Gabon Fishing Adventure

About Gabon Imagine a place where the ancient rhythms of equatorial Africa persist in their most untouched form—a realm lost in time, where the vivid clarity of the past comes alive. This dreamlike destination is none other than Loango National Park. It is a haven for wildlife, offering a chance to witness elephants strolling on the beach and hippos frolicking in the surf. Gabon has made significant strides in conservation. The government has designated more than 10% of its marine territory as marine protected areas, aiming to safeguard its rich marine life. For avid nature enthusiasts, Gabon is a well-kept secret — a rare and exotic tropical gem on the African continent. Despite its allure, tourism in Gabon remains relatively undeveloped. Approximately 70% of Gabon's landmass is covered by dense, pristine rainforests. These forests are part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest in the world. A predominantly wild and unspoiled coastline, and teeming inland and coastal waters hosting a variety of fish, reptiles, and marine mammals, Gabon stands as a unique and untamed paradise.

FISHING & SPOTS

In Gabon, anglers experience a one-of-a-kind thrill, chasing fish over 100 kg barefoot on the beach, particularly during sunset and overnight. Fishing conditions are as variable as the weather, tides, and the changing shape of the estuary, providing a challenge for those seeking real trophy catches. While fishing may demand some physical fitness and skill with long rods in the surf, it transforms the act into an absolute highlight for any angler — making Gabon from this point of view an unparalleled destination. Loango National Park, in particular, is renowned for its Tarpons, offering an extraordinary challenge and a chance to claim world-class trophies for those in pursuit of the ultimate catch. Threadfin, Jack, Cubera, Tarpon, Kob, and Barracuda are among the most common catches in these pristine waters. The fishing season unfolds from October to April, with the peak time for the big Tarpon occurring from mid-November to the end of January. While Tarpons are present year-round, statistically, these two months witness the highest encounters, creating an ideal window for anglers to immerse themselves in this extraordinary experience.

HOW TO GET THERE

Choose between Turkish Airlines or Air France for your journey to Gabon. These reputable airlines frequently provide flights from major European cities to Libreville International Airport. As you descend into Libreville, you'll catch glimpses of the lush greenery and coastal splendor that characterize this West African nation. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by someone from the organization of the trip, who will take you to the hotel for one night of rest.

Domestic Flight to Port Gentil The following day, our crew will help you board a very short domestic flight to Port Gentil, a bustling coastal city and the economic hub of Gabon. Upon landing in Port Gentil, a car transfer awaits to take you to your final destination—the lodge nestled on the river mouth, a mere 100 meters from prime fishing spots. The journey to the lodge is a scenic drive, offering glimpses of Gabon's untamed beauty.

Arrival at the Fishing Paradise As you arrive at the lodge, situated at the confluence of river and sea, the lodge's proximity to prime fishing spots ensures that adventure is right at your doorstep. From the comfort of your accommodation, maybe with some drink from the rich bar, witness the meeting of the river and ocean, and prepare for an unforgettable fishing expedition just steps away.

SAFETY & HEALTH

Gabon is one of the richest and safest countries in Africa, while tourism is still not properly developed, traveling is safe and smooth.

Visa

The best way is to apply for an online visa, it’s a very quick and simple process. We provide invitation letter cost is 90€. Visa is paid on arrival and costs 83€. Vaccinations Yellow Fever is mandatory. Malaria Treatment is not mandatory by law but we strongly suggest doing it.

TECHNIQUE & EQUIPMENT

HEAVY SPINNING

Fishing in Gabon is a very different experience compared to everywhere else, it is less brutal compared to GT Popping, but it requires perseverance, casting into the waves, and fishing in the night. To succeed it’s vital to have the right setup to cast far enough, long rods the right line and reels, and extremely important to have the right lure selection. Rod you will need a 70-140 gr rod around 3 mt long for most of the fishing situation, and another shorter and more powerful rod in case huge tarpon are around. REELS for most of the fishing, the best size is Stella 6000 / 8000 SW, spooled with 50-60 lb braid (PE 3 to 4) and 60-80 lb shock leader. For a big Tarpon a Stella SW 14.000, spooled with 80 lb braid with 250 lb leader, better with a short piece of fluorocarbon at the end. Optional for having fun is a light rod with 4000 or / 5000 Stella or Twin Power spooled with a 20lb braid and 40-50lb leader, is perfect

LIGHT JIGGING

Light jigging in the lagoon of the Gabon River unveils a thrilling angling experience, where the use of small 30 to 80-gram jigs is ultra fun with tons of action and possibilities to catch a big variety as well as trophy-size fish. Large threadfin, powerful jacks, and formidable cuberas are all potential contenders, providing an unpredictable and exhilarating test of skill and strength. The lagoon, surrounded by the lush Gabonese landscape, becomes a playground for an array of species waiting to engage in this dynamic dance of angler versus fish, it's great fun topped with some beers on the boat. For those seeking the epitome of fun, we recommend wielding a PE 1.5 to 2 rod—a perfect balance that maximizes the joy of the battle while ensuring a fair challenge. The responsiveness of the rod adds an extra layer of sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel the nuances of the underwater terrain and the subtle strikes of the lively inhabitants below. If you want to go even more extreme, a lighter rod than a PE1 is also possible, but then you will be seriously tested. Light casting rod with a 4000 / 5000 reel and 20 lb is ideal for Mangrove fishing for Snappers, small Jacks, and Barracuda

LURES

Small and extra heavy ( 90-110gr ) stickbait of 12-15 cm kind of tuna lures to fish on the bottom, heavy minnow-like Flitz and Shibuki from Tackle House, Iron Candy 3/4 oz, Tackle House Britt 148 mm sinking version, Orion Lure Plug 70-80-90 gr for Tarpon, Nomad lures Squidtrex and any other lure that makes good vibrations and sink. Some pencil poppers and small poppers for Jack. Paddle tails from Z man that are more durable, mounted on a 50 to 120gr jig head can be super-efficient for all the species but specially for threadfin. Light fishing is done with jiggs from 30 to 80 grams, as well as paddle tails mounted on jigheads. What can be very efficient are lures like DUO press bait for casting in the lagoon for Jack and Cubera in shallow water. For topwater fishing in the lagoon, poppers like Feed Popper 100mm, 120, and similar poppers but also topwater walk the dog lures with slower presentation and more subtle pops than what we do for GT, more like black bass fishing.

ON REQUEST WE CAN PROVIDE CUSTOM LURES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR GABON BY A LURE MARKER FRIEND OF US WHO FISHED GABON SEVERAL TIMES TERMINAL TACKLE as a hook we recommend the BKK Viper 41 or BKK Raptor Z, in size 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0. Split ring of 120-170 LB GABON - TROPICAL FISHING