Angola

Since the cessation of the civil war in February 2002, Angola has progressively opened up to start re-building after a considerable period of unrest.

To develop an understanding of the fishing potential one first has to describe a little of the ocean geography, as with a 1700 mile long coast line there is considerable diversity of habitat, as well as species of fish.

The coast line is ‘washed’ by two main current schemes, the cold Benguella Current from the south, and the warm Guinean Current from the north. The seasonal strengths and weaknesses of each current determine clear seasons and species of fish along the coastline.  Working from the southern colder water regime of species there are Kob, Garrick and Bluefish, along with Copper sharks in the coolest zone, next Atlantic Bonito, Jack Crevalle, Swordfish and Yellowfin Tuna in the more temperate zone, with Blue Marlin, Atlantic Sailfish, Dorado, Jack Crevalle, African Cubera Snapper, Giant African Threadfin, and Tarpon in the warmest zone.  These species all migrate according to the prevailing water temperatures, on a basic north/south regime.

In the north (the warmest waters) their main season for the warm water species is December through to April though there can, like all places, be changes to this annual cycle.  The main fishing centres historically have been Luanda and Benguella, mainly due to the location of ex-patriots with craft suitable for targeting the species. The distance to the ‘drop-off’ is generally less than 10 miles, though charter boats are either prohibitively expensive or not available. – a product of the very affluent economy in Angola.

The other two ‘developed’ centres in the northern area are the two rivers south of Luanda, Kwanza and Rio Longa. These rivers are major watersheds of the interior and carry a lot of sediment, but are the main habitat for Tarpon.  And it has been confirmed that Rio Longa is actually a nursery for Tarpon up to 10kg.  Once they grow larger than that they join the adult migrations northwards.  Tarpon in their season can be found in excess of 120kg (265lbs), though mostly at Kwanza.  The average size – 60kg (130lbs) at Rio Longa is lower considering that they have mostly male fish.  Neither of these venues is really conducive to fly fishing, as the waters are very coloured.

To the south the only other developed centre for the tourist angler is Flamingo Lodge, in the desert just south of Namib.  Here the more abundant ‘rock and surf’ species are the main target, and very little boat fishing is carried out.  Though occasionally Yellowfin Tuna are targeted during the summer months from beach launched ‘ski boats’.

The great unexplored potential of this coastline is only offset by the totally unexplored nature of the inland waters.  There are many large rivers that travel far inland to share watersheds with the Zaire(Congo), and may hold similar species.  In all probability there are likely to be Tigerfish, and possibly even Goliath Tigerfish. These inland waterways need exploring and accessing before anyone can say with certainty what is or is not present.

Guided trips to Rio Longa Lodge and Flamingo Lodge can be arranged through Excalibur Tackle in Namibia.  Their web site can be accessed by clicking here.