November 17, 2025
| Target Species | Peak Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | July – September | The main season. Best chance for billfish. |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round | Often found with Wahoo. Good eating. |
| Wahoo | Year-round | Requires wire leaders. Fast, aggressive strikes. |
| Shore Species | All Seasons | Grouper, Jacks, Barracuda. Best at dawn/dusk. |
São Tomé fishing isn’t polished, but it’s real. Volcanic slopes drop fast into deep water, bringing gamefish close enough for small wooden boats. This guide explains what you’ll catch, when to go, and how to arrange trips with local crews. There are no marinas, charter fleets, or tackle shops—just working boats and raw access. Everything here comes from direct experience, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Trips don’t follow set schedules. There are no listed charters, just local crews who fish when conditions allow. We work with crews who can take you out for tuna, wahoo, or dorado if the weather lines up and you book ahead.
“Bouchard sums up fishing on Bom Bom as a “year-round fishery,” and the billfishing offshore can be as hot as any marlin fishing found anywhere. I guess you’ll know where to find me this summer when the bite heats up. The sign over the bar at the new lodge pretty much sums it up: “If it doesn’t have a bill, it is just bait.” — Bert Bouchard
To go fishing in São Tomé, you need to plan ahead. Space is limited, gear must be brought, and trips depend on tide, swell, and fuel. We’ll connect you with trusted skippers and help set up a real day on the water, not a tour. Message us early to arrange São Tomé fishing trips that fit the island’s rhythm.
Deep water begins close to shore here. Volcanic slopes drop steeply into the Gulf of Guinea, bringing yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and Atlantic blue marlin within reach of small boats launched from village beaches.
Offshore angling runs on local rhythm with no schedules, no booking platforms, and no traditional charters. Conditions, fuel, and crew availability shape when and whether trips happen. The blue marlin season peaks from July to September, when fish move along the offshore drops.
Be aware that this peak season coincides with the ‘Gravana’ (dry season). The trade winds pick up, making the seas choppy. There are no multi-million dollar fishing boats here – and until I win the lottery, that won’t change. You will be fishing with local fishermen in a 7-metre open boat, usually powered by a 250hp Yamaha outboard. You will get wet, and you need reasonable sea legs. It isn’t a cruise; it’s sport.
The volcanic coastline forms steep headlands where deep water meets black basalt. One of the best-known São Tomé fishing access points is Boca do Inferno. The car park is about 500m from the main road. There is a nice bar on the right as you turn in with great views over the ground you will be fishing. It is safe to park near the souvenir stand where you can buy fresh coconut juice. The path down to the water is directly in front and involves a tricky scramble down some pretty stable rocks.
Be extremely careful here. The danger isn’t just the crash of the wave, but the drag. Volcanic shelves often have underwater caverns that create a powerful vacuum effect as the water recedes. If you fall in near a blowhole like Boca do Inferno, the suction can make self-rescue impossible even for strong swimmers. Stay back from the dry line, and even then be careful, the waves can be sudden and larger than you expected, a soaking is not a good way to start your São Tomé fishing trip.
Lure fishing here means working untouched ground. Most fish have never seen a Rapala or popper. Spinning from the rocks produces grouper, barracuda, small tuna, and surprise hits from passing predators. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best action, but bites can come any time during daylight.
Shore fishing is self-guided and gear-dependent. You’ll need to bring spinning rods, leaders, and lures. But if you’re ready to fish hard and move light, the coast delivers real shots from shore.
A great spot for fun is Praia dos Governadores near Micolo. You will need a 4×4 to reach this, but luckily we have you covered with our car hire. You can also reach it by foot from Micolo, but it is a hot walk with no local facilities once you leave the village, so pack water if you’re planning this trip. The reef to the right of the beach holds a lot of predatory grouper which will hammer your lures. Fish over a rising tide as you are likely to lose tackle.
One downside here is that you will be quickly surrounded by local kids who will attempt to ‘help’ by removing fish from your lures. They seem to have no concept of the second treble hanging off the back of the hook. They will also offer to retrieve your lure if you get it lodged in the rocks, which is likely. Please be aware of their safety if they turn up. Any fish you catch, you may wish to return, but the kids will beg you for them of course. Size limits mean nothing when there’s a meal on the hook, so be aware.
There are no São Tomé fishing tackle shops. Anglers must bring all gear including rods, reels, line, leaders, lures, hooks, tools, and spare parts. The nearest quality equipment is in Europe, and shipping to the islands is unreliable and slow.
