For the discerning tourists, The Gambia is an all-season destination. No matter the time you visit, the testimonials abound.
From the sand, sea and sun, there is always something for every visitor. Of course, the country’s burgeoning hospitality industry parades an array of world-class hotels and resorts, which offer value for money offerings to guests.
But beyond frolicking on the beach sand or sun bathing, the West African country, aptly tagged ‘The Smiling Coast of Africa’ is once again smiling to tourists to visit and participate in its fishing expedition.
From November 11-16, 2015, the rivers and seas in the country will be playing host to both local and international participants in this year’s edition of The Gambia International Boat Fishing Competition where visitors will be hosted to an enthralling discover sea and river creek fishing amidst related excitements.
Participants are expected to apply all necessary fishing skills on selected fishing spots including; Barra Point, Cape Point, Fajara and Kotu. However, Dog Island, Wharf Njago, and Lamin Lodge will serve as alternative fishing spots on the river in case the ocean gets rough and deter the participants from performing their best at the competition.
Also, the fishing spots are accurately selected with a valuable knowledge of the fish and fishing grounds offering the angler the rare opportunity to catch the “Big One”.
Fishing methods would take the form of live baiting, dead baiting, drifting, trolling among others. The anglers would be provided with live or dead baits or artificial ones depending on their choice of fish predator.
The prized fishes would include both fast moving and dormant fishes. They include the famous Baracuda, the golden Snapper, the flamboyant Cassava Fish, Captain, Tarpon (also referred to as Silver Queens), Sting Ray among other species.
While the competition offers spectators and visitors quality excitement, there are mouth-watering rewards for the contestants, with £6,000 worth of prizes to be awarded on various prize categories.
Hence, an entry fee of £125 per angler per day covering transportation, bait, water, boat and awards gala dinner is required to authenticate the seriousness of the competition as entry into the competition closes on October 31, 2015.
The competition, which is organised by The Gambia Tourism Board and their partners, and supported by Fish The Gambia, offers full insurance cover with support from Gambia Maritime Administration, The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, Gambia Navy and Department of Fisheries.
It is of note that ‘The River Gambia’, where the competition will be hosted, is one of the favourite and richest fishing spots in the West African sub region. It obtains it source from the Futa Jallon highlands in Guinea and opens up to the vast Atlantic Ocean thus providing a unique combination of flora and fauna.
So, see you in The Gambia this November!
OBINNA EMELIKE
