CAPTAIN FISH
Saltwater Fish Species of The Gambia



Identification
Threadfin Salmon Types: West African Threadfin
Gambian Names: Kujeli, Shiney Nose, Captain Fish
Scientific Names: Polydactylus Quadrifilis
General Catch Size: 5lb to 60lb
 

Best Baits: Large fresh prawns and small live herrings are a favorite choice. Also used are other small live fish including mullet. Dead baits including bonga fillet, nine bone fillet, calamari, & prawns.

Top Tips: Threadfin Salmon otherwise known as Captain Fish like strong moving spring tides, often fished just out from the rocky reefs in channels and around sandbars. Although a fast powerful fighter, they are a sensitive feeder. With a unique & transparent nose together with their threadfins these fish will often tap & mouth the bait before tackling it. A favourite bait is a 'rack of prawns' (4 to 6) threaded up the line or a small live herring will do the trick. Use a long (1 to 1.5 meter) light mono-trace (20lb or 30lb) with a 3/0 sharp hook. Fished on a running ledger with light lead just enough to hold the bottom. Allow a 'tap, tap' style bite to develop into a strong pull before striking. Raising the rod tip slightly when the bite is going on can often entice the fish to strike.

When: All year-round.

Recommended TACKLE

Rod: 12lb to 20lb / 9ft up-tide boat rod
Reel: Multiplier or Fixed Spool
Main Line: 25lb to 30lb mono or braid
Trace Line: 25lb to 40lb mono
Swivels: 30lb
Hooks: 4/0 to 5/0 Live bait hook or Mustard

     African Pompano
    Barracuda
    Guinean Barracuda
    Butterfish
    Captain Fish (Threadfin)
    Cassava
    Jacks  
    Ladyfish
    Nine-Bone
    Shark
    Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
                                   Rays
                                   Tarpon

Mark Longster

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