Snappers
Saltwater Fish Species of The Gambia



Identification
Snapper Types: Guinean Snapper, Cubera,
Red, Brown & many other varieties
Gambian Names: Yagh
Scientific Names: Lutjanus agennes, Lutjanus dentatus, Lutjanus fulgenes, Lutjanus goreensis
General Catch Size: 5lb to 100lb
 

Best Baits: Best fished on live baits including mullet, herrings, croakers, blue swimmer crabs. Dead baits including bonga fish fillets, mullet, calamari, nine bone fillets. Occasionally taken on lures - Rapala CD16/CD18 deep diver lures.

Top Tips: Bottom fished around rocky reefs & outcrops. Snappers are brutal fighters when hooked making short powerful runs often around any rocky outcrop resulting in a 'snap off'! They are best bottom fished with a live bait fairly close to the boat on a short (3ft) heavy mono-trace (70lb) with a 6/0 strong hook & around 1ft of 10lb rotten bottom so the weight can break free when the fish is hooked. It pays to hold the rod in the hand with a tight drag & fight the fish hard on full pressure. If you leave the rod unattended it is often all over before you pick it up.

When - All year-round

Recommended TACKLE

Rod: 20lb to 50lb / 7ft boat rod
Reel: Multiplier or Fixed Spool
Main Line: 30lb to 40lb mono or braid
Line Trace: 70lb mono & 50lb wire trace for lures
Swivel: 40lb to 60lb
Hooks: 5/0 Mustard or Owner size 7 live bait
   
     African Pompano
    Barracuda
    Guinean Barracuda
    Butterfish
    Captain Fish (Threadfin) 
    Cassava
    Jacks
    Ladyfish
    Nine-Bone
    Shark
    Snappers
                                   Spanish Mackerel
                                   Rays
                                   Tarpon

Mark Longster

SEE BOAT CHARTER PRICES