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.
The target species
Tarpon – exciting and explosive game fish known for their explosive runs and aerial acrobatics. Growing up to eight feet and in excess of 200 pounds they offer a powerful challenge and a thrilling saltwater experience.
Jacks – longfin and jack crevalle are found in abundance here. Known for aggressive strikes, jacks often travel in large schools, delivering fast paced and hard facing action.
Among other species here are giant African threadfin, cubera snapper and Guinean barracuda.
The fly fishing
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.
A big part of the whole experience is the ambience of the evenings spent in Port Gentil itself. The small town lying at the edge of the huge Ogoue River Delta has something of a frontier feel and is an interesting mix of the chaos of Africa with the modern, expat lifestyle and everything in between. There are plenty of restaurants, offering a range of cuisine to choose from.
Port Gentil 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.
Port Gentil tarpon fishing rates
Seven night package (six days guided fishing) Wednesday to Wednesday
2025/26 per person sharing
US$5,000 shared skiff, guided, national park fees, breakfast and lunch
US$2,950 hotel accommodation, internal flights and transfers
Total US$7,950
Four night package (three and a half days fishing)
2025/26 per person sharing
US$3,400 shared skiff, guiding, national park fees, breakfast and lunch
US$1,700 hotel accommodation, internal flights and transfers
Total US$5,100
Includes: guiding, shared skiff, breakfast, lunch, hotel accommodation (single room), national park fees and fishing license, meet and greet in Libreville and Port Gentil, pick up from hotel each morning.
Excludes: international flights, tackle, dinners in Port Gentil, gratuities and drinks.
Wilderness beyond the fishing – Wildlife and Loango National Park
Add an extra element to your fishing holiday with a visit to Loango National Park, where elephant and buffalo roam the beaches, and gorillas and chimps thrive in the rainforest. It’s a great spot for wildlife viewing with activities based from vehicle or boat, or perhaps best of all, on foot. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist it’s a great chance to encounter forest elephant, buffalo, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas and the famous ‘surfing’ hippos.
Combine with Sette Cama
If you’re keen to add more fishing, it is easy to combine Port Gentil tarpon with Sette Cama, which is set on the edge of Loango National Park, to fish for a whole host of aggressive saltwater game species.
If you would like more information on fishing in Gabon, whether at Port Gentil or Sette Cama or a combination of the two, please please contact Charlotte Chilcott or call us on ++44 1980 847389. Alternatively click HERE if you would like us to contact you.