01 ·
Dakar/Cap Vert
World class for Sailfish and Marlin
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Senegal.
Fishing in Senegal 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
Yes
license needed
May–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Sportfishing Permit: From 10-30 USD. Usually included in the charter price.
›All license details
- 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!
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Big Game: May-November. Thiof: All year. Casamance: November-May (dry season).
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 · Saloum Delta
Sine
Captain fish and Barracuda in Mangroves
03 ·
Casamance
Tarpon hotspot and exotic estuaries
04 ·
Saly/Petite Côte
Center for Big Game charter boats
05 · Louis
Saint
Estuary with huge Barracudas
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+2 more species
White grouper (Riesengrouper)Greater Amberjack
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons for sport anglers. Observe marine protected areas.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Moderate limits. Catch-and-Release increasingly used for Big Game.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite and poison prohibited. Nets restricted in sport fishing waters.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Increasingly used for Marlin and Sailfish.
What does it cost?
10-30 USD
License
10-30 USD (included in the charter price).
100-200 USD
Guide per day
Casamance: 100-200 USD/day. Dakar Charter: 300-700 USD/day.
50-100 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 50-100 USD. Big Game Charter: 200-400 USD per person.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Senegal14.50°, -14.45°
🎣 Live catches in senegal
3 verified catches
Not enough data (3 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Through charter boat providers or the Direction des Peches Maritimes. — 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!
Rules in detail
The waters off Dakar are among the most fish-rich in West Africa. The upwelling effect brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface!
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!
Equipment
Charter boats provide equipment. Little available locally.
Guides
Charter Dakar: 300-700 USD/day. Casamance: 100-200 USD/day.
Getting there
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 & fish export
Visa-free for many EU citizens. Fishing equipment permitted.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 18, 2026
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