From past experiences, I know it can pay off to go fishing in countries marked by political unrest and civil conflict—places the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against visiting. In such areas, fishing pressure is reduced, and the fishing improves. The fishing here was nothing short of extraordinary, and all advice not to go was nonsense.

On our third trip, we welcomed a mix of old and new friends. Four of the guys were quite experienced with GT fishing, while two were beginners eager to learn and join the action.

The moon phase is entering a favorable period, and more importantly, the weather has turned warm, calm, and incredibly stable. The guides were confident about the conditions, and that optimism paid off.

The bad weather from the previous week persisted for several days and worsened to the point that, in some villages, boats were pulled out of the sea for safety. This week, we moved to a new area that is more sheltered due to the wind direction. Thankfully, it’s somewhat more protected here, but the sea is still rough and challenging.

The first trip of the season is usually our Standard trip, and the first fishing week of October is usually a very high peak in terms of fishing, the sea calms down and the fish are still very aggressive from the rough conditions of the monsoon. Usually every year over this trip we land several 50+ and many big fish, but this year the luck turned, unusual cold weather for the season, wind, and a very slack tide for the week made the conditions much harder than expected.

The second week of our adventure in Djibouti brought with it fresh hopes and a renewed sense of purpose. With a new group of anglers onboard, we were eager to see what the Gulf of Aden would unveil this time. Much like the first week, the fishing started on a slower note, requiring patience and persistence. However, as the days progressed, the action ramped up dramatically, surpassing even the impressive results of the first week.

October had not only brought us the start of a new season but also the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of success on the water. The adventure was a reminder of why we fish—not just for the catches, but for the stories, surprises, and the deep connection to nature that comes with every cast and every strike.

Tropical trips targeting big predators can be very hard on the body, especially if you're casting PE10 to PE12 gear and popping like a madman all day. After a few days, it’s perfectly fine to sacrifice a day and do something else to recover, like LIGHT SPIN FISHING.

Located in the Horn of Africa, It also has a coastline along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti has always been a destination we visited occasionally but never fully committed to it.

The second week of our Gabon session started with high hopes for Tarpon, as the moon was getting in the best phase for those big guys.

Nestled along the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon remains one of the continent's best-kept secrets, offering a haven for adventurers seeking unparalleled experiences amidst untamed wilderness.