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TARPON FISHING
in
THE GAMBIA
West Africa
Photo: Carl Pashley with his
303lb tarpon
& skipper Mark Longster
Tarpon are by far the most powerful
game fish of The Gambia.
These extraordinary fish can be
found on both sides of the Atlantic.
Here in The Gambia they can be
targeted using a variety of fishing
methods. The weight of a
tarpon in The Gambia can range from
15lb to 250lb, with numerous fish
having been caught over 100lbs and
our largest standing at 303lbs.
Photo:
Dec 6 2009 - 200lb+ tarpon -
released!
Angler: David Bate & fishing
partner, George Hollingbery guided
by Capt. Bala Moses.
Tarpon can be caught
in The Gambia year-round but the best time to
catch the larger fish is November
through to May. Although we have
some of the largest tarpon in the
world they can prove elusive -
targeting the correct tides is an
important factor. Calm sea conditions
make it easier to fish for the
tarpon in the river estuary so be
prepared to look at alternatives if
the weather turns bad.
Hook ups are not
uncommon and if you have chartered
the boat for a full day you may do
some tarpon fishing for part of your
day (based on tides), and then target
other sport fish species for the
rest of the day.
On occasion you can see tarpon roll
by the hundreds.
They give their
presence away when they periodically
rise to the surface to gulp air.
Known as the
'Silver King'
- their fame is due to their often
large size and their habit of making
wild, spectacular leaps after being
hooked.
African Angler
has picked out the best set of tides
in each month to fish for the tarpon
2009/2010. These tides have
proven to be the most productive
over a number of years. If you
have a particular month/week in mind for
visiting The Gambia let
us know and we'll advise you about
fishing the tarpon over the
preferred
tides.
SUMMERTIME TARPON FISHING
June-Sept
During Gambia’s
summer
'Green Season'
June
to
 September pods of tarpon are prolific
along the
southern coastline of The Gambia. Feeding
close to the shoreline these tarpon weighing between 15lb
and
60lbs are a delight to catch on
light tackle matched to the task -
you against the fish! The
tarpon are aerobatic fish & have
amazing fighting spirits - they
jump wildly in protest to being
hooked, but can be handled on fairly
light gear if you know how to apply
the pressure.
Fishing for
the tarpon on light tackle is
excellent fun!
Where these majestic fish are
concerned, you will be happy to know
that
African Angler practices
Catch and
Release
wherever possible.
PHOTOS (JULY
2009)
Inshore 'Summertime' Tarpon - The
Gambia
Mr Claassen & Son hooked-up over
half-a-dozen fish in two fishing
sessions, landing 3 tarpon averaging
20kg. The fish were caught on
floated live-baits using 12lb-15lb
fishing equipment. Guided by Captain
Assan Sainey 'aka' Ninja!!!
 
Private Boat Charters onboard
the 'African-Angler' - £160
per day inclusive of rods, reels,
fishing tackle, baits, experienced
skipper, iced bottled mineral water
and courtesy transport to/from
Denton Bridge.
Discounts given on 'multiple day'
bookings.
We are happy to answer your
questions
Email:
info@african-angling.co.uk
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