Captain Duarte Rato’s 2025 marlin season off Bazaruto was one for the books — with epic catches, late-season surprises, and heavy tackle action that reminded everyone why this region remains one of the world’s premier billfish destinations.
2025 Marlin Season Highlights
From the Captain’s Log on FishBazaruto.com, Duarte Rato reported a season that started slow but built into a crescendo of big fish and unforgettable moments:
- Late-season blue marlin bite: August brought a flurry of action, with multiple fish over 500 lbs and one pushing the 800 lb mark.
- D.A. & Fisher’s epic run: In November, this duo landed 9 marlin in one week, including a monster blue that nearly spooled the reel.
- Consistent action on heavy tackle: The 130 lb setups saw serious work, with big blues and blacks showing up in deeper water off the archipelago.
- Weather windows were tight, but when the ocean laid down, the bite turned on — especially around the canyon edges and drop-offs.
Captain Duarte’s updates reflect not just the fish, but the rhythm of the season — from quiet mornings to explosive strikes and the camaraderie of anglers chasing giants.
? A Young Legend: Duarte Junior’s First Marlin
One of the season’s most heartwarming moments came when young Duarte Junior, son of Captain Duarte Rato, landed his first marlin from the fighting chair — with Carl Jankowitz by his side. The fish was tagged and released off Bazaruto, and the moment was captured in a blog post that’s already become part of local lore. It’s a reminder that the next generation of anglers is already making waves.
? The Fleet
FishBazaruto’s fleet just got even more versatile. Vamizi, the trusted 31 ft sportfisher, now has a sister boat: IBO. She’s equally capable, rigged for light tackle and family trips, and ready to chase marlin, tuna, or reef species with comfort and speed.
FishBazaruto offers a fleet tailored for every style of angler:
| Boat Name | Length | Type | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vamizi | 31 ft | Sportfisher | Big game fishing |
| IBO | 31 ft | Sportfisher | Same as Vamizi, sister vessel |
| The Game Changer | 38 ft | Luxury Sportfisher | Heavy tackle, multi-day marlin hunts |
| Spanish Fly | 25 ft | Center Console | Fly fishing, gamefishing |
| Sailfish | 27 ft | Catamaran | Versatile, stable platform |
All boats are skippered by experienced crews, with top-tier tackle, electronics, and safety gear.
? Global Big Fish Destinations
FishBazaruto doesn’t stop at Mozambique. We also arrange custom trips to:
- Ascension Islands – for monster blues and deepwater beasts
- Madeira – legendary for giant marlin and European-style sportfishing
- Madagascar – wild, remote, and teeming with pelagics
- South Africa – from Sodwana to Cape Point, the action is world-class
- And beyond – we’ll help you chase big fish anywhere they swim
? Book Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re chasing your first marlin or returning for another crack at the canyon, now’s the time to lock in your 2026 slot. The season books fast — especially around peak moon phases and sardine-run overlaps.
? Contact FishBazaruto today to reserve your boat, crew, and dates. The fish are waiting — and Captain Duarte is ready to put you on them.
Use the WhatsApp button to connect to us directly!
Sardines and Sighting Maps
Check out our annual Sardine Run Map! Download our app to your phone or device, accept notifications, and you will never miss a single sardine.
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps…
2025 Sardine Map
2024 Sardine Map
2023 Sardine Map
2022 Sardine Map
2021 Sardine Map
Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality
Websites
umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za – will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
