Emeraude Fishing

Diego Suarez Sport Fishing, Northern Madagascar

Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna and Pelagic Species | Day Trips, Land-based Stays and Multi-Day Catamaran Expeditions

Emeraude Fishing is a long-established sport fishing operation based in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), in the far north of Madagascar.

Renowned among serious anglers, the operation offers access to some of the most productive and least-pressured fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean, combining experienced guiding with flexible trip formats ranging from hotel-based day fishing to fully supported multi-day catamaran expeditions.

Northern Madagascar remains a true frontier destination for sport fishing — remote, uncrowded and rich in both reef and pelagic species — and Emeraude Fishing has built its reputation on consistently delivering results in these challenging, high-reward waters.

The Fishing

The waters around Diego Suarez offer exceptional diversity. Anglers can expect to target a wide range of species depending on season, conditions and technique. These include giant trevally (GT), dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, coral trout and various grouper species.

Fishing techniques typically include popping, jigging, live baiting and trolling, with opportunities to adapt daily plans according to weather, tides and fish activity. The region is particularly well known for its GT and dogtooth tuna fishing, with Emeraude holding notable catch records across both casting and jigging disciplines.

Fishing Areas

East Coast – Diego Suarez Bay

The east coast is ideal for hotel-based fishing stays. Days are spent exploring reefs, drop-offs and offshore structures within reach of Diego Suarez, allowing for long sessions on the water with early departures and flexible returns.

West Coast – Courrier Bay

The west coast offers a more remote experience. Fishing programmes here may include overnight stays in Courrier Bay on a full board basis, with access to pristine zones and marine reserve areas where conditions allow. This region is particularly appealing to anglers seeking a sense of exploration and isolation.

Boats & Expedition Options

Sport Fishing Boats (Day Trips)

Emeraude operates a fleet of dedicated sport fishing boats, designed for offshore conditions and equipped for serious angling. These are typically used for hotel-based fishing programmes and day trips from Diego Suarez.

Catamaran Expeditions (Multi-Day)

For anglers wanting maximum fishing time in remote areas, Emeraude offers multi-day expeditions aboard a fully equipped catamaran. Staying on board allows fishing to begin at first light and continue through peak bite periods without the need for long daily transits.

The catamaran is set up for comfort and autonomy, with double cabins, showers, freshwater desalination, solar power, and full communication and safety equipment. This option is ideal for small groups looking to explore distant fishing grounds in depth.

What’s Included

Inclusions vary by programme, but typically cover:

• Fishing days with experienced skipper and crew

• Fuel and boat costs

• Snacks, picnic lunches and drinks during fishing days (water, soft drinks, coffee and beer)

• Safety equipment

• Transfers and logistical support as per itinerary

• Accommodation and meal plans according to the selected programme (hotel-based, Courrier Bay base or catamaran)

Fishing tackle for jigging and casting is generally not included and anglers are encouraged to bring their own specialised equipment. Rental may be available on request.

Trip Formats

Emeraude Fishing offers a range of programme styles, including:

• Hotel-based sport fishing stays in Diego Suarez

• Combined fishing and overnight programmes in Courrier Bay

• Fully catamaran-based fishing expeditions

• Hybrid itineraries combining hotel nights with catamaran fishing days

Each itinerary can be adapted to suit group size, preferred techniques, target species and available time.

Best Time to Fish

Fishing seasons vary by coastline:

• North East Coast: generally best from December to March

• North West Coast: typically productive from April to June and from September to November

Outside these core periods, fishing may still be possible on a weather-window basis, particularly for day trips.

Land-Based Accommodation Options

For guests choosing a land-based fishing programme, Emeraude Fishing primarily operates out of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) in Northern Madagascar.

Primary Base – Emeraude Lodge

Emeraude Fishing’s main land-based option is Emeraude Lodge, a simple, well-located waterfront lodge used for many of their hotel-based fishing programmes. Accommodation is typically arranged on a full-board basis and provides a practical, comfortable base for early fishing departures and relaxed returns at the end of the day.

The lodge is informal in style, with sea views, communal areas and an emphasis on functionality rather than luxury — well suited to anglers whose priority is time on the water.

Alternative Hotels in Diego Suarez

Depending on availability, group size and client preference, guests may also be accommodated in other small hotels or guesthouses in Diego Suarez town or nearby coastal villages. These options vary in comfort level but are chosen for their proximity to fishing departure points and ease of logistics rather than resort-style amenities.

Courrier Bay Accommodation

For fishing programmes based on the west coast, accommodation is usually arranged in or near Courrier Bay. This typically consists of simple beachfront bungalows or local-style accommodation, organised as part of a full-board fishing package. These stays are designed to support remote fishing access rather than provide conventional hotel facilities.

Important Note for Clients

Land-based accommodation in Northern Madagascar is best viewed as functional and well-located, rather than luxury-driven. The focus of Emeraude Fishing’s programmes is on maximising fishing time and accessing remote waters, with accommodation selected accordingly.

The Catamaran – Emeraude Fishing Expeditions

Emeraude Fishing operates modern, purpose-equipped cruising catamarans that serve as floating bases for extended sport-fishing expeditions in Northern Madagascar. Designed for autonomy, comfort and offshore reliability, these vessels allow anglers to reach and remain close to remote fishing grounds that are inaccessible on standard day trips.

The catamarans offer comfortable accommodation in multiple double cabins, supported by private shower facilities, making them well suited to multi-day stays at sea. Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas provide relaxed communal space between fishing sessions, with ample deck room for gear storage and preparation.

