Port Gentil tarpon experience, Gabon

This technical tarpon fishery in the heart of Africa offers anglers the chance to explore a network of lagoons, channels, and open ocean in pursuit of tarpon. It’s tarpon fishing in its purest form, quiet water and close-range encounters from the bow of custom-built skiffs.

Legendary giant tarpon and a range of other exciting game fish

Accessed from Port Gentil, the fishery is set in a vast and untouched wilderness of river systems, coastal lagoons, mangrove forests and open ocean. The operation is built around targeting the legendary giant tarpon of West Africa which range in size from 40 to over 200lb. Along the way, anglers might encounter jacks, cubera snapper and giant African threadfin. Each morning, anglers meet their guides at the marina, with the day’s plan having been discussed the previous evening. While on the water, guides will provide packed lunches, snacks and drinks. Fishing is from 21ft skiffs fully equipped with trolling motors, fish finders and all the required safety gear. Anglers fish in pairs with one guide per skiff. A maximum of six anglers can be accommodated at any one time, with the season running from October to May. 

Standing in a surf line with waves crashing and water tumbling around you in the dark is initially a sensory overload. Big fish come to hunt their pray in a few feet of water and big tarpon and African cubera snapper come into knee deep water only metres away from the beach. Giant African threadfin are one of the main trophy fish in Gabonese waters. They are very strong once hooked, and can grow to well over 100lb in these waters. These fish will strike a lure or plug and can also be caught on bait.  The more rain the better as they prefer the fresh tannin stained water leaving the river mouth.

Comfortable accommodation 

Anglers are based at Hotel Mandji in Port Gentil. This popular 90 room property mixes modern comfort with warm Gabonese hospitality. There is an on-site restaurant, infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and a relaxed lounge for evening drinks. Marina Social Beach, where the boats are moored is just a short walk from the hotel. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dinner and evening drinks amid a vibrant local atmosphere. 

Untouched wilderness within easy reach of Libreville 

Access is simple, with Port Gentil just a 25 minute flight from Libreville. Fishing itineraries are designed to connect with international flights in and out of Libreville. It is possible to combine fishing at Port Gentil with wildlife activities in Loango National Park or fishing at Sette Cama Camp.