Gabon Tarpon and Threadfin on the Fly at Sette Cama

On the wild Atlantic coast of Central Africa, the Ndogo estuary and open beaches of Loango meet a nutrient rich surf where bait stacks and predators hunt. This is where traveling fly anglers come for rare shots at true giants. If you are planning a focused mission, the benchmark base is Setté Cama Fishing Camp by African Waters. It anchors a week that blends heavy surf sessions, tidal mouth drifts, and exploratory lagoon creeks with realistic chances at trophy class fish.

The Fishery at a Glance

Setté Cama sits between the ocean and a broad estuary system on the edge of Loango National Park. The program targets the mixing zones that pull predators into casting range. Anglers work the estuary mouth on moving water, the first gutters and sandbars along the beach, and quieter mangrove channels when conditions call for it. It is a dynamic fishery with powerful species and constantly shifting current lines.

Primary targets include tarpon fishing for the Silver King, giant African threadfin fishing in the tide lines, and cubera snapper that prowl structure. You will also see opportunities for jack crevalle fishing and longfin jacks. The setting adds another layer, with forest elephants on the beach and birds working bait over the bars.

Seasonality and Trip Timing

The guided season runs from September through April with sessions built around tides and light. Early weeks often feature more water in the system and aggressive fish tight to current seams. Mid season typically offers a balance of clarity and flow. Late season can bring lower, cleaner water that rewards precise presentations and careful boat positioning. Many of the best windows are at first and last light, and some teams add selective night sessions when conditions line up.

If your dates are flexible, match them to strong tidal movement and plan for a full week. That gives time to fish a variety of conditions and rotate between surf, mouth, and lagoon water. For broader planning context and additional options on the continent, see our overview of fishing in Africa and dedicated page for fishing in Gabon.

Fly Tactics That Work Here

Reading the water

Focus on current lines where river flow meets incoming swell. Look for nervous water, dark tongues of depth along sandbars, and rips that funnel bait toward the beach. In the lagoon, target creek mouths on a falling tide and the edges of color changes where clean ocean water pushes in.

Presentation and retrieve

Work large baitfish flies with short, decisive strips that keep the pattern tracking true in broken water. In heavier surf, cast slightly upcurrent to buy depth and control. In calmer channels, a slow swing followed by bursts of acceleration often triggers threadfin and jacks. Keep the fly swimming as you cross seams to avoid sinking into structure.

Hook set and fight

Use a firm strip set and stay connected through jumps. With tarpon, drive the hook, then lower the rod when the fish goes airborne to protect the connection. With threadfin and snapper, steady side pressure keeps fish out of the wood and off the bar edges. Surf energy adds leverage, so keep steps short and maintain a safe stance.

Gear and Flies

• Rods and lines Carry 10 and 12 weight outfits. Pair an intermediate line for the lagoon and an integrated fast sink or sink tip for surf and mouth drifts.
• Leaders Simple and strong. Use a short mono or fluoro leader in the 40 to 60 pound class with a 60 to 100 pound shock for tarpon. Add short wire only if you intentionally target barracuda.
• Flies Large baitfish patterns on strong singles. Black and purple, olive and tan, and natural bait tones cover most light scenarios. Include brush style streamers, big Deceiver profiles, and compact Clousers for clear water or pressured fish.
• Essentials Long pliers, hook hone, headlamp for low light, compact first aid kit, and lightweight surf capable footwear that drains quickly and grips wet sand.

Why Sette Cama Fishing Camp

Setté Cama Fishing Camp by African Waters limits weekly rod numbers and runs a rotation that keeps water rested. Guides split time between the lagoon and mouth, and when conditions align you will step onto the beach and cast from the surf line. The camp’s position on the estuary puts anglers minutes from productive banks and bars. Wildlife viewing is part of the experience and the setting feels remote even though travel logistics are streamlined by the operator.

Accommodations are comfortable and purpose built for anglers with ensuite chalets, dependable power for charging, and meals in a central open air area overlooking the water. The focus is long sessions on prime windows and a supportive guide team that lives this fishery each season.

Safety, Conservation and Ethics

This is powerful water with real surf and strong currents. Listen to guide direction on where to wade and how to enter or exit the beach. Boats and banks share space with local wildlife, so treat every approach with care. All fishing is catch and release with quick photos at the water. Pinch barbs when appropriate, rest fish before release, and keep leader systems tidy to reduce break offs in structure.

Plan Your Trip

Most itineraries route through Libreville with onward arrangements handled by the operator to the Gamba area and on to camp. A standard week gives six full days on the water with time to target the surf, the estuary mouth, and the lagoon. Pack a waterproof duffel, backup lines and leaders, a spare rod, and a compact rain shell for squalls. If your goal is a true trophy, build your dates around productive tides within the September to April window and be ready to fish hard when the bite turns on.

Start planning with our lodge profile for Setté Cama Fishing Camp by African Waters and review target species pages for tarpon fishing, giant African threadfin fishing, and jack crevalle fishing as you dial in gear and flies for fishing in Gabon.