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Barren Island Fishing Adventures in Madagascar
Experience the Unexplored Fishing Paradise of the Barren Islands, Madagascar!
Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? The Barren Islands of Madagascar are a pristine, untouched fishing paradise that will ignite your spirit of adventure and challenge your angling skills like never before!
Itinerary
ARRIVAL TO ANTANANARIVO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DAY 1
ANTANANARIVO
NOSY MANGA OR LE CHATO
Upon arriving at Antananarivo International Airport, a shuttle will transport you to either the spacious Le Chato Lodge or the well-known Nosy Manga, both located less than 2 km from the airport. At your accommodation, one of our charismatic staff members will greet you with a welcome drink and provide a brief overview of your travel plans for the following morning. You'll enjoy a delightful dinner featuring mainly French cuisine before settling in for a restful night in the comfortable rooms of your chosen lodge. 2
Travel to your final destination
DAY 2
The adventure kicks off at 5 am when your driver arrives to whisk you away on a breathtaking 2.5-hour scenic drive. Watch the city of Antananarivo come to life as you journey through stunning countryside and charming rural villages on your way to Tsiroamandidy. Here, you’ll board a private flight for a quick, one-hour hop to the vibrant west coast village of Maintirano. Upon landing, you'll be greeted with a refreshing beachside welcome drink before setting sail to our ultimate destination—Mangily Island! Once on Mangily, indulge in a delicious lunch and get briefed on tackle rigging. For those eager to dive in, the excitement continues with an optional late afternoon popping and trolling session to satisfy your unstoppable fishing fever. After reeling in your first catches, enjoy a delicious dinner and a quick briefing for the major fishing session that awaits you the next morning. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 3
Popping, jigging and trolling
DAY 3 – 6
Early birds get the "GT"! We kick off at 6 am with a quick coffee, rusks, and a bowl of cereal before dipping our feet into a local pirogue that will row us out to our boat’s mooring point. As we glide out of the island's calm tidal pool, the first lures hit the water, setting the stage for our initial morning pop—a perfect warm-up to wake us up and get the adrenaline flowing! It won’t be long before we spot some rises and fusiliers, signaling the presence of those monster GTs. Before you know it, we'll be hitting record on our GoPros, capturing every epic moment!
As midday approaches and the topwater action slows, it’s time to drop jigs to the bottom, where surprising catches await. A tasty boat lunch and some cold drinks will keep us fueled and ready to power through the burn in our biceps. As the afternoon rolls on, a mid-afternoon troll promises more thrills on the way to our sunset pop and cast spots. With the wind at our backs, we’ll head back to camp, hearts racing from a day full of unforgettable fishing action! 4
Fish your way back with 1 day left
DAY 7
As the last morning dawns on Mangily, the bittersweet reality of departure sets in, marking the end of an epic adventure. But there's one final reward on the horizon: a chance to hit two legendary hotspots before we go. First, there's Birds Island, perfect for a quick last popping session where anything can happen, followed by the aptly named Dogtooth Canyon, a spot that delivers 9 out of 10 times and promises a thrilling final catch. By 12 to 1 pm, we’ll beach at Maintirano, where your private flight is ready to whisk you safely back to Tsiroamandidy. As you embark on the 2.5-hour drive back, the memories of a week filled with extraordinary fishing will keep you company, making the journey feel shorter than ever. Back in Antananarivo, you’ll enjoy a final dinner and drink with newfound friends, savoring the last moments before reality calls. For those who want to soak in every last bit of this vibrant city, Antananarivo’s nightlife awaits—taxis and shuttles are affordable, making it easy for the never-say-die traveler to keep the adventure alive just a little longer. 5
Goodbye Madagascar
DAY 8
The day has come, and though your adventure may be drawing to a close, the memories will last a lifetime. A warm farewell brunch awaits, offering you the perfect chance to savor these final moments. Whether you prefer to unwind at the rooftop bar of Nosy Manga or bask in the sun by the pool at Le Chato, take a little time to reflect on the incredible journey you've had before your shuttle arrives to take you to the airport. Stop by the duty-free shop for any last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a quick bite at the newly opened Baobab restaurant. We’re grateful to have shared this unforgettable experience with you. Safe travels, and see you soon! 6
Good to know
Our staff
Insights into the incredible impact our recreational fishing project have on the local community on the island of Mangily in the Barren islands on the west coast of Madagascar.
