Skip to content
Sierra Leone

Africa · Fishing World Guide

Sierra Leone.

Fishing in Sierra Leone 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs

6

target species

Yes

license needed

Feb–Oct

best season

Scroll

Do you need a license?

License

Yes.

From 20-50 USD.

›All license details
Where to apply?
Through local providers or Ministry of Fisheries.
Cost
From 20-50 USD.
Validity
For the duration of the tour
Available online?
No

Sierra Leone has spectacular beaches and hardly fished waters. Tarpon and Barracuda in the Freetown Estuary. River No. 2 Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa!

Read blog article →Detailed guide: Fishing in Sierra Leone→

When to go?

The season at a glance.

Best season

November-April (dry season). Tarpon: year-round.

Where to fish?

The top waters.

Sherbro Island

01 ·

Sherbro Island

World class Tarpon & record catches
Banana Islands

02 ·

Banana Islands

Crystal clear waterSnapper & Barracuda
Turtle Islands

03 ·

Turtle Islands

Remote sandbanksBonefish & Sharks
Freetown Estuary

04 ·

Freetown Estuary

Jack CrevalleLadyfish & Barracuda
Rokel River

05 ·

Rokel River

FreshwaterTilapia & Wels Catfish

What's biting?

Your target species.

01
Tarpon

Tarpon

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

Recommended for Tarpon.

What does it cost?

20-50 USD

License

20-50 USD.

50-150 USD

Guide per day

50-150 USD/day.

30-60 USD

Daily budget

Budget: 30-60 USD.

Bite times

The best fishing times — free.

Best fishing times

·Sierra Leone

8.46°, -11.78°

Open 30-day forecast →

Plan your trip.

Everything in one place.

Book a fishing trip & guide in Sierra Leone

Starting from150 USD / day

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

Best season: November-April (dry season). Tarpon: year-round.

Fishing tours

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

Flights

Compare and book cheap flights to Sierra Leone with Kiwi.com

Airport Transfer

Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter

Mobile Data

eSIM for 150+ countries — no roaming fees

Equipment

Recommended fishing equipment

All the details

The fine print.

License in detail

Through local providers or Ministry of Fisheries. — Sierra Leone has spectacular beaches and hardly fished waters. Tarpon and Barracuda in the Freetown Estuary. River No. 2 Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa!

Rules in detail

Sierra Leone is recovering from civil war and Ebola. Tourism is growing slowly.

Freshwater

Rokel and other rivers with Tilapia and catfish.

Saltwater

402 km Atlantic coast. Tarpon in estuaries!

Equipment

NOTHING available locally. Bring your own equipment!

Guides

50-150 USD/day.

Getting there

Flights to Freetown. Seaplane/ferry. Roads poor.

Safety

Safer than before. Malaria! Medical care limited.

Customs & fish export

Visa required in advance.

Detailed guide: Fishing in Sierra LeoneFishing in Sierra Leone: Tarpon, beautiful beaches, hardly fished, emerging.Read blog article →

More Countries

Discover.

Browse all 203 countries →

Data not correct?

Help us keep this page up to date — report outdated or incorrect information

Report correction →

All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 13, 2026

Don't miss any fishing tips!

Get the best fishing destination recommendations weekly in your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.