Trolling for Sailfish and Marlin
The crew trolls lures and baits behind the boat along the ledges where the deep water meets the reef. Sailfish are the most common billfish here, and black, blue and striped marlin are also caught. The crew sets the lines and coaches you through the fight.
Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado
Yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado are caught by trolling and by jigging. They are hard fighters and are also the best fish for the table.
Catch and Release
Billfish are released after the fight, and many boats tag them for research. Other fish, like tuna, wahoo and dorado, can be kept for your meal within the limits your captain sets.
The Fishing Grounds
The captain chooses the spot for the day. The Watamu Banks are the usual grounds in the middle of the year, and the boat runs north to the Malindi Banks when the sailfish are there. In the peak marlin months the boat goes further out to deeper water.
Lunch on Board
Lunch and cold drinks are served on the boat while you fish. Tell us about any allergies or special food needs when you book.
Deep Sea Fishing Watamu Itinerary
Times are a guide. The captain adjusts the plan for the tide, the weather and where the fish are.
- 6:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Watamu. Malindi guests are collected earlier.
- 6:30 am: Meet the captain and crew, safety briefing and a look at the tackle.
- 7:00 am: Leave the harbour and run to the fishing grounds.
- 8:00 am: Lines in the water. Trolling begins.
- 12:00 pm: Lunch on board while the lines stay in.
- 1:00 pm: More fishing, with jigging or a change of spot if needed.
- 3:00 pm: Lines out and the run back to Watamu.
- 4:00 pm: Arrive at the harbour.
- 4:30 pm: Drop-off at your hotel.
What Is Included
- Private fishing boat with captain and crew
- Rods, reels, tackle and bait
- Fuel
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Lunch, drinking water and soft drinks on board
- Ice for your catch
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What Is Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the captain and crew
- Your own tackle if you want to fly fish
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
Good to Know
- Best seasons: Sailfish are best from October to January. Marlin are best from January to March, and black marlin also show up from July to September. Yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado are caught for much of the year.
- No catch is guaranteed: These are wild fish. Even in the best months, some days are slow. The crew will keep trying different depths and spots.
- Half day option: A half day trip lasts about 5 hours and stays closer to shore. It is a good way to try fishing before committing to a full day.
- Group size: The boat takes up to 4 anglers. Non-fishing guests are welcome to come and watch.
- Seasickness: The sea outside the reef can be rough. Take a seasickness tablet the night before and again in the morning, and eat a light breakfast.
- What to bring: A hat, polarised sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a light windproof jacket, soft-soled shoes and a camera.
- Children: Children can join with an adult. Tell us their ages when you book.
- Your own gear: You can bring your own rods and tackle. Tell us in advance so the captain can plan.
- Combine it: After a fishing day, a relaxed morning on the beach or a Love Island Watamu walk works well the next day.