You may be lucky and get a few little bits of terminal tackle at Continental, the large Chinese-owned store in São Tomé, it’s located near the area where the Hiaces leave from. However, from personal experience, the line is old, the lures will fall apart on the first fish and the swivels look like they were made by a child – avoid.
For offshore trips, bring heavy conventional gear. Rods in the 50 to 80lb class, reels with deep line capacity, and a full spread of terminal tackle are essential. Marlin and yellowfin will test gear to the limit. Local crews offer basics, but serious anglers rely on what they bring.
Bring high quality reels, São Tomé fishing is fun but heavy on tackle, the volcanic terrain, strong fish, and constant salt exposure will punish weak equipment. A good spinning reel from Shimano or Daiwa makes a noticeable difference in reliability on the rocks. Choose a sealed model with a strong drag system. The 4000 to 6000 size range covers most shore-based situations.
For offshore spinning work, a heavier 8000 size reel spooled with 50 to 65lb braid gives enough capacity and stopping power for tuna and wahoo. Conventional reels need deep line capacity. A reel holding 600 yards or more of 50 to 80lb line is appropriate for marlin and large yellowfin.
Braid should be abrasion resistant. The volcanic shelf is sharp, and fish running deep can cut lighter lines instantly. Choose reputable eight strand or twelve strand braid in 30 to 50lb for shore fishing, and 50 to 80lb for offshore setups. Carry spare braid or at least a spare spool. A single bad wind knot or rub against rock can end a session if you have no replacement, a sorry end to a São Tomé fishing holiday.
Shore fishing calls for 9 to 10ft spinning rods in the 15 to 30lb range, with 30 to 50lb braid. Lures should include Rapalas, poppers, metal spoons, and jigs. The fish are not lure shy, but rocks and teeth will shred leaders, so pack spares.
All São Tomé fishing gear should handle salt, sun, and impact. UV protected line, sealed reels, and rustproof tackle storage are vital. What you bring is what you fish with. Nothing can be replaced locally.
Lures, Leaders, and Terminal Tackle
If you want to target specific predators during your São Tomé fishing trip, the following patterns work well.
Poppers in the 60 to 120g range cast well in wind and create enough disturbance to pull fish up from depth. Carry at least three types: a small popper for calm water, a mid sized popper for general use, and a heavier model for rougher conditions. Stickbaits also work, especially over clean volcanic edges. Bring both floating and sinking versions.
You will also need solid connection hardware. Pack barrel swivels in several sizes for general rigging, and ball bearing swivels rated around 100 to 150lb for trolling lures. Add crimps, a crimping tool, and wire so you can build and repair leaders. Shock leaders in 100 to 150lb mono protect against rocks, and wire leaders are essential for barracuda and wahoo.
Choose strong, good quality swivels and clips. Cheap hardware is a common failure point in São Tomé fishing when a tuna or wahoo hits at speed.
São Tomé fishing does not require a tourist fishing licence. You can fish from shore freely with no permits, inspections, or local restrictions for individual anglers spinning or bait fishing along the coast. Most protected areas apply to commercial or offshore activity. In practice, there is no enforcement against shore angling. Locals are more likely to be curious or glad of the catch than concerned about rules.
However, rivers are a different matter. As you drive down South you will stop at the bridge with the great view of Pico Cão Grande. The river below is oh so inviting, but there is a fishing ban here. There is a clear sign on the bridge. I have seen tourists fishing here having ignored the sign. Please, it is there for a reason. There is great fishing further down, so try to support the environmental work we do here. Look, dream, but don’t cast.
Catch and release is encouraged for billfish species including blue marlin and sailfish. While not legally mandated for tourists, conservation minded behaviour supports sustainable stocks in these waters. The island nation is working to balance access with marine biodiversity protection as part of its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. For the most current information and up to date rumors and catch reports, contact us before arrival.
Safety requires realistic expectations about local conditions. Offshore São Tomé fishing trips operate from basic wooden pirogues and small fibreglass boats that lack modern safety equipment standard on commercial charter vessels.
Life jackets, VHF radios, GPS units, and first aid kits are not guaranteed on local boats. If life jackets are available, they are rudimentary – if you have one of the self-inflating types, then bring it – it’s tough to fish when you’re wearing something that looks like it could hold up an elephant, however even one of those is better than nothing.
The Gulf of Guinea presents typical offshore hazards including changeable weather, strong currents, and open ocean conditions. Local São Tomé fishing crews work these waters daily and possess intimate knowledge of seasonal patterns, but vessels are rudimentary. Engine reliability varies, and mechanical failures offshore are not uncommon.
