TROPICAL FISHING IN GABON
Fishing for big species in Gabon is a captivating and specific adventure, particularly when casting your line in the intricate dance of a river mouth where diverse currents converge. This angling experience offers a unique challenge, demanding a good understanding of the water dynamics and an intuitive grasp of the intricate underwater position of your lure.
Understanding the tidal movements adds another layer of complexity to Gabon’s fishing experience. Fishing in the right phase of the tide is paramount, and avid anglers find themselves waking up in the silent hours of the night to synchronize their pursuit with nature’s rhythm and trophy fish.
GETTING 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.
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation redefines the concept of eco-friendly luxury. The air-conditioned interiors provide respite from the tropical warmth, allowing guests to relax in a cool and inviting ambiance. This accommodation promises a restful night’s sleep, while private showers and toilets offer convenience without compromising the natural surroundings.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of the lodge experience. Laundry facilities are provided with an eco-conscious approach, minimizing our ecological footprint while ensuring our guests enjoy the utmost comfort during their stay. Embracing responsible tourism, we strive to leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities. The culinary journey at our Gabon lodge is a highlight, talented chef curating a spectacular array of meals. From tantalizing starters that awaken the taste buds to mouthwatering main courses that showcase the finest local ingredients, every dish is beautiful and you will be full and fully rested for the next fishing session.
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.
LURING
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
Rates & trip information
6 DAYS
6 NIGHTS
$4550.00
10 DAYS
10 NIGHTS
$5200.00
INCLUDED
● Accommodation in double bungalow, full board.
● Libreville Hotel Accomodation Sabliere Hotel (2* Hotel about 10 minutes from airport) bed and breakfast. We include one night in double bedroom. Extra night is additional cost.
● Transfer to Afrijet terminal
● Afrijet flight to Port Gentil (return)
● Road transfer between Port Gentil and
Loango go and back
● Park entry Fees
● Fishing Fees
NOT INCLUDED
● International flight
● Visa
● Alcoholic drinks
● Meals and drinks in Libreville
● Tips
Safety & Health
Gabon is one of the richest and safest countries in
Africa, while tourism is still not properly developed,
travelling is totally 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 to do it.