01 ·
Denton Bridge
Tarpon + Barracuda at the tide streams
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Gambia.
Fishing in Gambia 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
Yes
license needed
May–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Sport fishing permit: From 10-20 USD. Included in the tour price.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Through fishing tour operators or the Department of Fisheries.
- Cost
- Sport fishing permit: From 10-20 USD. Included in the tour price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the tour
- Available online?
- No
Gambia is the smallest country in Africa — but the Gambia River offers incredible fishing! Tarpon, Barracuda and Capitaine right in the river. Plus the Atlantic coast. Affordable and only 6 flight hours from Europe!
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Tarpon: October-June. Dry season: November-May best. Rainy season: June-October.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Gambia River Estuary
Large Tarpon + Captain Fishideal from boat
03 ·
Bintang Bolong
Snapper + Jack Crevalle in mangrove channels
04 ·
Janjangbureh
Tigerfish + Vundu Catfishin freshwater
05 ·
Atlantic coast around Tanji
Guitarfish + Stingray from the beach
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
Tigerfish (Hydrocynus)
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons for recreational anglers.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Moderate limits. Tarpon: C&R recommended.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Increasingly for Tarpon and Barracuda.
What does it cost?
10-20 USD
License
10-20 USD (included in the tour price).
50-200 USD
Guide per day
50-200 USD/day. Very affordable!
25-50 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 25-50 USD. Comfort: 80-150 USD.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Gambia13.44°, -15.31°
🎣 Live catches in gambia
5 verified catches
When are they biting?
24-hour bite time · gambia
Based on: 5 verified catches
NOW 0% · 4:00
03:00
100%
Sunrise
05:00
100%
Sunrise
15:00
100%
Midday
Catch statistics
Top catch species
Tarpon
2 · 40%
Captain Fish
1 · 20%
Snapper
1 · 20%
Ladyfish
1 · 20%
Best conditions
990
998
1006
1014
1022+
0481216+
↑ Pressure (hPa)Wind (m/s) →
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Through fishing tour operators or the Department of Fisheries. — Gambia is the smallest country in Africa — but the Gambia River offers incredible fishing! Tarpon, Barracuda and Capitaine right in the river. Plus the Atlantic coast. Affordable and only 6 flight hours from Europe!
Rules in detail
The Gambia River is wide and rich in fish — Tarpon up to 80 kg are regularly caught in the river!
Freshwater
Gambia River with Tarpon and Capitaine — technically brackish water, but far upstream freshwater.
Saltwater
80 km Atlantic coast. Barracuda, Jack and Ladyfish.
Equipment
Charter boats provide equipment. Little available on site.
Guides
River guide: 50-150 USD/day. Coast: 80-200 USD/day.
Getting there
Flights to Banjul. Taxi/rental car. Small country — everything is close!
Safety
Safe country (safest in West Africa). Malaria! Sun protection.
Customs & fish export
Visa on arrival for many nationalities. Fishing equipment allowed.
More Countries
Discover.
Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: May 16, 2026
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