Amberjack

Amberjack isn’t usually the species that draws you to Port Gentil, especially when the main focus here is flyfishing for tarpon. But weeks like this highlight how much more is happening beyond the inshore tarpon zones.

A Spring Tide Switch-Up

This week we welcomed Murray and Adam Collins, and Doug and Jack Carmody. With three and a half days to fish and a strong spring tide shutting down the early tarpon window, the sensible choice was to spend the first two days offshore before shifting back inshore once the tides stabilised.

The bluewater sessions delivered. Micro jigging over a mix of shallow areas and reefs produced an impressive variety of species: triggerfish, mirror fish, multiple jack species, and assorted grouper. You get a real sense of how alive the Port Gentil coastline is when every drop brings something different.

Working the deeper wrecks hinted at what was to come, with smaller amberjacks and grouper coming up consistently. It was enough to convince us to push further out.

Amberjack Surprise Offshore

Once we reached deeper water, the crew sent down heavy live baits. It didn’t take long. If you’ve ever hooked a proper amberjack, you know the sound of a reel under pressure. Within minutes, everyone was tight.

The fights were classic amberjack—gaining line, losing line, and feeling every head shake through the rod. The first fish to show was a clean amberjack of around 15 kg, followed by more in the same class. The biggest pushed close to 20 kg.

A rising wind eventually pushed us off the deeper marks, but the session delivered exactly the kind of surprise that makes this coastline so exciting. A teased sailfish didn’t commit, and the yellowfin tuna that had been smashing bait in only 5 metres of water earlier in the week didn’t show again, but the variety more than made up for it.

A slow drift through a clear estuary added a calmer end to the day, with turtles and smaller fish visible below.

The Tarpon Window Opens

With the tide finally settling, the last day and a half were dedicated to the tarpon inshore. The first morning was slow, with fish showing but never giving us a close enough opportunity. As a storm started building over the jungle, everything changed. Tarpon began smashing bait all around us. The amount of bait was impressive, but it made getting a fly noticed almost impossible.

As thunder and lightning closed in, we made the call to run. The final morning offered only a few hours before airport transfers, and for reasons only tarpon understand, the inshore zone stayed quiet.

Catch of the Week – Doug and Jack Carmody

Father and son share the spotlight this week. After locating the right structure offshore, we dropped big live baits and both rods went tight almost instantly. Light gear made the fight even better, with both fish taking line, turning, and digging deep for a solid fifteen minutes.

Two amberjacks in the 15–20 kg range came up side by side. A brilliant shared moment. The circle hooks did their work, and both fish powered away strongly after a quick photo.

The Port Gentil Tarpon Experience

If you’d like to see more from Port Gentil or learn what makes this fishery such a unique tarpon and bluewater combo, follow this link.