We would like to wish you a very special warm welcome to the Gambia - The 'Smiling Coast' of West Africa.

The Gambia is like no other Country; promising the travelling angler guaranteed sunshine, a unique collection of Ethnic Cultures and Colourful Experiences for all to enjoy, and not forgetting, of course, it's excellent fishing.

Whether your are an enthusiastic beginner or Angling expert, the opportunity to fish The Gambia must not be missed! Over the past 10 years, the growing popularity for recreational fishing has now made The Gambia one of the most sought after fishing holiday destinations in the world.

 

INSHORE FISHING IN THE GAMBIA

CAPE POINT - We are met by water on two sides as the laterite rock and golden sand extends out to Cape Point, a popular place among local fishermen who come to throw their traditional cast nets for the shoals of fleeing mullets. Situated close to the Capital of The Gambia, Banjul, is the famous Denton Bridge; here our boats are moored (two 20ft Wilson Flyers) for easy access to all productive fishing grounds.

DIRECTLY SOUTH - We run down the Gambia coastline, whose inshore waters are covered with numerous reefs and sandbars. The water depth is relatively shallow averaging out at 5ft to 25ft. These areas are perfect for catching a wide variety of fish using lures, live bait and bottom fishing methods. Ideal for the Rex Hunts amongst us, these shallow sandbar islands offer great light tackle fishing with both lures , flies and baits , small Trevally , Snapper , Barracuda, Threadfins and Pompano will offer great sport in these conditions.

THE NORTH - crosses over the Mouth of the River to the North Bank of The Gambia. Here the main estuary mouth is lined with impressive sandbars and deep channels, and due to a bottleneck effect and choosing selected tides, can often provide some fantastic tropical sport fishing.

GOING WEST - takes us into the open Atlantic Ocean. The ocean floor drops away at a steady rate and once in 35mts of water (approx. 30 miles offshore); we enter our first currents of equatorial waters and bringing with them, from July to October, many migratory species of blue water fish. With the introduction of our 30ft Glacier bay catamaran the traveling angler can target the hugely diverse range of sporting species that inhabit the bluewater. Sailfish , Dorado , Spanish Mackeral and Blackfin tuna to name but a few can be targeted. The recent introduction of Magic moments our 26ft Glacier Bay catamaran to the Gambia , professionally equipped and crewed is now opening up virgin waters to the travelling sport fisherman and spells the beginning of a new Blue Water fishing destination. The previous lack of capable offshore boats in The Gambia has slowed down the progressive development of the Gambia's off- shore grounds although, a well established sport fishing fleet exists a few hours away in the neibouring country of Senegal, and holds a number of Atlantic Billfish records

EAST GUIDES you up the Gambian River which stretches at least 6 miles at its widest point and is banked on both sides by a maze of thick mangrove creeks. This body of water is tidal for approximately 180 miles, the total length of the River being 420 miles inland. The Central River itself is a mass of channels and sandbars with distinct outcrops and island features. Moving through these grounds are a number of large local species as well as migratory monsters. Moving into the freshwater anyone on one of our 4 day Upriver trips to Georgetown, can expect to target huge Tiger Fish , Arius and Clarius catfish and many more exotic species ,as these more remote areas remain as yet , almost entirely un-fished by modern methods.

THE BEACHES - The Gambian beaches play host to the Masterline international Beach fishing festival every year and for good reason, the surf casting is excellent during the period from Oct through to May and beach fishermen can expect to take Large Guitarfish , Stingrays, Captainfish, Jack Crevalle, Cassava, Groupers and many more. Our converted landrovers run day and overnight trips along the 35miles of beach down almost to the Senegal border. We supply gear, bait and advice all of which arte invaluable to our first time visitors. If you are not into bait fishing then the areas of shallow rocky ground along the coast offer excellent chances for the Fly or Lure fisherman to target Queenfish, Trevally, Barracuda , Snapper and smaller Tarpon whilst wading in the warm clear waters.

The Gambia can give the angler the unique opportunity of catching a variety of fish all year round, ranging from tropical sporting species caught on light tackle to record breaking monsters such as shark and tarpon. Whether you prefer to fish in the open ocean, creeks and bolongs, or from the shore - we are able to organise fishing to suit every anglers' needs.

