FOR MOST BIG-GAME ANGLERS in the West, “Angola” might not leap to mind in a discussion of the world’s best billfishing destinations, but that is, more than anything, a reflection of just how little sport fishing occurs off its thousand miles of coastline. A look through IGFA records will show that when it comes to Atlantic sailfish, Angola dominates, including the all-tackle record of 142 pounds, 6 ounces off Lobito in 2014, and the majority of Atlantic sailfish line-class records as well.
Angola — Little-Known Billfish Hot Spot
The photos in this gallery capture the excitement and drama of game fishing off Angola, and demonstrate the skill of Roderick Jongschaap, of the Netherlands.
About the Photographer
An angler since the age of 4, Roderick Jongschaap was born in The Netherlands and spent most of his childhood roaming rivers and lakes. When his father moved to Angola, he started fishing its waters; since peace came to Angola in the early 2000s, he has spent his holidays there chasing billfish. “That moment when a large blue marlin shows itself for the first time, hundreds of pounds of raw power going fully airborne is unforgettable,” Jongschaap says.
Jongschaap believes dynamic, stop-action photography like his will play an increasingly important role in big-game fishing “as gaffs (and dead billfish at the dock) are replaced by tag sticks and release knives,” in Jongschaap’s words.
See more of Jongschaap’s fabulous fishing photography on his web site and his Facebook page.
