The Bijagos Archipelago is a multi-fishing destination par excellence: all techniques are possible.
At our Ecolodge, you can bring your own fishing gear or rent it if you prefer to travel more lightly and comfortably. We have several equipment options available, depending on the type of fishing you're after.
For more information on fishing equipment rental options, click here.
Get ready for some incredible fishing sessions!
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is the legendary fish of the archipelago. It can measure up to 140 kg for 2,40m long. If its size is impressive, its defense against a fisherman is even more: fight of more than 1 hour, 2 hours .... !!!!! It looks like a sardine or rather an anchovy doped with hormones. The bijagos call it pis escama: the fish with scales. It lives on school of fishes and comes to the surface regularly. We can fish of all sizes. The smaller ones are caught with lures, the larger specimens are caught mainly with natural bait which remains the most effective technique. It is a rather static fishing but the fishermen will be rewarded with an unforgettable fight. Tarpons stay year-round around Kere and can be caught from October to May, throughout the fishing season. This is not the case in the rest of the archipelago !!!
Elongated shape, formidable jaws with sharp teeth, the barracuda can be a powerful predator. It's the pike of the tropical seas!
His attacks are fast and violent. It can reach 40 kg. Small specimens often have vertical black stripes on the body and live in more or fewer schools. Larger specimens live happily solitary.
Trolling is the most effective technique. The start is powerful and the fight muscular. You can also catch it by spinning (popper, stick baits or swimmer fish), surf casting or handline in the Bijagos archipelago. During attacks on surface lures, the barracuda often gratifies you with a beautiful candle lure in the mouth. Steel bottom line essential for trolling and great caution to handle it !!
The crevalle (Caranx Hippos) is the main sport fishing fish in bijagos archipelago. It can reach 1m for more than 25 kg it is a very aggressive fish which thrown on the lures with a phenomenal power. It has a characteristic black spot on the operculum and also yellow caudal and anal fins. This trevally lives in large schools for juveniles and increasingly restricted when individuals are adults. But it is possible to cross substantial schools of more than 10 kg and it is then on the boat a great fishing moment. At equivalent weight, the crevalle is reputed to be more combative than the trevally ignobilis !!!
From the beach of Kere, you will be able to measure crevalle over 10 kg. The trevally of early morning or evening on Kere offers an unforgettable fishing moment. All the fishing techniques are involved : spinning especially the popper but also stick baits, troll, surf casting, jig, fly.
The cobias or rachycentron canadum, bijagos fish has smooth skin of a dark brown on the back and a bright white on the belly. It has a fairly flat head. It can weight up from 30 to 40 kg in the archipelago. In small groups, the cobia attacks the trolling lures but also the poppers and the sticks baits. But the best technique is using natural living bait. When a cobia follows a lure its shape looks like a shark. It is a tough opponent never vanquished. Watch out the rush when the fish sees the boat.
C’est l'un des prédateurs le plus commun des bijagos, présent toute l’année. De la grande famille des lutjans ou vivaneaux, il existe plusieurs variétés de carpes rouges dans l'archipel des bijagos. Elle présente une robe plus ou moins rouge suivant son habitant, parfois orangée ou brune. Les juvéniles vivent en bancs, les adultes surtout les gros spécimens sont plus solitaires et vivent sur un territoire proche d’un rocher.
De la petite carpette de 500 g à la mémère de plus de 20 kg, elles sont toutes de valeureuses combattantes, très agressives mais aussi terriblement rusées. Elles ont la fâcheuse habitude d’aller se bloquer dans une roche tout de suite après l'attaque: il faut donc au pécheur une grande finesse de pêche et une attention de tous les instants pour dompter ce premier rush. Les pêcher au lancer est très agréable et s’apparente à la pêche au bar. Tous les leurres sont efficaces avec une mention spéciale pour les stick baits et les poissons nageurs. Dans la plupart des cas, les carpes rouges font entre 1 et 4 Kg . Si l’on veut des spécimens plus gros il faudra aller chercher les poissons plus en profondeur : le jig et la calée permettent de remonter des poissons de plus de 15 kg. La pêche en surf est aussi très efficace. Il est possible de la leurrer à la mouche mais c'est un adversaire très
The carangue pompano is a captivating and highly energetic silverfish, known for its striking appearance and vibrant behavior. Its body is flat and shiny, and it can weigh up to 25 kg, making it a prized catch for sport fishing enthusiasts. Juveniles of this species feature long filaments on their dorsal fins, earning them the nickname "feather pompano." At this stage, they live in schools, while adults tend to form small groups.
Carangue pompano can be caught by trolling, but it is most commonly targeted using casting techniques, particularly with poppers, which provoke frequent and thrilling strikes. It is not uncommon for a fish to follow the lure all the way to the boat without attacking, lingering in the area and repeatedly inspecting the lure. A quick switch to a different lure often triggers the attack. Extremely fast, their initial rush is a pure adrenaline rush for any angler.
It is from the same family as the tarpon. Very elongated in shape, the underside of the yellow body can weigh up to 5 kg but the common size is around 300 g.
It is mainly caught with small spoons, feather trains or flies. On Kere beach it is in high density: ideal for inexperienced fly fishermen!!
This fish, even when small, fights like hell by jumping out of the water. The largest specimens are very powerful and offer super-vitamin rushes.
The otolith, also known as the "drumfish," is a remarkable and vigorous fish with a streamlined, silvery body that reflects light beautifully. It can grow quite large, with some specimens weighing up to 30 kg, making it a sought-after catch for both its challenge and its culinary value. Juveniles are often found in schools near coastal areas, while adults typically venture out into deeper waters, living in small, loosely organized groups.
Otoliths can be caught using various techniques, but casting, especially with soft baits or jigs, is highly effective. These fish are known for their cautious behavior; they often inspect the lure carefully before committing to an attack. Changing the color or type of lure can make a big difference in enticing a strike. When hooked, their powerful runs and vigorous headshakes provide an exhilarating experience for anglers. Their strength and endurance ensure that every catch is a memorable event.
The capitaine plexiglass is a fascinating and robust fish, easily recognized by its sleek, semi-translucent appearance, which gives it a unique and captivating look, reminiscent of polished glass. Juveniles often thrive in sheltered coastal areas, forming dense schools, while adults prefer the solitude of deeper reefs or open waters.
Fishing for the capitaine plexiglass is an exciting challenge. Although it can be caught using trolling, anglers find that casting with lures, especially surface lures like poppers or stickbaits, delivers the most thrilling results. These fish are curious but cautious, often following a lure for some distance before striking. Changing to a different lure or adjusting retrieval speed can trigger their aggressive nature. Known for their explosive initial runs and remarkable agility, the capitaine plexiglass is a favorite among sport fishers, offering an unforgettable fight on the line.
The maquereaux bonite, or bonito mackerel, is a sleek and powerful pelagic fish, prized for its speed and agility. With a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body adorned with shimmering silver and blue patterns, it is a striking sight in the water. These fish typically weigh between 3 to 10 kg, though larger specimens are not uncommon. They are known for their schooling behavior, often forming large, fast-moving groups in open waters.
Fishing for maquereaux bonite is an exhilarating experience. They are usually caught through trolling with small, shiny lures or feathers that mimic baitfish. Casting with jigs or spoons can also be highly effective when targeting surface-feeding schools. These fish are voracious hunters and will often strike aggressively when feeding. Their incredible speed and powerful runs make them a thrilling catch, putting up a fierce fight that tests the skill and stamina of any angler. A favorite for sport fishing, the maquereaux bonite is a true testament to the excitement of ocean fishing.