01 ·
Bijagós Archipelago
Tarpon world-record waters + 88 Islands
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Guinea-Bissau.
Fishing in Guinea-Bissau 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
6
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Included in the lodge/tour price.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Through specialized fishing tour operators.
- Cost
- Included in the lodge/tour price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the stay
- Available online?
- No
Guinea-Bissau is an absolute insider tip! The Bijagos Archipelago (88 islands!) is considered one of the best tarpon fisheries in the WORLD. Giant tarpon up to 100+ kg in hardly fished waters. Accessible only through specialized lodges.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Tarpon: November-May (dry season). Peak: March-May. Rainy season: June-October (difficult).
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Orango Island
Saltwater hippos + huge Tarpons
03 ·
Acanda
Red Snapper + Barracuda in large numbers
04 ·
João Vieira
Cubera Snapper + Jack Crevalle hotspot
05 ·
Rio Geba
Brackish water fishing for large Captain fish
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+2 more species
Giant African ThreadfinGuitarfish
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No formal closed seasons for sport anglers.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Tarpon: C&R mandatory at lodges. Moderate limits for food fish.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited. Sustainability promoted by lodges.
Catch & release
Catch & release
MANDATORY for tarpon! Standard at all lodges.
What does it cost?
—
License
Included in the lodge price.
400-800 USD
Guide per day
Bijagos Lodge: 400-800 USD/day (all-inclusive).
400-800 USD
Daily budget
Only as package trip: 400-800 USD/day.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Guinea-Bissau11.80°, -15.18°
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Through specialized fishing tour operators. — Guinea-Bissau is an absolute insider tip! The Bijagos Archipelago (88 islands!) is considered one of the best tarpon fisheries in the WORLD. Giant tarpon up to 100+ kg in hardly fished waters. Accessible only through specialized lodges.
Rules in detail
The Bijagos Archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The tarpon population here is one of the largest and healthiest in the world!
Freshwater
Rivers with tarpon and barracuda (brackish water transition).
Saltwater
Bijagos Archipelago: 88 islands, UNESCO, hardly fished. Tarpon paradise without equal!
Equipment
Lodges provide equipment. Own heavy tarpon rods recommended (12wt fly).
Guides
Bijagos Lodge: 400-800 USD/day (all-inclusive). Only package trips make sense.
Getting there
Flights to Bissau (via Lisbon). Small plane or boat to the Bijagos Islands.
Safety
Politically unstable! Only with organized lodge trips. Malaria everywhere. Travel insurance!
Customs & fish export
Visa required in advance. Fishing equipment permitted.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 13, 2026
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