The majority of our local staff are of Vezo origin, with 95% residing on the island. The only staff members not living on the island are skilled labourers such as skippers, electricians, mechanics, and others who provide specialized services.
Employment and Income for Locals:
Our projects create various employment opportunities for island residents, including:
- Cleaning staff
- Camp security
- Boat security
- Boat deckhands
- Pirogue shuttles from mooring points
- Island hygiene management
- Contributions from tourism for each visitor
- Tourist tips
- Rent for the land used on the island
The island’s residents typically live on less than £1 per day. Thanks to the extra income generated through these projects, there has been a noticeable improvement in living conditions. A local shop now stocks essential products like sugar, salt, drinks, preserved foods, and hygiene items such as toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, and insect repellent.
Additionally, eight families have benefited from new pirogues, with two additional pirogues built and funded by income from tourists. These pirogues provide opportunities for eight fishermen, each supporting a wife and at least two children, ultimately impacting 32 people. This positive change was achieved by welcoming just seven fishing groups from April to August this year. 8
Hospitality:
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by myself or one of our South African expatriates, each bringing their own charismatic personality to the experience. Our pilots and staff are known for their witty remarks and humor, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay.
We are proud of the positive impact our projects have had on the community, and we look forward to continuing to support the island's residents through sustainable and meaningful initiatives.
A First-Hand Tale of Discovery
On my maiden voyage past the Barren Islands, I was en route from Morondava to Maintirano—a trip that was supposed to take 12 hours but ended up stretching over 36. With no other way to reach my destination, I decided to embrace the journey and packed a modest 7ft, 25-pound rod, just in case there was any fishing action along the way. As we neared the islands, I tossed out one of my only two lures, and within moments, I was forced to tighten the drag and break the line—these waters were brimming with power I had never experienced!
Undeterred, I crafted a makeshift lure from a bare hook, a shoelace, and a shiny chip packet for reflection. Within seconds, I landed my first King Mackerel, narrowly avoiding its razor-sharp teeth. A Bluefin Trevally and a Scad followed soon after. This incredible, improvised success only fueled my desire to return and fully explore these uncharted waters.
Why the Barren Islands?
The fish here are fierce, surface-loving predators that strike aggressively at lures. Make sure your tackle is top-notch, especially your mono leaders and knots, as you'll be in for a real tug of war!
**Our Top Lures and Tackle Recommendations:**
- **Poppers:** 18cm / 100g+ like the Halco Roosta
- **Stick Baits:** Both sinking and floating options
- **Flutter Jigs:** Slow jigging from 80g to 250g
With tide differences of over 4 meters during spring tides and depths ranging from 10 to 250 meters within just 4km, the underwater
topography is an angler’s dream. The countless pinnacles, subsurface islands, and currents create ideal conditions for popping and jigging.
From early morning Trevallies, Groupers, and Snappers to midday Dogtooth Tuna, Sailfish, and a host of pelagics, the action is non-stop. And don’t forget those late afternoon monster Giant Trevally—they’re the ultimate reward for a day of hard fishing.
Gear Up for Success:
Bring gloves, wire, and pliers—these waters are home to toothy predators that will test your gear to the limit. If you need quality equipment, we’ve got you covered with top-notch rentals:
- **Popping Rods:** Paired with Shimano Saragosa and Stella reels
- **Jigging Rods:** Also equipped with Shimano Saragosa and Stella reels
We also stock a variety of jigs and poppers, so you’re fully equipped even if you run out mid-trip. While we support using your favorite 12 gear, sharing a quick chat about what's best suited for the Barren Islands can help you avoid unnecessary baggage.
**Get Ready for an Unforgettable Fishing Expedition!**
Pack your bags, sharpen your hooks, and prepare for the thrill of fishing these uncharted waters. The Barren Islands await you with unparalleled fishing experiences that will redefine your angling adventures. Don’t miss out—your ultimate fishing adventure starts here!
Example Pricing
8-day, 7-night trip with 5 full days of fishing: Including UK economy flights from London
**1 Person** Sole use of the boat
- Cost: £5990
**2 Persons** shared use of the boat
- Cost per person: £3949
**3 Persons** shared use of the boat
Cost per person £3380
**4 Persons & 1 Boat** shared use of the boat
- Cost per person £2826
**Add an additional boat for £1000 / fishing week.