Safety improvements through World Bank WACA programme initiatives have equipped approximately 3,000 fishers with GPS units and safety kits since 2019. Renovated lighthouses now provide better coastal navigation. These measures have reduced annual casualties, though risks remain inherent to artisanal operations.
Speaking from personal experience, when I can afford it – teachers don’t get paind much here, trips generally cost €80-150 for half day offshore excursions lasting 4-5 hours with local crews.
Full day São Tomé fishing trips run €150-250 depending on distance travelled and fuel required. Pricing is negotiated directly with fishermen rather than through fixed charter rates. Costs reflect fuel expenses, significant when travelling 20-30 miles offshore, crew compensation, and boat usage. Prices fluctuate with fuel market rates and seasonal crew availability.
You should pay in local currency while crews will accept Euros, they almost never carry Euro change. This is especially true down south. If you hand over a €50 note for a €30 share, do not expect to get €20 back. Bring small notes or, better yet, pay in Dobras.
What is included: boat usage, crew, and fuel for the agreed distance. What is not included: tackle and equipment which you must bring, food and beverages, crew tips, or transportation to departure points. Some arrangements require advance fuel payment or deposits. Shore fishing requires no trip fees beyond personal tackle and access costs. If you are travelling to remote headlands, factor in vehicle rental.
Fishing in São Tomé costs less than commercial charter destinations where comparable trips run €800-1500 plus. The savings reflect infrastructure limitations rather than discounted service, offering authentic access to productive waters through direct arrangements with local crews.
The island operates through informal arrangements with artisanal fishing crews rather than commercial charter services. Commercial charter operations use purpose built sportfishing boats equipped with fighting chairs, rod holders, and outriggers. These operations carry modern safety equipment including VHF radios, GPS units, life jackets, EPIRBs, and first aid kits. Professional crews are trained in sportfishing techniques and guest service, and quality tackle is provided.
Artisanal arrangements work differently. Trips operate from basic wooden pirogues or small fibreglass boats used for commercial fishing. Safety equipment is minimal, although GPS units have become increasingly common through World Bank programmes. You are fishing with working crews rather than sportfishing guides.
English is limited, and the focus is on efficient catch rather than guest experience. No tackle is provided, so you must bring your complete setup. There is no insurance coverage and participants assume all risk. Payment is cash based with negotiated pricing arranged through local contacts. Crews may keep caught fish for market sale unless you have negotiated retention beforehand.
The lack of commercial infrastructure means São Tomé and fishing rewards self sufficient anglers who are comfortable with improvisation, basic conditions, and cultural differences. The trade off is access to unpressured fisheries at a fraction of charter destination costs, waters where techniques and lure presentations remain highly effective due to low angling pressure. This is not budget charter fishing. You are participating in working operations in a developing nation.
Nothing is replaceable locally. Bring everything you need and backups of anything that might fail. The nearest tackle shop is in Europe. For offshore angling, you need heavy conventional setups. A 50 to 80lb class rod with a quality reel holding 600 plus yards of capacity handles marlin and large tuna.
It is recommended to use the heavier end of that 80lb range. The volcanic shelf here is sharp and drops off instantly. If a large fish sounds deep and rubs the line against the drop off, lighter braids will be cut immediately.
To get your São Tomé fishing trip off to a flying start bring a medium conventional setup as well, 30 to 50lb class for tuna, wahoo, and smaller billfish. Pack a spare reel or a complete backup rod and reel combination.
Line and leader requirements include 50 to 80lb monofilament or braid as main line, 80 to 130lb fluorocarbon leaders in 7 to 10 foot lengths, and 200 to 400lb wind on leaders for billfish. Wahoo demand wire leaders, either 30 to 60lb single strand or multi strand cable. Do not skip the wire for wahoo. The wahoo here are aggressive and often strike the head of the lure rather than the tail. If you run straight fluorocarbon, their teeth will snip you off before the drag even engages. Heavy mono shock leaders in 100 to 150lb test complete the setup.
Terminal tackle and lures should include offshore trolling lures, specifically skirted lures 6 to 10 inches in various colours. When selecting colours, match the hatch. The primary forage here is flying fish, so lures in blue, silver, and white patterns often outperform others. Large poppers and stickbaits work for topwater action. Bring ballyhoo rigs or comparable natural bait presentations.
Heavy duty swivels in both barrel and ball bearing types rated for 100 to 200lb are essential. Pack crimps, a crimping tool, and wire for constructing leaders. Circle hooks in 7/0 to 10/0 sizes work for live bait and ballyhoo.