FISHING THE REEFS AND SANDBARS

The coastal region of The Gambia is made up of numerous inshore reefs and sandbars, deep channels and rocky outcrops, as well as the mighty Gambia River itself.

Primarily an estuary region, the average depth ranges from 10ft to 100ft with tidal sub-tropical waters flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. These features provide an excellent marine environment for a number of noted worldwide Sport Fish as well as a multitude of tropical local and colourful species.

Anchored close to the reefs and rocky outcrops, using a simple paternoster rig with very light tackle and local fresh prawns for bait, can produce hours of fun. The excitement of battling with a host of hard fighting reef dwellers is added to by not knowing what is going to hook-up on your bait next. It is not uncommon for more than a dozen local species to be caught in this way. Catches can include: Red Snapper, Grouper, Angel Fish, Tropical Wrass, Butterfish, Pompano, Moray Eel, Hardhead Catfish, Nine Bones, Jacks, Ladyfish, Cassava, Small Rays plus many other colourful reef dwellers.

On the same fishing grounds, anchored close to the reefs and sandbars, you can also target the larger species. Using slightly heavier gear and a ledgering method, baits such as live mullet and herrings are lowered into the depths to entice some known hard battlers. These include the stubborn Cubera Snapper. Once hooked, this fish's hard short powerful runs often leave the angler wondering what he has hooked into as he is pulled about the boat. Fishing with the same methods but slightly off the reefs, the West African Threadfin Salmon (locally known as Kujeli or Captain Fish) can often feed in schools. These easily recognized sporting fish have become a favourite with regular anglers. Although a very shy feeder, the Kujeli, once hooked, will give a long powerful run and will fight all the way back to the boat. Other local species such as Cassava and Ladyfish behave in much the same way. Common to The Gambia these localised species are hard plucky fighters often shoaling-up, and if they happen to cross your fishing ground they will hit most baits in the water producing action for the whole boat. Whilst targeting these species it is of course common for other fish to be tempted by baits. Jack Trevelly, African Pompano, Cobia, Barracuda and Large Rays can be included in the expected catch whilst using these methods.

When fishing over the reefs you can also try some free line and float-fished baits as well as light tackle spinning, adding extra species such as Spanish Mackerel, Garfish and Queen Fish to your expected catch!

Apart from the diverse bottom fishing, lure fishing (trolling) from a moving boat is a tried and tested method when targeting the well-known Barracuda. Cruising along the Gambian coastline fishing with a variety of artificial lures, it is a tense time for the fisherman as he waits in anticipation for his rod to buckle over and line start screaming from his reel. Barracuda will strike at the lures believing them to be fleeing bait fish. Once hooked, these fish fight hard often breaking the surface in an attempt to free themselves much to the delight of the angler. Other predators such as Jack Travelly, Large Pompano, Spanish Mackerel and Snapper are favourites using this particular technique.

Typical full days' sport fishing will often incorporate a combination of different techniques to suit the fishing on the day. The changing tidal flow and colouration of the water often dictates which fishing methods are used and which fish are to be targeted. This is best left to the Captain and crew, whose valuable local knowledge of the fish and fishing grounds will put you onto the best fishing available.

TYPICAL CATCHES include: Tarpon, Barracuda, Jacks, Tiger fish , Cubera Snapper, West African Threadfin Salmon, Kujeli, Cassava, Rays, Ladyfish, Large Catfish, Spanish Mackerel, Nine Bones, Queen Fish. At least 5 of these species can be caught in excess of 100lbs.

FISHING THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER GAMBIA

With the correct preparation and right conditions any angler looking for that "BIG ONE" has the opportunity to fish "The Pit" or Dog Island. Fishing Methods include: Live Baiting, Dead Baiting, Drifting, Chumming, etc.

TYPICAL CATCHES include: Large Rays, Threadfin Salmon, Hardhead Catfish, Cubera Snapper, Lady Fish, Sharks and Tarpon.

