Kwanza Lodge is located in very rich fishing grounds with many tropical species in abundance within close proximity of the Lodge ensuring a fishing experience second to none. Species regularly targeted include: Giant Tarpon, Giant Threadfin, Cubera Snapper, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Barracuda and Dorado. The Kwanza River offers many other fresh water varieties. Fishing at the Kwanza Lodge is done from the beach, the banks of the Kwanza River or from one of the boats moored at the Lodge.

◄1234567►

Angolan Dawn: 50ft Live aboard twin hulled Cruiser, Rigged with Shimano tackle to target the many species of large Game fish in the area. Angolan Dawn is equipped for long journeys at sea with a range of 500 NM, full kitchen and facilities. Angolan Dawn can also be used as a fishing base to explore the coast of Angola.

Sashimi ii: 28ft Novacat ski-boat, Rigged with Shimano tackle to target the many species of large Game fish in the area. Sashimi ii is the ideal vessel to go in search for any species you wish to target. Equipped with outriggers and fighting chair for the larger species of Game fish.

◄123

Information for visiting Anglers

“Barra do Cuanza” is internationally recognized as one of the worlds fishing hot-spots, especially for tarpon.  Apart from tarpon, record catches of snapper, threadfin, jacks and barracuda are made in the estuary and in the adjacent inshore area within 10km of the river mouth.  Further offshore, oceanic game-fish such as marlin, sailfish and dorado are caught.

Fishing seasons

The first tarpon are caught after mid-October and the season is fully under-way by mid-November.  Good catches continue until the end of March before starting to fade.  The season is usually over by the end of April.  The other inshore species (e.g. snapper, threadfin, jacks and barracuda) are present throughout the year, better catches outside the river mouth being made during the summer months.  In the river, however, the best months for these species are July to September.  The oceanic species are caught mainly during the summer months although very good catches of dorado continue well into April.
Fishing methods

Drifting: The most effective way to catch large tarpon is by swimming live-baits from a drifting boat, usually outside the river mouth and within 2 km of the shore.  Fishing in this way also results in gratifying catches of the other inshore species.

Fly-fishing: Fly-fishermen have considerable success when targeting tarpon both in the sea and the river.  During the winter they catch threadfins in the river, and during the summer they may target a variety of inshore game fish as well as dorado further offshore.

Trolling: This is an effective way of catching nearly all the species that are fished for here – from the offshore game fish such as marlin and sailfish, to jacks closer inshore, and threadfin and snapper in the river.  The problem with trolling is that tarpon, while occasionally hooked, are seldom brought to the boat.

Casting – From beaches and boats: Various spinners, poppers and plastic lures, as well as natural baits, can be cast from the shore or from boats, sometimes with spectacular success.

Things to bring

Fishing tackle – Top-quality boat rods and reels from 30lb class upwards are supplied free of charge when a boat is chartered.  We also have limited stocks of terminal tackle appropriate for drifting live baits and trolling, which we supply on a replacement basis.  We do not supply fly-fishing or casting tackle of any sort.

Other Requirements – The rooms are air-conditioned, have hot water, and all bedding, towels etc are supplied – you only need to bring personal toiletries.  The weather is usually warm so winter clothes are unnecessary, but it may rain during the summer so bring a light waterproof jacket.  Apart from this, don’t forget your hat and dark glasses and bring a plentiful supply of sun-screen and insect repellent.

Boat Specifications

Boats 1 & 2
Make Calypso
Style Open-deck Mono-hull
Length 5.90 m
Power Single 40 hp Yamaha outboard
Capacity Max. 4 passengers
Uses River fishing and sightseeing.

Boat 3  Semi-Rigid
Make Gemini
Style Semi-rigid Inflatable, Centre console
Length 7.40 m
Power Single 150 hp Yamaha outboard
Capacity Max. 5 passengers
Uses Fishing at sea and sightseeing on River.

Boat 4 “Boa Viagem”
Make Acecraft Marine – “Acecat”
Style Forward console catamaran
Length 6.60 m
Power 2 x 85 hp Yamaha outboards
Capacity Max. 5 passengers
Uses Fishing at sea and sightseeing on River.

Boat 5  “Sashimi”
Make Nova Marine – “Novacat”
Style Forward console Catamaran with “T-top”.
Length 8.30 m
Power  2 x 150 hp V6 Yamaha outboards
Capacity Max 6 passengers
Uses Fully rigged for offshore big-game fishing.
Can also be used for river cruises.

Boat 6  “Angolan Dawn”
Make Lee Cat
Style Live-aboard sportfisher / cruiser
Length 16 m
Power 2 x 200 hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboards
Capacity  Sleeps 6 – 8 but can carry up to 25 passengers on day cruises
Uses  Fully rigged for offshore big-game fishing
Offshore and river cruises of up to six days duration.

Travel Arrangements
Visas are required to enter Angola, as is a Yellow Fever vaccination

For information concerning flights from South Africa, visa requirements etc. contact:

Mandy in Cape Town – Email – mandytravel@telkomsa.net Phone – +27 82 877 4252