Offering some of the most diverse fishing on the planet

Bijagos Islands Africas largest archipelago

Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Islands is Africa’s largest archipelago. It encompasses 30,000 sq. km. of largely protected inshore-saltwater wilderness. One of the largest estuarine environments in Africa, fed by four massive hyper trophic river systems. This results in a biological marvel. In places, clear waters team with brown clouds of plankton attracting incomprehensible quantities of baitfish, predators that prey upon them, this is what makes it an ideal environment to fish.

Diversity of water and habitat types include murky rich tarpon waters, sand spits surrounded by crystal clear waters. Also mangrove channels and immense inner bays, mud flats covered with molluscs and beautiful white sand beaches studded with rugged dark lava outcroppings and barren sand spit islands.

When seen in its entirety the role the region plays as one of Africa’s most significant spawning grounds for baitfish and sport fish alike is easily understood.

Fishing

Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Island fishing is impressive species list: five species of barracuda, six species of snapper, twenty species of shark (five of which commonly exceed 400 pounds). Furthermore Amber jack, Senegalese jack, incredible numbers of Jack crevalle, Cobia, Kob, Bonefish, Permit, Pompano, Grouper, Guitar fish, Ladyfish, Leer fish, Sierra, Tarpon and Triple tails, these are all caught most every week.

This fishing area offers some of the most diverse fishing on the planet,
Popper fishing , Fly , Vertical jigging , Trolling , Bait and live bait all work
well and catch multiple quality fish . As a result much of the fishing is
done from boats.

During low wind conditions there are numerous sightfishing opportunities for Jacks, barracuda, large needlefish, Snappers, African Sierra Mackeral and Corvina. In less favourable conditions species are targeted blind. This means fishing edges, shorelines, and submerged structures. Superb beach fishing from over 200 beaches can win Big Guitar fish, Rays, Cassava, Barracuda and many more.

Some of the most exciting fishing centres on the region’s remarkable Jack Crevalle fisheries. These fish can often be seen chasing bait in what the locals refer to as “hunts”. Jacks can also be targeted from the beach. A breathtaking sight for any angler is a huge pod of these aggressive fish cresting in the waves just before crashing into a school of baitfish.

The region has the world’s largest tarpon, however the fishery is not ideally suited to the fly. This is because Guineas average tarpon are over 150lbs .The vast majority of tarpon are hooked with baits that are suspended only 3-4 feet beneath the surface. Needless to say the tarpon fishery is a high stakes game becasue the fish average over 200 pounds.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Island fishing

Tackle and Equipment:

Hire Packs : –

We offer a comprehensive hire tackle pack for the Guinnea-Bissau Bijagos Island fishing, this costs about £20 a day. The packs include spinning, lure, bottom fishing and Jigging tackle.

Fly fishing recommendations.

Rods:

Fly – 9-11 wt. rods will be the most useful all around rods. For Tarpon, we recommend 13-15 wt rods.
Spin – Ideally stiff action spinning rods in the 80-120 gram ranges.

Lines:

Fly – For the 9-11 outfits we recommend having both floating and
sinking saltwater lines. A 400-grain sinking line like the Rio Big game is a good choice. For tarpon I recommend an intermediate or slow sinking line and a 500-600 grain sinking line. Spin. – 50lb braid.

Reels

Fly – Any quality saltwater reels with at least 200 yards of 30 yards backing. If you want target tarpon get the best reel you can with as much backing as possible. Spin – Good quality Saltwater spinning
reels with at least 300yds of 50-60lb braid.

Leaders

Fly – For general fishing wire leaders are very useful as many of the fish have very sharp teeth. Rio’s toothy critter leaders in the 15-20 pound class are excellent choices. You might also want to have a spool of Tyger wire in the 30-50 pound class. For tarpon we recommend fishing 22-pound class tippets (if IGFA records are of interest to you) preferably with 100-pound fluorocarbon class tippet. Spin- 80 -100lb wire traces

Flies

For the primary species (Jacks, barracuda, sierra) pack plenty of
baitfish patterns in 2/0 -4/0. Popular patterns include Burk’s hot flash
minnow, Enrico Puglisi patterns, sea habits, Clouser minnows, deceivers,
and half and half’s. Blue and white, olive and white, chartreuse and white and black and white are all effective. Also throw in some poppers like the Popovics banger or assorted sliders. For giant tarpon – very large flies. Tarpon average over 200 pounds. Therefore flies in the 5/0 to 10/0 are preferable, patterns used for blue water billfish should work well as should offshore deceivers.

One of their favoured baitfish is a deep-bodied shad that that runs about 7-10 inches long. Mullet in the 6-7 inch range are also popular feed. Have these patterns in several standard colours and also bring along some big black ones for the dark waters. If you tie, make some patterns with bulky hair heads as well. Tie some flies that are larger than you can cast, as we suspect that simply letting the flies hang in the tidal current may be more effective than casting. Lastly, do pack your standard bonefish and permit flies. Both species are present but do to the large tides, have proven difficult to target.

Lures

Deep divers, shallow runners and surface poppers will all work, due to the varied environments you will be fishing. Heavy long casting wedges can also be deadly.

Waders & Boots:

Standard flats boots are fine for the beach fishing and many beaches, however sand spits lend themselves to fishing barefoot or in water sandals. Keep in mind many beaches transition quickly from white sand to rugged dark lava. Sure-footed anglers wanting to fish this terrain should consider standard felted wading boots (with or without cleats) as well as a stripping basket.

Miscellaneous Equipment:

• Sturdy saltwater pliers
• a heavy glove for tailing jacks
• hook sharpener
• saltwater leader straightening box for tarpon anglers
• polarized glasses with retainers
• good hat & spare
• headlamp and flashlight
• mid-weight raincoat for choppy boat rides
• water proof sunscreen
• spf lip balm
• waterproof bag for all day gear on the boat
• energy bars
• T-shirts
• assorted items to leave as gifts with the locals

Travelling to Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Island

Depart Gatwick/ Heathrow and flying to Guinea via Lisbon.

You will be greeted at the airport.

There is a 20min drive to the mainland camp which has air con and a swimming pool.

An overnight stay, breakfast and then a 2½ hr boat transfer to the island.

A passport valid for at least 6 months will be required, visas will be organised for you.

The package does not include: –

• Visa 80 Euros Guinea local tourist tax 8 Euros per day paid at lodge
• Gratuities Bar tab at the lodge

The Bijagos archipelagos a unique area and is full of unsophisticated charm with a tremendous amount of colourful Cultural for everyone to enjoy, and perhaps the Sport Fishing Adventure of a Lifetime!

We look forward to Fishing with you in the not too distant future.

Guinnea-Bissau Bijagos Islands guide

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