FISHING AT SKIMMER ISLAND

Fishing at Skimmer Island is emblematic of this stretch of West African coastline wild, untamed, and packed with hard fighting game fish. While the primary focus is on what could be the largest tarpon on the planet, anglers also have the opportunity to target a variety of iconic species, including powerful Jack Crevalle, aggressive Cubera Snapper, elusive Tripletail, and other prized West African game fish. Though secondary species may not be as abundant as in some other regions along the coast, the fishery has seen a remarkable resurgence. Since taking over the area, we have worked closely with local communities to remove nets and implement conservation efforts, leading to a drastic increase in biomass and overall fish numbers. This commitment to sustainability is transforming Skimmer Island into an ever-improving, worldclass fishery.

One of the most unique aspects of fishing at Skimmer Island is the unparalleled access to hundreds of oil rig platforms, both active and derelict, scattered across the surrounding waters. These towering structures act as artificial reefs, creating thriving marine ecosystems that attract an incredible diversity of fish species. Beneath them, vast schools of Jacks and Snappers patrol the depths, while vibrant Dorado flash through the surface currents. We believe these platforms also hold significant numbers of pelagic predators, including Tuna, Sailfish, and even Marlin, offering a rare opportunity to target both inshore and offshore giants in the same trip. These man-made reefs have become rich feeding grounds, supporting an astonishing biomass of fish, making Skimmer Island a truly dynamic and diverse sport fishing destination.

HOW WE FISH FOR TARPON AT SKIMMER ISLAND

Tarpon fishing at Skimmer Island offers multiple approaches, each tailored to maximize encounters with these massive fish, all on fly. The first and most visually thrilling option is casting directly from the beach into the mouth of the estuary and its surrounding structure, where tarpon hunt along the sandbanks and channels. For a more strategic approach, we anchor the boat in the centre of the mouth at the right tide, positioning anglers for clean, uninterrupted shots at tarpon as they push into the system. Another highly effective method is fishing the backline and the colour line, where the mixing waters create a prime ambush zone for feeding fish. While the ever-shifting channels and sandbanks make wading and shore-based fly placement a challenge, casting from the boat—either behind the backline or directly into the mouth—provides precision and efficiency, significantly increasing the chances of hooking into a true giant.