Fishing in Gambia
Including Kartong Coastal Waters and Kotu Beach. On the map.
The vibe
Angling here is a deeply ingrained part of the local culture, offering a gritty, authentic experience that feels worlds away from commercialized sport fishing. The season peaks during the cooler months when the river and ocean currents bring in a variety of game fish. You can easily arrange a boat through local contacts, making for a DIY trip that feels personal and unpretentious.
local fishing permit
Kartong Coastal Waters
West Coast Division
Leonora (Ellie) Enking from East Preston, United Kingdom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Located at the southern tip of the Gambia, the Kartong area offers a mix of river mouth and coastal surf fishing. It is known for its relatively untouched waters and high diversity of species including jack crevalle and grouper.
Access. Access is via local guides who can arrange traditional pirogue fishing trips or guide shore casting sessions along the remote beaches.
Notes. This is a more rugged, nature-focused area; visitors are encouraged to hire local guides who are familiar with the tides and protected zones.
Kotu Beach
Kanifing Municipal Council
Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kotu Beach is a popular spot for shore casting, where anglers target threadfin, snapper, and catfish from the sandy coastline. The area is particularly productive during the early morning and late evening tides.
Access. Accessible directly from the beach; local tackle shops in the Kotu area provide bait and basic terminal tackle for visitors.
Notes. Fishing is permitted, but visitors should be mindful of swimmers and local beach activity during peak tourist hours.