Featured Article
'Fishing Tales from The Gambia'
by Daddy Chabi


Summertime Blues? - Never

Yes here in The Gambia May through to September is summertime - the rainy season, or as some of the tour operators euphemistically term it - the 'green season'.

This is the time of year when grizzly old anglers (like myself) breath a sigh of relief, relax and settle in for some serious and prolific fishing. 

The beaches are clean and virtually deserted, the service in the bars and hotels is quicker, the beer is colder and even the bumsters have gone into hibernation - heavenly!

The sea temperature is around 80ºF and the fresh water flow from up-river has increased, filling the river estuary and inshore fishing marks with nutrients, so even the fish agree - its heavenly!

As the equatorial Guinea current pushes Northwards from June onwards big game fish such a Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and Wahoo migrate through offshore - only 1 hour run from Denton Bridge.  Whilst all the rocky outcrops on the coast from Barra to Kartong become 'playgrounds' for the 'smaller' (40lb-120lb male Tarpon.  The big Captain Fish arrive at Barra and Cape Point and with the re-appearance of the mullet the larger Cassava are shoaling inshore once again.  Even the mighty Cubera Snappers venture out from their rocky lairs.  The inshore and reef fishing marks are hyper productive - even the Barracuda agree with that!

For example, only a few days ago I decided on a lazy day, fishing a sandbar (locally known as the canoe grounds) one and half  miles out from Denton Bridge.  In three and half hours I had boated more than 40 fish of 11 different species, topping it off with a 4ft Hammerhead Shark.  This was taken on a 1/0 hook with 1/2 a peeled shrimp bait.  I don't know who was more surprised - me or the shark. However the powerful but handsome young devil was soon released unharmed and rapidly disappeared off into the depths - no doubt, to relate an unlikely tale to his mother who must have been lurking out there somewhere!

Of course it does rain, and sometimes heavily, with spectacular electrical storms - these tend to occur mainly at night whilst you are either in bed or in the bar!!

Daytime rain is normally localised, and on average occurs 1 day out of 5 - the intervening 4 days with blue sky, calm clear sea and lots of fish are perfect.  During these brilliant clear days it does get hot - despite light breezes, so don't forget to pack your hat and your sun-block!

Daddy Chabi
(enjoying his retirement!)