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Benin

Africa · Fishing World Guide

Benin.

Fishing in Benin 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs

6

target species

Yes

license needed

Mar–Nov

best season

Scroll

Do you need a license?

License

Yes.

From 10-30 USD.

All license details
Where to apply?
Through local authorities.
Cost
From 10-30 USD.
Validity
Day/travel permit
Available online?
No

Benin has the stilt buildings of Ganvie — a village ON the water in Lake Nokoue! Voodoo culture and Atlantic coast with 121 km of beach. Not very touristy but fascinating.

When to go?

The season at a glance.

Best season

November-March (dry season). Coast: all year round.

Where to fish?

The top waters.

Lake Nokoue

01 ·

Lake Nokoue

Tilapia and Wels Catfish in stilt village areas
Cotonou Coast

02 ·

Cotonou Coast

Barracuda and Jack Crevalle in surf fishing
Pendjari River

03 ·

Pendjari River

African river fish in national park
Oueme River

04 ·

Oueme River

Wels Catfish and Tilapia stocks
Grand

05 · Popo

Grand

Atlantic Coast for predatory fish

What's biting?

Your target species.

+1 more species
Walking Catfish

The rules.

Four things you need to know.

Closed seasons

No general closed seasons.

Catch limits

No strict limits.

Prohibited methods

Dynamite prohibited.

Catch & release

Not very common.

What does it cost?

10-30 USD

License

10-30 USD.

20-60 USD

Guide per day

20-60 USD/day.

20-40 USD

Daily budget

Budget: 20-40 USD.

Bite times

The best fishing times  free.

Best fishing times

·Benin

9.31°, 2.32°

🎣 Live catches in benin

1 verified catches

View all

Not enough data (1 catches)

Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.

Plan your trip.

Everything in one place.

Book a fishing trip & guide in Benin

Starting from60 USD / day

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: November-March (dry season). Coast: all year round.

All the details

The fine print.

License in detail

Through local authorities. — Benin has the stilt buildings of Ganvie — a village ON the water in Lake Nokoue! Voodoo culture and Atlantic coast with 121 km of beach. Not very touristy but fascinating.

Rules in detail

Ganvie is the 'Venice of Africa' — 30,000 people live in stilt buildings on Lake Nokoue and live from fishing!

Freshwater

Lake Nokoue, Oueme River, Pendjari.

Saltwater

121 km Atlantic coast on the Gulf of Guinea.

Equipment

Hardly available locally.

Guides

20-60 USD/day.

Getting there

Flights to Cotonou. Taxi/rental car.

Safety

Relatively safe. Malaria. Roads are simple.

Customs & fish export

E-visa online (50 EUR).

Detailed guide: Fishing in BeninFishing in Benin: Ganvie stilt buildings, Lake Nokoue, Atlantic coast, Voodoo culture.Read blog article →

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: June 1, 2026

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