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GAMBIA FISHING TRIPS & SPECIES

This section outlines what anglers can expect to catch when fishing in Gambia with Hooked On Gambia.

Sea Fishing in Gambia

Fishing the inshore reefs, sand banks and deeper channels around the Gambian coastline you can expect to catch a variety of species that include Cubera Snapper, Captain Fish, Barracuda, Lady Fish, Cassava, large Rays, plus many other hard fighting species that will test you to your limit, as fights lasting well over 1 hour are not uncommon.

Normal baits for bottom fishing include live Mullet, Sardines and Yahboys, plus dead baits of Bonga fillet and Shrimp

Trolling for Barracuda, using various coloured diving and floating rapalas, can be a relaxing way to break up the days fishing, until that is, the rod buckles over and line screams off the reel at a rate of knots, the fish at times completely leaving the water in an attempt to throw the lure!

Other species encountered while trolling include Spanish Mackerel, Snappers, Pompano and Jack Trevelle, all very hard fighting fish in their own rights.

Depending on the conditions on the day, we would normally try to incorporate both modes of fishing to ensure you have a productive day out.

Tarpon Fishing in Gambia

If you really want to try for the fish of a lifetime, and the conditions being right, we will take you down to the mouth of the River Gambia off Barra or to Dog Island, as these are where the bigger Tarpon (upwards of 150kg) like to congregate. Using both live and dead baits, you can also expect to catch giant Rays (100kg), Captain Fish (up to 50kg) as well as Snappers and Catfish.

Tarpon ranging in size from 15kg to 50kg move inshore from the middle of June until late September and can be caught using the usual methods of lures, live bait and occasionally fly.

Creek Fishing in Gambia

Ideal as an introduction to fishing in The Gambia or, for those whose sea legs aren't the greatest, fishing in the mangrove creeks off the River Gambia can be exceptionally good. A maze of tributaries that link the Atlantic Ocean and the River Gambia, the creeks can be up to several hundred metres wide in places and up to 5 metres deep making them ideal holding grounds for many different kinds of fish. 

In this brackish water you can expect to catch similar species to those when reef fishing, although marginally smaller. In addition there is an abundance of more exotic species that has been likened to fishing in an aquarium.

The added bonus of creek fishing is the chance to see some of the many different species of birdlife familiar in The Gambia (in particular Pelicans, Herons and many other wading birds) and the proximity of Lamin Lodge where you can take a pleasant breather from the mid-day sunshine, take on board some refreshments and enjoy the antics of the monkeys.

Beach Fishing in Gambia

For those anglers who prefer to stay on terra firma (or for those who want a day ashore after a couple of days sea or creek fishing), The Gambia offers some fantastic beach fishing sport. In addition to the species caught reef or creek fishing, some very nice Guitar Fish to 50kg can be found. Even Tarpon can be landed from the beach from June onwards.

Most beaches around the tourist areas produce good fish in the right conditions however, if you wish to try further afield, Hooked on Gambia can arrange a tailor-made Beach Fishing trip for you. Contact Us for more information.

Gambia Fishing Safaris

We can also put together a fishing safari package on request, enabling you to combine one or more of the above with overnight accommodation. Fishing safaris are aimed at the more serious angler who wants to fish the more remote areas of The Gambia coastline and the River Gambia itself. Contact Us for more information.

 

Like most places in the world, fish respond to different climatic conditions, e.g. wind, tides and water clarity. We promise to advise you on catches, tide times and prevailing weather conditions prior to your visit (see our Climate page), and we will tailor our boat trips accordingly (see our Customer Charter for a complete list of our promises).

In the meantime, if you want more information on what fish are being caught in The Gambia, and where, please see: -

Recent Catch Information or Contact Us

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