Tarpon Gabon

Tarpon Gabon: Two back-to-back weeks in Gabon delivered everything you hope for in West African tarpon fishing. You had six South African anglers arriving into prime conditions for tarpon, while another group started their adventure offshore due to marginal tides. Between both groups, the energy stayed high and the fishing never stopped delivering surprises.

Early Action and Big Encounters

Favourable tides set the tone at the start. Multiple big tarpon were hooked in the first 48 hours, and the pace was intense. You know that moment when the line goes tight and you feel the weight of a proper fish behind it—that happened a lot. Some battles went your way, with two big tarpon brought to the boat, and others reminded you how brutal these fish can be. Fly lines parted, leaders chafed, and hooks opened. Tarpon keep you honest.

Bluewater Curveballs

When tides weren’t perfect for tarpon, the teams headed offshore. Sailfish teased up beautifully—twice. One wrapped in the teaser line, and one briefly took the fly before the hook pulled straight away. That’s bluewater fly fishing. Dorado were hooked and lost, tuna were up and feeding, and shots came thick and fast even if the final hero photo stayed out of reach.

Despite the misses, these sessions showed just how diverse Port Gentil is. You’re never locked into one option. When the tarpon aren’t playing, the ocean often is.

Variety Fishing: Jacks, Tripletail, Kob, Snapper and More

Beyond the tarpon, both weeks produced an incredible range of species. Longfin jacks and big snapper kept rods bent, kob showed beautifully, and later in the week strong winds forced a change of plan, pushing everyone closer to port. Even then, the action didn’t slow—mirror fish, jacks, and a bonus dorado found their way onto the tally.

Tripletail also made an appearance. They followed the flies closely but refused to commit, which added a different kind of tension to the day.

The One That Stays With You

One of the standout moments was losing a giant laid-up tarpon after a clean eat. You don’t forget those. It’s the sort of fish that leaves everyone staring at the water replaying what happened. But the week still delivered a true highlight: Matt’s landed tarpon weighing around 80 pounds. A proper fish, fought cleanly and landed in textbook fashion.

Catch of the Week – Matt’s Circle-Hook Tarpon

Circle hooks on fly have become a talking point in camp this season, and Matt’s catch cemented why.

Deep in a jungle channel, smaller tarpon were rolling—ideal for testing the new circle-hook rig. When Matt came tight on a great fish, the boat erupted. The tarpon went full acrobat, jumping again and again, and every set of eyes went straight to the hook point.

When it finally came to hand, the circle hook was perfectly pinned in the corner of the mouth. That’s exactly where you want it. Strong hook-up, reduced damage, quicker release. The intention behind the rig is simple: fight big fish harder, for longer, with less risk of losing them to abrasion or harming them at boatside.

This single catch proved the value of experimenting. More control, healthier releases, and a better long-term fishery for everyone.

A Final Word From Two Weeks on the Water

Across both groups, the thread was the same: good people, good fishing, and plenty of moments that will stay with you. Tarpon Gabon keeps delivering a mix of unpredictability and opportunity that makes every hour on the water count.

The camaraderie, the near misses, the breakthroughs, and the big fish all came together to shape two memorable weeks. If you’re planning your own run at West African tarpon, there’s never been a better time to join us.

Ready to experience Tarpon Gabon for yourself? Reach out and we’ll help you plan your trip.