The return visit to Gabon was eagerly awaited. Again, weeks of preparation of flies, lures, rods, line had all been done in advance and finally we were off.
I find returning to a venue for the second time is always better than the first trip as one is better prepared and looking forward to new challenges. What can I do differently this time? What about trying this method, how about going to that spot this time etc. etc.
The beauty about Gabon is the variety. In a single day, you can fly and spin fish on light tackle then move onto heavy spin for a few hours, then move onto a bit of more relaxing surf bait fishing if you wish. Although I say bait fishing sounds relaxing you can be flat out catching fish solidly in a session as we experienced this year on a couple of occasions.
This year we had very good white fin jack and barracuda fishing in the mornings mixed in with cubera snapper. The jacks were running in the 12-30 lbs size and the barracuda from 10-40 lbs size. I lost a massive barracuda after it lept 15 feet clean out of the water and threw the lure mid-air. I estimate that fish was over 60 lbs. Always the big ones get away!
This year’s group was made up of Andrew, Rob and Trevor from the UK. Don and Mike from the United Stated and Kevin from Switzerland. All very keen anglers and all able to adapt to conditions and try new ideas.
Afternoon sessions this year produced some big cubera snappers on lures and Rob caught consistently using an orange Rapala shad rap lure.
Mark Murray our guide from South Africa had said this year they had been seeing lots of sharks in the surf. Mostly spinner and bull sharks. A very nice shark was caught on a lure one evening. Not beaches to be swimming off that’s for sure.
One evening session produced over 15 sand sharks on bait. A beautiful looking shark with a very wide head and a stunning translucent yellow eye.
This year also produced some of the most awe-inspiring lightning storms I have ever seen. Luckily we were never too close, although we pulled of the water one evening as a front was heading our way. Rain is good and the more rain the better in Gabon.
Yet again the wildlife was stunning. Seeing elephants and hippo most mornings along with African Grey parrots was a treat. Don and Mike from the US have fished all over the planet and commented that the wildlife viewing made the trip.
I can’t wait to get back next year.
Peter Gibson
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