The season in Madagascar has officially begun. Our group has just returned from Mitsio, and the reports are hard to keep quiet about. Giant Trevally on the surface, yellowfin tuna while jigging, and a lodge where the food almost competed with the fishing for the highlight of the day.
Here’s a greeting from the location. And a bit about why now is the right time to plan Madagascar into your fishing calendar.
A top-class start to the season
The Indian Ocean showed its best side during the week. Calm mornings, a pleasant breeze over the boat, and fishing that delivered from day one. The group returned with several fine GTs, a bunch of yellowfin tuna, and a lovely mix of trevally species around the reefs.
The most memorable? Lots of triple hook-ups during the week. Three rods bent simultaneously, three fish pulling in different directions, guides managing the chaos on deck. These are the kinds of moments you talk about long after your suitcase is unpacked. It pretty much sums up why Madagascar is one of our most appreciated destinations for popping and jigging.
Food, accommodation, and the island vibe
A fishing trip is never just about the fishing, and Mitsio is a perfect example of that. The lodge is run by a small, passionate team who prepare food with care, often using fish the group caught themselves during the day. Tuna sashimi, grilled over embers, carpaccio from fresh catch. It’s hard to imagine a better end to a day out at sea.
The lodge is completely solar-powered, has seven rooms, and a kilometer-long beach right outside the door. Quiet evenings, sea breeze, a cold beer or local rum in hand. Then planning for the next day's fishing with the guides. It’s that combination of wild nature, genuine seclusion, and complete service that makes Madagascar truly exceptional.
The fishing right now, and for the rest of the season
The fishing season is officially underway and runs until the end of May. Then the waters take a break over the summer before the season starts again in September and continues into December.
This means you have two clear windows to aim for:
- Spring: now until the end of May. Stable weather, active fish, high pressure on the reefs.
- Autumn: September onwards. Many consider this the absolute best period, with truly varied fishing for GT, sailfish, tuna, and trevallies.
Both periods deliver. It's more about when it fits into your calendar than when the fishing is at its absolute best.
What can you expect out on the boat?
We fish from a 30-foot boat specially designed for the area, with two 200 hp engines that smoothly take us between fishing spots. Techniques vary according to the day and conditions:
- Popping and stickbait along reef edges and drop-offs. This is where the big GTs lie in wait.
- Speed and slow jigging on deep flats for amberjack, tuna, and other powerhouses.
- Trolling during transfers between spots, where sailfish and mahi-mahi are happy to join.
Over a week, you'll get to try several different types of fishing. You never know what will bite next. It's precisely this unpredictability that makes tropical sport fishing so addictive.
Thanks for the report! Always great to receive pictures and stories from our customers. That’s why we do this.
Time to book for the next window?
The spots for spring are basically full, but there are still opportunities to join during the autumn departures. If you want to come during the really warm period in September–November, or start looking ahead, now is the time to get in touch.
We will help you all the way. From flights, accommodation, and transfers to packing lists, equipment, and fishing tips that will help you get the most out of your week. Do you have questions, special requests, or want to customize a trip for your own group? Get in touch and we'll arrange it.