On the east coast, fishing is restricted mainly to the coastal lagoons, due to stormy seas and the absence of harbours. The main places for organising deep-sea fishing excursions are  Morondava, Nosy Be, Radama Islands and Ile Sainte Marie. Most of the local game fish species are found on the north west coast in abundance, including sailfish, giant trevally (GTs), dorado, king mackerel, barracuda, wahoo and Dog tooth tuna, amongst others. Reef and bottom fishing are equally good.
 
Fishing is a relatively underdeveloped industry in Madagascar and fish densities on the ground are quite high. The area in the north west is particularly renowned for its high sailfish count. Marlin are also plentiful, it seems mostly black, though they are often hooked by mistake on sailfish bait.
There are six species of crayfish that can be found in Madagascar, all of which are endemic. Prawns and shrimps are also farmed in Madagascar.
Water conditions around Nosy Be are fantastic, with very calm water, virtually no shore break and extremely high visibility. Large bays, headlands, rocky outcrops and small islands, many of which are uninhabited, characterise this area. It is an ideal introduction for new saltwater fishermen as well as a paradise for the more experienced, due to the sheltered and calm water conditions.

April through July/August seems to be peak sailfish time, with approximately 100 fish a day remaining near the surface. It is a sight to behold. These sailfish are quite big, many of them weighing over 100lbs. There is also abundant marlin, mostly black. Fishing, overall, hits its peak between June and November. December through March is the rainy season with heavy tropical rain that mainly falls at night, leaving the days clear. The fishing declines somewhat during the rainy season, but you’ll still get plenty of action in the water.