1. Introduction

Sal Island in Cape Verde is one of the best destinations in the Atlantic for inshore and coastal fishing. Warm water, a rich marine ecosystem, and short distances to prime fishing grounds make Sal ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers. Most trips depart from Santa Maria Pier, with options ranging from relaxed near-shore fishing to more active jigging and light trolling.

2. Why Sal Is Ideal for Inshore Fishing

• Year-round warm water (22–27℃), creating consistent fishing conditions.
• Reefs, volcanic rock zones and sandy plateaus close to the shoreline.
• Short travel times — good fishing often starts just minutes from the harbor.
• Experienced local captains who know the best spots depending on seasons and tides.

3. Typical Species Found Near the Coast

While big-game fishing is possible offshore, the inshore waters around Sal are rich with powerful and exciting species:

Most Common Inshore Targets

• Amberjack — extremely strong fighters, often near drop-offs.
• Barracuda — aggressive, fast strikes, reliable year-round.
• Grouper & Snapper — found near rocky bottoms and reefs.
• Skipjack & small Yellowfin Tuna — sometimes close to shore.
• Wahoo (seasonal) — occasionally hunt very near the island.

Best season: September–December
Good year-round action: March–July

4. Fishing Techniques Used Around Sal

Trolling

Light trolling with 2–4 lines is used to target wahoo, tuna, and barracuda. This is a popular method when boats move along the coastal drop-offs.

Jigging & Slow Jigging

Very effective for amberjack, grouper, and snapper. These techniques are especially popular with sport anglers who enjoy a more active style of fishing.

Bottom Fishing (Bait Fishing)

Simple and family-friendly. Bottom fishing with bait around reefs and rocky structures is ideal for a relaxed day on the water and usually produces steady bites.

Casting & Spinning

For anglers who like to keep the rod in their hands, casting lures near reefs or structure offers exciting visual strikes from barracuda and other predators.

5. Types of Inshore Fishing Trips

Half-Day Trips (3–4 Hours)

• Quick access to productive coastal waters.
• Ideal for beginners, families, or guests with limited time.
• Good chance of catching barracuda, small tuna, or reef fish.

Full-Day Trips (6–8 Hours)

• Extended time in deeper coastal areas and along drop-offs.
• More opportunities for amberjack and seasonal wahoo.
• Lunch and drinks are often included, depending on the boat.

Most operators typically provide:

• Rods and reels.
• Bait and lures.
• Safety equipment.
• Drinks or light snacks.

6. Best Departure Points on Sal

• Santa Maria Pier — the main hub for recreational fishing and easy to reach from most hotels.
• Palmeira Harbor — closer to natural reefs and deeper water.
• Murdeira Bay — a great base for jigging and reef fishing in more sheltered conditions.

Each departure point offers different underwater structures and conditions, providing a lot of variety for inshore anglers around the island.

7. What to Bring

Although most boats provide fishing gear, it is worth preparing a few personal essentials:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended).
• Polarized sunglasses and a cap or hat.
• Light clothing or a UV-protective shirt.
• Camera or GoPro to capture your catches and the scenery.
• Motion-sickness tablets if you are not used to being on boats.

Experienced anglers may also choose to bring their own jigs, lures or spinning gear, but this is not necessary for most trips.

8. Family-Friendly Options

Inshore fishing on Sal is highly suitable for families and mixed groups. Key advantages include:

• Short distances from the harbor to the fishing spots.
• Generally calm coastal waters on most days.
• Easy and forgiving techniques such as bottom fishing.
• Crew assistance with baiting hooks, unhooking fish and handling equipment.

Children usually love the excitement of seeing barracuda, small tuna or colorful reef fish being brought on board, making it a memorable holiday experience.

9. Responsible & Sustainable Fishing

The marine environment around Sal is fragile and deserves to be protected. Many local captains therefore encourage:

• Catch and release for large predators such as big amberjack.
• Selective retention of smaller reef fish for food.
• Respecting local regulations and any marine conservation zones.

Choosing responsible practices helps to protect fish stocks and ensures that inshore fishing on Sal remains excellent for years to come.

10. Conclusion

Inshore fishing on Sal, Cape Verde offers a perfect blend of accessibility, excitement and natural beauty. Whether you are a casual angler or a dedicated sport fisherman, the coastal waters around Sal can deliver memorable experiences — from powerful battles with amberjack to relaxed reef fishing with family and friends.

With warm water, varied underwater structures and experienced local crews, Sal is a destination that every sea angler should consider adding to their bucket list.