Beach Fishing On Sal – Cabo Verde

Why Sal Is Perfect for Beach Fishing

• Deep water close to shore – Ideal for casting to powerful species without needing a boat.
• Consistent warm climate – Makes beach fishing possible any month of the year.
• Abundant fish species – Jacks, snappers, groupers and barracuda are commonly caught from the sand.
• Easy access – Santa Maria and nearby beaches are safe, open, and easy to fish.

Best Beaches for Shore Casting

1. Santa Maria Beach

The most popular stretch of coastline on Sal. Early morning and sunset are ideal times. Look for drop-offs and deeper blue channels where predators hunt baitfish.

2. Ponta de Sino

Located at the southern tip of the island. Stronger currents bring in bigger fish such as blue runners and jack species.

3. Kite Beach (Costa da Fragata)

A wilder, more open coastline. Waves and wind create ideal water movement for surfcasting heavier bait rigs.

4. Serra Negra

Remote and less crowded. Great for anglers seeking quiet locations with strong gamefish potential.

What You Can Catch From the Beach

• Jack Crevalle / Horse-eye Jack
• Blue Runner
• Barracuda
• Red Snapper (Smaller coastal species)
• Grunts & small groupers

Bigger species such as Amberjack are normally caught offshore, but smaller versions and strong jacks often come within casting range.

Tackle & Techniques for Beach Fishing

Recommended Gear

• 10–13 ft surf rod (medium-heavy)
• 5000–8000 size spinning reel
• 30–40 lb braid + 50 lb leader
• Poppers, metal jigs and soft baits
• Fish-finder rigs with fresh bait

Best Techniques

• Long-distance surf casting with bait
• Spinning with poppers or surface lures for fast predators
• Heavy metal jigs for casting into deeper channels directly from the beach

Where to Buy Fishing Gear on Sal

Sal has one main tackle shop that serves both locals and visiting anglers. It is the best starting point for bait, rigs, lures and local advice.

🎣 Tommy Fish Shop – Santa Maria

Located in the centre of Santa Maria, Tommy Fish Shop is the go-to fishing shop on the island. They sell rods, reels, terminal tackle, poppers, metal jigs, and often fresh bait. The owner and staff also provide local tips about tides, hotspots and safe casting zones. This is the recommended stop for beach anglers arriving without equipment or needing extra gear.

• Location: Rua 15 de Agosto, Santa Maria
• Services: Fishing gear, bait, tackle, repairs, local knowledge

Safety Tips for Beach Anglers

• Be aware of strong waves and currents.
• Wear proper footwear on rocky sections.
• Fish early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.
• Keep valuables out of sight, especially at remote beaches.

Final Thoughts

Beach fishing on Sal offers a rare combination of accessibility, warm weather and powerful Atlantic fish species. Whether you fish Santa Maria at sunrise or cast into the surf at Ponta de Sino, Sal delivers an unforgettable shore-fishing experience. With simple gear and the right technique, anglers of all levels can enjoy successful sessions directly from the sand.