Built for self-sufficiency, the catamarans are equipped with freshwater desalination systems, generous water storage, and solar power, allowing extended cruising without reliance on port facilities. This autonomy is particularly valuable when operating in isolated bays and offshore zones.

Onboard safety and navigation equipment includes VHF radio, satellite communications and full safety gear, ensuring reliable operation in remote waters. Electricity is available for charging cameras, phones and essential equipment.

Using the catamaran as a base allows fishing days to begin at first light and extend through prime bite periods, eliminating long daily transits and maximising time on the water. This format is ideal for serious anglers seeking deeper exploration, greater flexibility and access to Northern Madagascar’s most productive and lightly fished areas.

Where the Catamaran Operates

Emeraude Fishing’s catamaran is used as a mobile offshore base, allowing anglers to operate well beyond the reach of standard day-trip boats and to remain close to the most productive fishing zones for several days at a time.

Offshore Fishing Grounds

The primary focus of catamaran expeditions is access to remote offshore fishing areas — deep-water reef systems, drop-offs and open-ocean zones where trophy species such as giant trevally, dogtooth tuna and pelagic fish are most active. These areas are often impractical to reach daily from shore, making the catamaran a major advantage.

North and East of Diego Suarez

Most expeditions operate north and east of Diego Suarez, moving out of the bay into open Indian Ocean waters. This region is characterised by strong currents, underwater structure and bait-rich zones that consistently hold big fish. Anchoring offshore allows fishing to begin at first light and continue through peak bite periods without long daily transits.

Sheltered Anchorages and Remote Bays

Between fishing sessions, the catamaran anchors in sheltered bays, lagoons or behind reef systems, providing calm conditions for rest, meals and overnight stays. These anchorages are often remote and inaccessible to land-based programmes, adding to the sense of isolation and exploration.

Flexible Routing Based on Conditions

Catamaran itineraries are not fixed routes. Movement is determined by weather, sea state and fishing conditions, allowing the skipper to reposition the vessel to wherever conditions are best. This flexibility is central to the success of multi-day fishing expeditions.

What Guests Should Expect

• Expeditions are fishing-led, not sightseeing cruises

• Locations are chosen for productivity, not proximity to shore

• Daily plans adapt to conditions and fish activity

• The catamaran enables access to areas rarely fished by day boats

In Summary

Using the catamaran allows Emeraude Fishing to operate in some of the most remote and lightly fished waters in Northern Madagascar, maximising fishing time, reducing travel fatigue and creating a true expedition-style experience.

Important Client Expectations – Catamaran Fishing Expeditions

Catamaran-based fishing expeditions are weather- and conditions-dependent and operate on a flexible routing basis. Specific fishing areas, anchorages and daily schedules cannot be guaranteed in advance and will be determined by the skipper based on sea conditions, safety and fishing activity at the time.

These expeditions are fishing-led experiences, focused on maximising time in productive waters rather than following a fixed sightseeing itinerary. Accommodation and onboard facilities are designed for comfort and autonomy in remote locations but should be viewed as practical expedition-style rather than luxury cruising.

By confirming a catamaran expedition, guests acknowledge the variable nature of offshore fishing and the need for adaptability, which is an essential part of the experience.

Why Choose Emeraude Fishing

• Proven experience in Northern Madagascar

• Access to remote, lightly fished waters

• Flexible programmes for serious anglers

• Option of multi-day catamaran expeditions

• Strong track record with trophy GT and dogtooth tuna

Important Information – Please Read

Local Area Highlights – Diego Suarez & Surrounds

While Emeraude Fishing programmes are firmly centred on sport fishing, Northern Madagascar offers a striking natural backdrop that adds depth to the overall experience, particularly for rest days or non-fishing companions.

The Emerald Sea (Mer d’Émeraude)

Just south of Diego Suarez lies the Emerald Sea, a vast lagoon known for its extraordinary shades of turquoise and shallow, crystal-clear waters. Fringed by sandbanks and backed by low hills, this area offers a complete contrast to offshore fishing days and is ideal for swimming, relaxation and photography. Traditional wooden boats and wide open horizons give the area a timeless, unspoilt feel.

Ramena Beach

Ramena is a relaxed coastal village and one of the most pleasant beach areas in the region. Long sandy beaches, calm waters and simple beachfront restaurants make it a popular spot to unwind after time at sea. It is also a common base for land-based fishing programmes, offering easy access to both the water and the surrounding coastline.

Diego Suarez Bay

One of the largest natural harbours in the world, Diego Suarez Bay is visually dramatic and rich in marine life. The bay itself is calm and sheltered, with steep headlands, islands and coves that create a striking approach to the open ocean. Even for non-fishing guests, boat trips and scenic viewpoints around the bay offer impressive perspectives on the region’s geography.

Tropical Landscapes & Wildlife

The wider Diego Suarez area is characterised by dry tropical forests, limestone formations and volcanic landscapes. Lemurs, chameleons and a wide variety of birdlife can be seen on land excursions, offering a completely different side to Madagascar’s biodiversity beyond the marine environment.

A Sense of Remoteness

Perhaps the most defining feature of Northern Madagascar is its sense of space and isolation. Roads are few, development is limited, and many coastal areas feel untouched. This remoteness is a key part of the appeal for anglers and travellers alike, reinforcing the expedition-style nature of fishing trips in the region.

Planning Your Trip

Emeraude Fishing trips work best when carefully matched to season, coastline and angler expectations.

We recommend discussing your preferred dates, fishing style, target species and group size so that the most suitable programme can be designed from the outset.

One enquiry is all it takes to start planning your Northern Madagascar fishing expedition.