Nine-Bone
Saltwater Fish Species of The Gambia



Identification
Other Names: American Ladyfish
Gambian Names: Nine-Bone
Scientific Names: Elops Senegalensis
General Catch Size: 5lbs to 15lbs
 

Best Baits: They will readily strike small lures, mepps, tobies, rapala's, divers, and floaters - they are also quick to the fly.  It's attack is swift.  They are also fished for on shrimp - whole or pealed.  Also small live herrings, small cut fish strips, crabs - fiddler or blue swimmer attract the Nine-bones.

Top Tips: The Nine-bones are an excellent & exciting light tackle quarry. They are aerial fish and will leap frequently after being hooked.  You can come across Nine-bones at anytime. They like sandbars, muddy bottoms, surf-lines, beach fronts, and rocky reefs.  If trolling lures for Barracuda it pays to run a small diving lure behind and outside of your pattern.  This will often entice the Nine-bones to strike if you run across them. 

If you notice bait fish being disturbed on a shore line or open water, Nine-Bones are often underneath - throw a spinner into them.

Prime Time: Flood and ebb tides along the beach front. Slack tide periods in open water. Bait fish tend to be less active and easier to target for the predator.

When - All year-round

Recommended TACKLE

Rod: 12lb to 20lb - Light shore outfit or spinning rod
Reel: Fixed spool or small multiplier
Main Line: 15lb to 20lb mono
Line Trace: 30lb to 40lb
Swivel: 40lb to 60lb
Hooks: 1/0 to 3/0 or 2/0 live-bait hook
   
   
   
African Pompano
Barracuda
Guinean Barracuda
Butterfish
Captain Fish (Threadfin)  
Cassava
Jacks
Ladyfish
Nine Bone
Shark
Snappers
Spanish Mackerel
Rays
Tarpon

Mark Longster

SEE BOAT CHARTER PRICES