SILVER QUEENS. We like to refer to our Tarpon in the female sense, as the mature males rarely exceed 100lbs and as the average size of our tarpon caught in The Gambia range from 180lb to 220lbs, it makes them nearly all Ladies!!!

Anglers will be pleased to know that our company policy is always "Catch and Release" where Tarpon are concerned. We hold the unofficial world record of 303lbs. Being one of The Gambia's most spectacular Game Fish, the Tarpon is a feisty foe whose powerful leaps from the water and bone-jarring bursts of speed, test the skill and fortitude of even the most experienced angler. Tarpon are fished all year round, although the larger tarpon are caught October through May. The tides/conditions dictate the tarpon fishing and we advise our anglers to inquire with us before making a booking, to obtain the best tides possible in each month .For the fly fishers amongst you , the run of baby Tarpon during the summer offer a particular challenge. Hunting along the back of the surf line in pursuit of small bait fish ,they average between 30 and 90lbs, what better adversary for the Saltwater fly fisherman.

BRINGING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT

Although we provide tackle for all of our fishing trips you can of course bring along your own. Recommended tackle for Tarpon Fishing: 50lb to 80lb class boat rod, heavy multiplier reel with 50lb to 80lb mono-line preferably with 350 metre plus capacity, end-tackle for Tarpon Fishing; Owner 5/0 and 7/0 guerilla live bait hooks, Sampo 80/30lb swivels, 100 to 120lb mono trace line. For general Sport Fishing: a light 12lb spinning outfit to a medium 20lb-boat rod. For Shore Angling: any combination of beach caster will do - distance is not an issue! Also carp and pike fishing outfits seem to do the trick!

SEPARATE CHARTERS

BLUE WATER (BOAT FISHING) . Fishing from Magic Moments , a 32ft Glacier bay Catamaran , you will motor out approximately 18 miles offshore , using various methods of Trolling , drift fishing livebaits, and sight casting you can target Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin, Tuna and many more pelagic species. This trip takes up to 4 people , included in the prices is transport , tackle, bait and soft drinks

TARPON (BOAT FISHING) Do battle with the Silver King or more correctly the Silver queen. The Gambia is home to some of the Worlds largest Tarpon and you are arriving smack in the middle of the season. The chance to battle it out with one of these 300lbers is the experience of lifetime .Livebait fishing is most productive but other methods do take fish . This trip takes 2 anglers and includes transport ,tackle, bait and soft drinks.

REEF (BOAT FISHING) Cubera Snapper, Threadfin Salmon,Cassava and Sting rays , the same fish you would expect to catch off the beach but bigger!!. We regularly catch up to 94 different species from the Reefs and Creeks in the Gambia , so this is your chance to bag up. Bait and livebait fishing with 12 and 20lb rigs you will be amazed at how hard some of these fish can actually fight. This trip takes 2-4 people and includes transport, tackle, bait and soft drinks

SKIFF (BOAT FISHING) Fancy yourself a bit of a Rex Hunt , then this is the one for you. Fishing around the Islands at Tanje , the shallow clear waters are home to numerous different predators. Snapper, Trevally, Barracuda , Caramantes to name but a few. Lure fishing and light gear is the name of the game, even a fly rod for the Jack Crevalle and the Queenfish. Also look out for the Giant Turtles. This trip takes 2 people and includes transport, tackle, bait and soft drinks.

GUIDED BEACH DAY These are a chance to acclimatise and familiarize yourself with the type of beaches that form the Gambian coastline. Guitarfish to 100lb , big stingrays , Threadfin salmon and many more. This trip could suit the whole family .Your own dedicated landrover, guides, Tackle, bait, soft drinks will be provided. Min 4 per trip.

CREEK FISHING. A relaxing boat day amongst the mangroves and fishing the wrecks in Banjul harbour. This one will suit anglers and families alike as it produces lots of fish of many different species. Light tackle is the name of the game. Transport, boat, guide, tackle, bait and soft drinks are provided 2-4 persons.

The Gambia is a unique country and is full of unsophisticated charm with a tremendous amount of colourful Cultural Experiences for everyone to enjoy, and perhaps the Sport Fishing Adventure of a Lifetime!

We look forward to Fishing with you in the not too distant future.