Tarpon in Port Gentil

If you’re researching Tarpon in Port Gentil, this week summed up exactly why this fishery rewards patience, good timing and anglers who stay switched on. We welcomed back Mr Saraya and his close group of friends for their third African Waters trip, having already fished Tanzania and Sette Cama. Familiar faces, familiar banter, and the same quiet confidence that comes from anglers who know what they’re in for.

After checking everyone into the hotel in Port Gentil, the rods were rigged and leaders built for the week ahead. You know that feeling on day one when everything is ready and all that’s left is to see what the water gives you.

Reading the tides and finding tarpon in Port Gentil

Coming off a strong spring tide, the first two days were honest work. Heavy current spread the tarpon out, forcing us to hunt rather than camp on obvious water. We scratched around up one of the rivers and managed a few smaller fish, which was enough to confirm the fish were there and active.

Misha and Daishima opened the scoring properly with a double-up in the river. Two tarpon on at once, lines crossing, calm heads required. It made for a great photo and set the tone for the rest of the week.

When the bite windows open

As the current eased over the following days, everything tightened up. Fish began to concentrate and suddenly you could find them, stay on them and make your shots count. This is where Port Gentil really shines if you’re prepared to fish hard when the window opens.

You could hear it across the water. Shouts from different boats, fly lines ripping through fingers, silver fish going airborne. If you’ve ever fished tarpon properly, you’ll know how quickly chaos can unfold when they switch on.

Everyone hooked fish during the week, but tarpon fishing always keeps you honest. Hooks bent, fish lost on the first jump, and a few moments where you’re left staring at slack line wondering what just happened. We landed ten tarpon for the week, mostly in the 35–40 kg class, with several bigger fish lost.

The one that nearly stayed

One fish refused to play along. A fast dive under the boat snapped the rod just above the handle. Ollie didn’t panic. He hand-lined the fish for around 15 minutes and managed to grab the jaw, only for the tarpon to throw its head, part the leader and disappear. Estimated at around 140 lb, it was one of those fights you talk about long after the week ends. Have you ever been that close to a fish that big, only to lose it at the last second?

Catch of the week

Mr Saraya claimed catch of the week with two tarpon around the 100 lb mark in a single day. After landing the first, he took a well-earned breather. Not long after picking the rod up again, he was tight to another fish. Long runs, big jumps, and then the moment every guide watches closely. The fish surged, Mr Saraya lost his footing and went overboard. Calmly, he passed the rod to Chris, climbed back in, took it back and finished the fight, landing a superb tarpon. It was a proper team effort and one you don’t forget.

The next tide for Tarpon in Port Gentil

Weeks like this are why anglers keep coming back. Tarpon in Port Gentil isn’t about numbers for the sake of it. It’s about reading conditions, making your moments count and accepting that some fish win.

If you’re planning a tarpon trip and want to understand whether Port Gentil fits your style of fishing, get in touch with African Waters. Let’s talk tides, timing and how to put you on fish when it matters.