Worldwide Fishing Safaris

As most Big Game Fishing takes place in the Tropics during their summer month's anglers may find the following information useful.

TIPS FOR THE TRAVELLING ANGLER

Adopt the Tag & Brag philosophy - release them today so that others might enjoy them tomorrow.

We wholly support tag and release of billfish. However, it is beyond our control to insist that skippers release billfish. At some of our venues the skippers and crew boat most of the billfish to supplement their modest income. All of the boated fish are consumed by the local population. The skippers will, for a small fee, release these billfish, bearing in mind that the fish belong to the boat. Worldwide Fishing Safaris will continue to promote the release of billfish and try and persuade charter companies to adopt the tag & release philosophy.

TIPS FOR THE TRAVELLING ANGLER
1.	Take plenty of Sunscreen, a high factor of 30 plus for face, arms and legs not forgetting the tops of your feet and behind the knees and ears. We cannot stress too strongly enough the need to protect these areas as if you fish bare foot in shorts. These areas burn easily. The same applies if you are not wearing a wide brimmed had that shades your ears. The combined effect of the sun and reflection off the sea will ruin your holiday, apart from the serious health hazards from prolonged exposure to the sun. Take care and use plenty at regular intervals. Don't forget also the nose, cheeks and lips. Take a good factor 20-lip balm as well. Back to main index
2.	A good pair of polarised sunglasses is essential, not only for the fishing but protection from the glare. Eyes not protected will redden up; swell and weep causing extreme discomfort and will also ruin the holiday. Back to main index
3.	Don't forget to take and use a good insect repellent, in and around evening and first light the insects love to go hunting! Use it around your face and neck or any exposed skin not forgetting your ankles and feet. Back to main index
4.	Take loose fitting cotton long sleeved shirts and trousers as well as a good pair of deck shoes or trainers. Shirts and trousers will protect you from the sun, if you are fighting a Big Game fish. You will be subject to the suns rays and unless you are reasonably covered you will burn. Back to main index
5.	If you are a novice or inexperienced game angler try taking a pair of cotton or leather gloves, as these will help you to avoid blisters and soreness after a battle with a game fish. Back to main index
6.	Carry a small comprehensive medical kit. Back to main index
7.	Always consult your G.P. or Practice nurse regarding Innoculations and Malaria requirements for the countries you visit. This must be done at least 6 weeks before you are due to leave. Back to main index
8.	Always take your reels in your hand luggage, rods are easy to replace, reels are not. Also make sure all your hooks; scissors, sharp instruments and lures are packed away in your suitcase. They will be confiscated if in your hand luggage. Try, as well to lock your case or padlock your bag, fishing equipment is good pickings for thieves, don't become a victim. Back to main index
9.	Never drink the local water and make sure the bottled water's seals are intact before drinking. Back to main index
10.	Always discuss with the boat skippers and crew before you leave the dock, which way you want, to fish and what you intend to do or not to do when the fish strike's. Always listen to them, as their local experience is invaluable, but don't be afraid to ask or change lures or patterns if you feel that you have enough experience. Back to main index
11.	And finally enjoy it, its something we know you will never forget. Back to main index

TACKLE TIPS AND HINTS
1.	Remember to set your lever drag in the sunset position when washing with fresh water at the end of the day and to leave the drag in the sunrise position when not in use. Back to main index
2.	Remember to check your roller guides every day you use your outfit as damaged equipment can cost you that fish of a lifetime. Back to main index
3.	If your rod has roller guides spray regularly with WD40 Back to main index
4.	It pays to service your reels annually or before that carefully planned and long awaited trip. Back to main index
5.	Check the leaders on your lures for faulty crimps or nicks. Back to main index
6.	keep a good file in your tackle kit and constantly check the sharpness of your hooks, many strikes fail to produce hook-ups due to blunt or damaged hooks. Back to main index
7.	Always use matt black swivles on terminal tackle, predators such as wahoo, kingfish and barracuda wil hit brass or stainless steel swivels often resulting in a lost lure, or worse still, big fish. Back to main index
8.	At the end of your trip flush lures and konas with fresh water, dry thoroughly and sprinkle with talcum powder, this will stop plastic skirts from perishing and hooks from rusting. Back to main index
9.	When loading a reel with a new line, place spool in a bucket of water and fill reel under considerable pressue from your thumb and forefinger. The line will pack easier and your reel will take the maximum capacity. Back to main index
10.	After catching a few really large fish, check your line thoroughly. You will often find that it has lost its elasticity and weakened and needs Changing. Back to main index
11.	Big game fishing equipment is expensive, so the proper care and maintenance will add many years to its life and can avoid the heartbreaking feeling of losing that "fish of a lifetime". Back to main index

Country	Time Zone	Average flying times from London (Excluding stopover times)
Kenya	+3	9 hrs
Mauritius	+4	11 hrs
SEychelles	+4	10 hrs
South Africa	+2	11 hrs
Namibia	+1	9 hrs
Mozambique	+3	12 hrs
Dubai	+4	6 hrs
Tobago	-4	9 hrs
Bahamas	+5	9 hrs
Grenada	+4	9 hrs
Antiga	-4	9 hrs
Cayman Islands	-5	9 hrs
Venezuela	-4	9 hrs
Guatemala	-6	11 hrs
Mexico	-6	10 hrs
Brazil	-3	11 hrs

Venues

Seasons

Blue marlin

Black Marlin

Striped marlin

White Marlin

Broadbill swordfish

Sailfish

Shark

Tuna

Dorado

Wahoo

Kingfish

Trevally

Barracuda

Kenya

Aug-April

Mauritius

Oct-April

Seychelles

Oct-June

South Africa

Oct-may

Mozambique

Mar-Dec

Madagascar

Mar-Dec

Dubai

Oct-April

Tobago

Oct-May

Grenada

Oct-May

Antiga

May-Nov

Venezuela

Jan-May
Aug-Dec

Cayman Islands

Mar-Sept

Guatemala

All Year

Mexico

May-Feb

Brazil

Oct-Mar