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Africa

Fishing in
Senegal 2026.

Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview

🌙Fishing Times 2026
Simple license

Best fishing times

·Senegal

14.50°, -14.45°

01

Fishing License & Permit

License required?
Yes
Where to apply?
Through charter boat providers or the Direction des Peches Maritimes.
Cost
Sportfishing Permit: From 10-30 USD. Usually included in the charter price.
Validity
For the duration of the tour
Available online?
No

Senegal is THE fishing destination of West Africa! The Atlantic off Dakar is extremely rich in fish. Thiof (Grouper), Barracuda, Sailfish and even Marlin. The rivers (Senegal, Casamance) offer exotic freshwater fishing. Affordable and adventurous!

Fishing tours

Book fishing tours in Senegal

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

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02

Rules & Regulations

Closed seasons
No general closed seasons for sport anglers. Observe marine protected areas.
Catch limits
Moderate limits. Catch-and-Release increasingly used for Big Game.
Prohibited methods
Dynamite and poison prohibited. Nets restricted in sport fishing waters.
Catch & Release
Increasingly used for Marlin and Sailfish.

The waters off Dakar are among the most fish-rich in West Africa. The upwelling effect brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface!

03

Waters & Fish Species

Top waters

  • Dakar/Cap Vert (World class-Revier für Sailfish and Marlin)
  • Sine-Saloum Delta (Kapitänfisch and Barrakuda in Mangroves)
  • Casamance (Tarpon-Hotspot and exotische Ästuare)
  • Saly/Petite Côte (Zentrum für Big Game Charterboote)
  • Saint-Louis (Rivermündung with gewaltigen Barrakudas)

Target fish

Thiof (Riesengrouper)SailfishBlue MarlinTarponCaptain FishWahooGroße Bernsteinmakrele
Best seasonBig Game: May-November. Thiof: All year. Casamance: November-May (dry season).

Freshwater

Senegal River and Casamance with Tarpon, Capitaine and exotic species.

Saltwater

Atlantic coast with extreme fish abundance due to upwelling. Thiof (Grouper) is the national fish!

Book a fishing trip & guide in Senegal

Starting from200 USD / day

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

Best season: Big Game: May-November. Thiof: All year. Casamance: November-May (dry season).

04

Practical Information

Equipment
Charter boats provide equipment. Little available locally.
Fishing guides
Charter Dakar: 300-700 USD/day. Casamance: 100-200 USD/day.
Transport
Flights to Dakar. Taxi/rental car. Casamance: Domestic flight or long drive.
Safety
Dakar: Safe for tourists. Casamance: Politically unstable (rebellion). Malaria! Sun protection.
Customs & taking fish home
Visa-free for many EU citizens. Fishing equipment permitted.

05

Cost Overview

License fees

10-30 USD (included in the charter price).

Guide prices

Casamance: 100-200 USD/day. Dakar Charter: 300-700 USD/day.

Daily budget

Budget: 50-100 USD. Big Game Charter: 200-400 USD per person.

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Detailed guide: Fishing in Senegal

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 18, 2026

All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 18, 2026

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