Sportfishing in the Gambia is becoming more populair everyday. The Gambia is one of the most sensational places on the planet if you love fishing. Once you have fished these waters you will be hooked for life! At Kurumbo Lodge we have some experienced guides that can bring you to some very promising fishing spots.
Saltwaterfishing in the Gambia
Kurumbo Lodge is located in the middle of the mangroves near Kartong in the south border of Gambia. River Hulahine seperates Senegal from the Gambia and is just about 2 minutes walking from our lodge. This river mouths in the Atlantic Ocean only a few miles further. Here is a strong current which makes it possible to catch some very big fish. Use heavy weights and big lures here and you must be able to catch a big one. There are more amazing fishing spots around this area, let our guides inform you!
Sportfishing paradise
We offer the rare possibility to fish nice and quit just behind our lodge in Hulahin river. We catch Red Snapper, Captain fish, Ladyfish, Frogfish, Sting ray, butterfish and Casava. Tarpon is rare, this fish is more common around Denton Bridge and Dog Island. At the beach of Faraba sometimes they are caught. People who are chasing for guitar fish have the best chances with beach fishing at the beach in Kartong where guitar fish is frequently caught. Sharks and sawfish however are overfished and almost impossible to catch. Bullshark still is present in some parts of the raining season as they travel upriver.
Fishing in the mangroves
The mangroves around our lodge offer some spectaculair fishing too. When you wake up in the morning and take a walk to the riverside you will see fish hunt and jump everywhere. The mangroves in Gambia are like a breeding ground for a lot of different species which makes it a true paradise for anglers. With a guide and our Mohawk kajak you will discover the mangroves without any noise of an engine. This makes it possible to approach the fish quietly, which is very important while fly- and lure fishing. If you are a fly-fisherman you will have some great fun using small streamers for jacks, ladyfish and snappers, but don’t be suprised to hook something else. We can assure you some spectaculair fishing right next to your lodge!
Freshwater fishing in the Gambia
If we travel upriver in the direction of Georgetown the water in the river is changing to fresh water. This is where a lot of new species can be found. The most popular fish has to be the agressive tigerfish which can be caught by lure or using dead or live-bait. The Goliath Tigerfish is also represent in the upriver area, but catches are very rare. Locals do not have equipment strong enough to catch them.
A famous African catfish is the Vundu (local name Conno Conno) which is wide spread in river Gambia. It is the biggest catfish in this river and is not very difficult to catch. The electric catfish also lives in this river and is like an electric eel… There are many mysterious fishes in this river and maybe you will be lucky and see crocodiles or hippos! If you are interested in going upriver, contact us, we met the best guides of river Gambia during our expedition over this river in 2012.
Traditional handline fishing
Not many people are aware of the fact that fishing with a handline can be very nice to do. It can be a very productive way of fishing. Handline-fishing in Gambia is something local people do a lot. Our Kurumbo crew can take you to the river and show you the magic of handline-fishing. Learn to cast your line and how to detect bites, you will like it!
Saltwaterfish in the Gambia
- Barracuda
- Guinean barracuda (the big ones!)
- Captainfish
- Red- and white snapper
- Spanish mackrell
- Pompano
- Shark (extincted, very rare)
- Ladyfish
- Cassava
- Butterfish
- Grouper
- Frogfish
- Guitarfish
- Trevally
- Ray’s (different species)
- Tarpon (seasonal and regional)