The season in Madagascar has officially begun. Our group has just returned from Mitsio, and the reports from there are hard to keep quiet about. Giant Trevally on the surface, yellowfin tuna on jigging, 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 little about why now is the right time to schedule Madagascar into your fishing calendar.
A top-class start to the season
The Indian Ocean showed its best side during the week. Calm mornings, pleasant breeze over the boat, 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? Plenty of triple hook-ups during the week. Three rods bent at the same time, three fish pulling in different directions, guides managing the chaos on deck. These are the kind of moments you talk about long after your suitcase is unpacked. It pretty much sums up why Madagascar is one of our most valued 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 meals with care. Often with fish the group themselves caught during the day. Tuna sashimi, grilled over embers, fresh catch carpaccio. It's hard to imagine a better end to a day out at sea.
The lodge is entirely solar-powered, has seven rooms, and a kilometer-long beach outside the door. Quiet evenings, sea breeze, a cold beer or local rum in hand. Then planning for tomorrow's fishing with the guides. It's that combination of wild nature, genuine seclusion, and complete service that makes Madagascar something out of the ordinary.
The fishing 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 believe this is the absolute best period, with truly varied fishing for GT, sailfish, tuna, and trevallys.
Both periods deliver. It's more about when it fits into your calendar than when the fishing is at its 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 depending on 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 the deep flats for amberjack, tuna, and other powerhouses.
- Trolling during transfers between locations, where sailfish and mahi-mahi are happy to join in.
In a week, you'll get to try several different types of fishing. You never know what will bite next. It's precisely that unpredictability that makes tropical sport fishing so addictive.
Thanks for the report! Always great to get pictures and stories from our customers. That's why we do this.
Time to book for the next window?
Spring dates 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 help you every step of 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. If you have questions, requests, or want to customize a trip for your own group? Get in touch and we'll arrange it.