Manda Bay - Bluewater Fishing For Sailfish & Marlin

The Eastern coast of Kenya has long been reputed for its excellent seasonal fishing for Billfish. Sailfish, Striped, Black and Blue Marlin and the many other game fish which migrate through these waters in abundance. During October & November the numbers of Sailfish present are outstanding, whilst Feb-March is the main Marlin season. Regardless of the time of year you visit, Manda Bay, situated on the Lamu Archipelago, is one of the most delightful locations to stay on the entire East African coastline. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the lodge on its isolated and private island and the family and staff that run it.

 <<< Click here to find out where Manda Bay is.

The Environment & Location

Lamu archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya. Manda Island is one of the largest islands on which Manda Bay Resort is situated, a 10-minute boat ride from Lamu town. The resort itself is surrounded by vast expanses of powdery white sand beaches, a wide channel perfect for water sports as well as a sheltered bay.

Beach-front at Manda Bay

Manda Bay Lodge

Manda Bay is very much not a dedicated fishing lodge. It is an exclusive resort more popular with honeymooners and families who are after a personalised stay at a 5 star resort offering a magnificently relaxing break, fabulous rooms, water sports, dhow safaris and luxurious pampering. Dedicated groups of fishermen come to enjoy its facilities and specifically the spectacular Sailfish fishing during October & November but for many its appeal lies in the variety and seclusion that is on offer all year round. For full details and pictures of Manda Bay please click on the link below:
Manda Bay Lodge & Resort

Arial view of the Manda Bay area

Al Fresco dining under the stars

A large Wahoo-en route to the dinner table!

Want to Know More
Watch the film and read the fishing report from a previous WWMF week at the Manda Bay Lodge

Deep Sea Fishing for Sailfish & Marlin & Other Blue Water Species

Manda Bay has two fully equipped blue-water fishing boats with expert skippers and crew. The Cheza is a 33 ft diesel powered boat whilst the Shakina is a brand new catamaran yacht with super quiet 4 stroke outboard engines. Both boats have all the latest navigation, safety and satellite equipment and a very comprehensive range of fishing gear including both conventional fishing tackle and fly fishing rods.

Fly-Fishing for Sailfish & Marlin

Arguably, the most exciting form of deep-sea blue-water fishing or indeed the greatest achievement, is to catch a Sailfish or even a Marlin on a fly. For those who prefer to lie back and drink a beer waiting for the action then read no further. Catching a Marlin or a Sailfish on fly is an integrated team effort. The skipper will shout, the crew will rush feverishly around and the angler will wait on tenterhooks whilst the fish is lured to within 5-7 meters of the back of the boat. By this stage the fish or at least its sail or bill will be fully visible, its body lit up with spectacular colour and success or failure will rest on what is likely to be one nerve wrackingly timed cast. If all goes according to plan and the fish takes expect a jaw droppingly spectacular fight where the odds remain firmly on the side of the fish.

Charlie with a GT from one of the inshore skiffs

Skiff Fishing for Giant Trevally, Ox-eye Tarpon, Permit, Snappers and other Inshore Species

The fishing along the Kenyan coast does not offer the same scope and range of dedicated flats fishing destinations such as those found in the Caribbean or the Seychelles. At Manda Bay however they have an excellent inshore fishing programme where one can fly fish, or spin in amongst the Mangroves for Tarpon, or along the coastline for Giant Trevally (GTs), African Permit (Pompano) and numerous other species. On a calm day you might even find yourself attached to a Yellow Fin Tuna or even a Marlin!

Alternative Activities Whilst in Kenya

Kenya is a superbly diverse country and any trip lends itself to a mixed package. These might include safaris to either the Masai Mara or one of the private reserves such as that at Lewa Downs or Borana, camel or horse-riding safaris, Trout fishing on the Lakes of Mount Kenya or the rivers and streams of the Aberdare National reserve as well as bird shooting. We have an excellent team on hand in Kenya who will be able to piece together any activity that comes to mind.

Manda Bay water-skiing

Best Times to go

For fly fishermen who are after the best chance of catching a Sailfish or Marlin on fly then October & November is the peak of the season when the numbers of Sailfish are at their highest. For Marlin the peak months are February-March. It is however possible to catch any of the game fish throughout the year. Click here to view the seasonal breakdown at Manda Bay.

Getting there

Guests fly to Nairobi airport and typically overnight there before taking either the scheduled charter down to Lamu or a private charter direct to the resort airstrip.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Kenya, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.