São Tomé fishing from the shore requires different gear. A medium heavy spinning rod measuring 7 to 9 feet in 15 to 30lb class paired with a quality saltwater spinning reel in 4000 to 6000 size with sealed drag handles most situations. Bring a backup rod or spare reel spool. Lures should include Rapalas in various sizes, typically 3 to 6 inches in both natural and bright colours. Poppers work for surface action along edges and drop offs. Casting spoons in silver and gold weighing 1 to 3 ounces cover different conditions. Metal jigs handle vertical presentations when targeting depth.
Supporting gear matters as much as rods and reels. Heavy duty saltwater fishing pliers remove hooks from toothy fish. Line cutters or scissors handle leader work. Fishing gloves protect hands when handling line and fish. A quality knife processes any catch you keep. Protection from equatorial sun is critical. Polarised sunglasses serve double duty for sight fishing and eye protection. Reef safe sunscreen in SPF 50 plus needs frequent reapplication. Long sleeve UPF rated fishing shirts provide all day coverage.
Backup and repair supplies prevent trip ending failures. Spare line spools let you re rig after tangles or break offs. Extra lures and terminal tackle should be double your initial estimate, rocky bottoms and toothy fish consume tackle quickly. Reel oil and lubricant maintain performance in saltwater conditions. Duct tape and zip ties enable field repairs.
Airlines permit fishing equipment as checked baggage with potential excess fees. Use hard sided rod tubes or PVC pipe to protect rods during handling, leaving a rod in a loose bag would mean your São Tomé fishing trip will be over before it begins. If you are transiting through Luanda or Accra, be aware, a few friends have lost rods on this leg.
Local fishing crews in São Tomé operate on tight margins. Basic equipment costs represent a significant investment for families earning from daily catch.
The most direct support is fair payment for São Tomé fishing trips. When negotiating rates with crews, remember that €100 to €150 represents substantial income. Fuel alone for offshore trips costs around €20, and crews split the remaining payment among multiple family members. Paying agreed rates in full and adding tips for strong effort helps families who depend entirely on fishing income.
Beyond payment, fishing tackle donations make a significant difference to local capacity. Tourists on a São Tomé fishing trip often travel with gear they will use only a few times. A spare spinning reel, lures that did not suit your home waters, or a conventional reel you upgraded from hold enormous value here. A cheap reel or an old lure is genuinely useful. What is excess baggage weight for a visitor becomes productive equipment for families who fish daily.
The best way to donate is to leave your tackle with us at the end of your trip. We pass equipment to fishermen who need it most, not just to the busiest or most visible boats. An older fisherman with worn out gear or a young kid learning to fish will value a tatty reel or beaten up lure far more than someone who only picks up a rod when tourists are in town and fishes with nets the rest of the time. By leaving tackle with us, you help it reach the people for whom it makes the greatest difference.
You can also support income by buying fresh fish directly from returning crews at fair prices. This keeps money in the community without intermediaries. Treating crews with respect matters as much as payment. These are skilled professionals working dangerous jobs in basic conditions.
Sharing your São Tomé fishing experiences and crediting local crews by name when possible helps build awareness of the island as a fishing destination. Avoid behaviour that harms local fisheries. Follow catch and release practices for billfish, respect size limits if they are in place, and avoid keeping fish only for photos. These stocks support families year round. If you have gear you can spare, bring it to São Tomé, leave it with us, and it will help local crews long after you have left the island.
For you, a São Tomé fishing trip may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for locals it’s a means of survival, your help will ensure São Tomé fishing communities have a few more chances of a fish than before. Thanks in advance.
Important note for Príncipe: Resorts such as Bom Bom and Sundy operate inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and follow strict conservation policies. They do not permit conventional sport-fishing activity on their docks, including catch and release for billfish. Opportunities to fish around Príncipe still exist, but they rely on quiet, low-impact arrangements with local crews who understand the reserve’s rules and the expectations of the lodges. If you’re staying on Príncipe and want to fish responsibly, contact us and we can advise on options that respect the island’s conservation standards.
São Tomé is not a polished sportfishing destination. It is a place where deep water meets island life, where small boats reach big fish, and where self sufficient anglers can experience the kind of fishing that vanished long ago in more developed locations. If you bring the right gear, respect the crews, and work with the conditions, you will find some of the most rewarding and authentic fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.
If you have a trip report, use the comment box below. If you have photographs of your catches or time on the water, send them to us at hello@thechocolateislands.com so we can share them and help other anglers prepare.
Tight lines.
Jack
