodgeInhassoro/

We were once again welcomed with open arms to a spectacular vista of sand and sea, and of coarse the pool which is a welcome retreat from the heat.

Dugong pool

Dugong Bar and deck

We managed to start of our ventures to Bazaruto Island with only 3 days left to fish due to heavy weather. On day one we were rewarded with a beautiful Black marlin of about 350 LBS which we hooked up, right next to the famous Duarte Rato aboard his charter boat Vamizi from Indigo Bay. Being just the 2 of us on the boat ( Mitchell Joseph) and my self the battle was very exciting and had me running around the boat more than a few times. I was Skipper, DeckHand, Wireman and Photographer. After about 25 Min the fish was next to the boat and we had him on the leader, alas he was not yet ready to be handled and took off in a spectacular display jumping clear of the water a few times before we got him under control next to the boat. I managed to get only this one pic of him jumping in between all the mayhem.

Jumping Black Marlin

After another trip around the boat and the fish tiring enough that we could handle him I got the hooks out and we released him in good health.

Mitch with a #350 Black marlin off Baz

Little hooker lying the flags at the sand bar

We didn’t get to hook another marlin in the last 2 days of fishing but we managed a nice 27kg Yellowfin tuna which made great sushi and dinner back home and a few other fish which didn’t quite make the marlin bait list.

Great Bait

Marc with a Red Rock cod

After some great weather and awesome conditions we had to call it a day as our flights were booked to come home . The rigs packed up and we look forward to the return trip next year in search of Grander Black marlin.

Little Hooker Rig

Po10C Rig

See you next year Bazaruto