Giant Tarpon on Fly

Some weeks of fishing for giant tarpon on fly come easily. This one didn’t. In Port-Gentil, Gabon, there were fewer fish around than in previous weeks, the wind blew hard and the tarpon were often reluctant to eat. Still, the group landed four fish. Most of them were first tarpon, and one was a giant estimated at 160 lb.

A Demanding Week on Gabon’s Tarpon Water

Compared with the weeks before, conditions in Port-Gentil were tougher. On several days we found tarpon but couldn’t get them to take a fly. Strong winds made it harder to get the skiff into position and present the fly well, and every good shot had to be worked for.

That’s how tarpon fishing goes. No two days are the same, and the water decides how the day plays out. Our job is to read those conditions honestly, put guests where the fish are most likely to be, and keep the plan moving when things change.

Four Fish to Hand, and Many More Close Calls

The group fished long hours and stayed positive, and that effort paid off. Four tarpon were landed during the week, and for most of the anglers it was their first tarpon on fly. Four doesn’t reflect how close we came on several others.

There were losses too. A handful of fish came off right at the end of the fight. Those moments are hard to take, but they come with fishing for West African tarpon, and they’re part of why every landed fish feels earned.

The Attitude That Made the Week

The group’s attitude stood out most. When the fishing slowed and the weather turned against us, the mood on the boats stayed good, with plenty of banter, laughter and encouragement for one another. That kind of shared spirit makes a tough week on the water a memorable one.

Catch of the Week – Nev Standon’s 160 lb Tarpon

This week’s Catch of the Week goes to Nev Standon. He landed his first tarpon, and it was also the biggest fish of the week.

A Heartbreaking First Hookup

When we reached the mark, tarpon were rolling across the surface. We moved quietly into the area where they were showing, and Nev was soon hooked up. The fish towed the skiff around and jumped several times before settling into a long fight.

Close to an hour in, with everything going to plan, the tarpon suddenly changed direction. The line went slack and the fly fell out.

Back to the Mark

There was no time to dwell on it. We retied and went back for another shot, but the bite window had closed. We spent the next hour or two covering water and watching for any sign of fish.

Then a single tarpon rolled. We moved into position, and within five minutes the sounder lit up as about 20 tarpon swam past the boat. Almost at once, Nev was hooked into another giant.

1 Hour 15 Minutes to Hand

This fish fought differently. After one long first run, it came all the way back towards the boat and stayed on the fly line for the rest of the fight. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, Nev’s tarpon was finally brought to hand.

Based on its length and girth measurements, the fish was estimated at 160 lb. It was a giant tarpon on fly and a first tarpon to remember, and Nev earned every minute of it. Well done, Nev.

Thank You, and See You Back in Port-Gentil

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week. You fished hard, kept each other going and made it a great week to share on the water. We hope you went home with good memories, and perhaps a new obsession with tarpon. We look forward to welcoming you back to Port-Gentil for another shot at these fish.

FAQs – Fishing for Giant Tarpon on Fly in Gabon

How big do tarpon get in Port-Gentil, Gabon?
Gabon holds some of the largest Atlantic tarpon in the world. Fish over 100 lb are a realistic target, and this week’s best fish was estimated at 160 lb.

How long does it take to land a giant tarpon on fly?
It depends on the fish and the conditions. Fights with big fish often last 45 minutes to well over an hour. Nev’s 160 lb tarpon took 1 hour 15 minutes.

Can a first-time tarpon angler catch a giant tarpon in Gabon?
Yes. Most of this week’s group landed their first tarpon, and our guides do the planning and positioning so anglers can focus on the cast and the fight.

When is the tarpon season in Port-Gentil?
The season usually runs from about October to May. Wind, tides and fish movement vary from week to week.