Bazaruto, Mozambique – In a normal year you would not hear much our of Mozambique in the way of marlin at least this late in the season. 2011 appears to be one of the longest season they have seen and as usual Capt. Duarte Rato is in the middle of it all. This latest run of fish are in the 200-400 lbs range (black marlin) but as many will remember, they let a Grander Black go a couple weeks ago on the Vamizi.

Down a little farther south in Inhambane, the guys are calling this the best marlin run they have ever seen. They typically see sailfish rather than black marlin, but you will not hear the complain.

In Maputo, Capt. Duarte has been targeting the blacks with live yellowfin tuna. Apparently the small yellowfin 15-25 lbs are everywhere. Should be no shock that the blacks are around with all that bait. Duarte is fishing 50W and it is all stand-up, so they are having blast. The most recent trip, he was 2-3 on Blacks, releasing a 250 lbs and 350 lbs fish.

Capt. Duarte is off to Madeira for their season here shortly, but he he will be back down there in the fall. If you are interested in trying your hand at this phenomenal fishery, reach out to me at  hook@billfishreport.com.