Skimmer Island Tarpon
Angola
Key Details
Accommodation
Tented Camp
Season
January – March
Species
Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Senegalese Kob, Barracuda
Style
Fly-Fishing & Spinning
One of the few places in the world where 100kg+ Tarpon have been landed on fly, off the beach.
BUCKET LIST Tarpon.
Why We Go ➜
- Remote, Untouched Tarpon Fishery: Fly-fishing for truly massive West African tarpon in a part of Angola that remains largely unexplored. This is frontier fishing in its purest form, with minimal pressure and a genuine sense that you are targeting fish that have rarely, if ever, seen a fly.
- Wildlife-Rich, Untouched Wilderness: Set within dense tropical rainforest, the region is home to an incredible range of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, chimpanzee, and the elusive lowland gorilla. It’s a rare combination of world-class fishing and true African wilderness.
- Unique Camp in a Pristine Ecosystem: A remote camp tucked deep within the mangrove forests, perfectly positioned between the vast Lake Massabi system and Angola’s wild, untouched coastline. It offers direct access to a diverse range of habitats, from winding estuaries to open beaches, all within a raw and unspoiled environment.
8 Day Adventure
$8,400 per angler
- Five full days guided fishing, including boat & fuel.
- Seven nights accommodation.
- All meals & drinks at camp.
- All transfers & domestic flights to Cabinda.
The coastline of Cabinda, Angola, particularly the waters south of Maiombe Forest National Park and around Lake Massabi, is one of West Africa’s most remarkable yet little-documented saltwater fly fishing destinations. Remote and largely untouched, this stretch of coastline offers some of the best opportunities anywhere in the world to target giant tarpon on the fly. It is one of only a handful of locations where tarpon exceeding 100kg have been successfully landed on fly tackle, making it an elite destination for those seeking the ultimate challenge in saltwater fly fishing.
Beyond tarpon, this stretch of coastline offers exceptional fly fishing for other hard-fighting species. Jack crevalle are present in large numbers, aggressively smashing surface flies and putting up a punishing fight. Senegalese kob, a highly sought-after West African species related to the more familiar mulloway or dusky kob, can also be caught on fly, often patrolling the surf and deeper channels where they ambush baitfish. Barracuda are another highlight of the fishery, their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes making them an exhilarating target when casting the shallows. The diversity of species in these waters ensures that even on days when the tarpon are elusive, there are always powerful fish ready to test an angler’s skill and equipment.
Lake Massabi, located just inland from this rich marine ecosystem, adds another dimension to the region’s fishing potential. A vast coastal lagoon connected to the ocean via the Chicamba channel, it provides a sheltered environment where juvenile tarpon, jacks, and various estuarine species thrive. This brackish system can be highly productive for fly anglers, particularly when targeting tarpon that move in and out with the tides. The surrounding rainforest, home to species such as western lowland gorillas and Congo parrots, lends an almost prehistoric feel to the setting, adding to the mystique of the location.
What makes this area so special is not only the size and variety of fish but also the sheer wildness of the experience. The coastline remains largely untouched. This means that those who venture here must be well-prepared. Fly anglers who make the journey are rewarded with the chance to target true giants in a fishery that remains one of the most remote and least exploited tarpon habitats in the world.
For those seeking the ultimate saltwater fly fishing challenge, the waters of Skimmer Island offer an experience that is as intense as it is rewarding. With the possibility of hooking a 100kg tarpon on fly, every cast holds the potential for an encounter that few anglers will ever experience.
Lodging:
Located at the northern most point of Angola, and looking across into the Republic of Congo, the camp is nestled amongst the mangrove forests, situated between the extensive Lake Massabi and the beautiful, wild and deserted beaches of this part of Angola.
The drive is around 2 hours through gallery forests, and palm tree lined flood plains, approximately 1 hour from the boundary of Maiombe Forest National Park, home to an abundance of forest animals, elephant, buffalo, chimpanzee, and lowland gorilla. The abundant birdlife of the area is something to behold.
Accommodation at Skimmer Island is in the form of a canvas tented camp, each Meru tent set up with single configuration and its own en-suite bathroom. Each deck and tent has a 2nd covering of locally constructed banana leaf thatch roofing, keeping the interior of the tents cool and comfortable.
Whilst not a 5-star lodge, this rustic, but comfortable camp with all of the amenities of a luxury lodge will leave you touched and inspired by the surrounding beauty.
From the moment you land in Cabinda, the Angolan province nestled between the 2 Congo’s, you know you are in for an adventure.
Cabinda is a province of Angola located on the Atlantic coast in the northwest corner of the country. It has an area of 11,350 square km and is home to an estimated population of over 500,000 people. Cabinda is famous for its abundant oil reserves, which account for a large portion of Angola’s national income. The province is also well known for its lush tropical forests and wildlife, including several species of primates, antelopes, and other exotic animals.
How to get there:
Fly into Cabinda Airport via Luanda, the capital of Angola. Direct flights to Luanda are available from several locations. From Cabinda it is roughly a 2 hour drive to Skimmer Island.
Documents Required:
A valid passport is required. Visas are not required for all members of the SADEC, as well as G20 member states.
Travel Arrangements:
We will advise on best flight options, as well as any other travel related questions.
Itinerary
Total Trip Duration: 8 – 9 days
Day 1:
Arrive in Luanda, Angola. Lunch. Scheduled flight to Cabinda (45 mins).
Arrive in Cabinda on evening of day 1.
Transfer to Futila Beach Resort. Overnight.
Day 2:
4×4 transfer north to Lake Massabi, and Skimmer Island Camp. Arrive by 10h00.
Day 2 to 6:
Fishing days at Skimmer Island Camp.
Day 7:
4×4 transfer back to Cabinda Airport, for flight to Luanda.
Overnight at Luanda hotel (if required).
Day 8:
Flight out of Luanda.
Rates per angler:
7 nights, 5 days fishing: $4,000 USD (based on 4 anglers in group)
What’s Included:
• Five full days of guided fishing.
• Boats and fuel.
• All accommodation requirements in Angola.
• All meals and drinks, in camp. Bed & breakfast in hotels outside of camp.
• Internal/domestic flights.
• Transfers to and from airport.
• Meet & greet by English speaking person in Luanda, and Cabinda.
What’s Not Included:
• International flights.
• Tips for guides/staff.
• Fishing tackle.
• Premium alcohol brands.
GALLERY
Plan Your Trip:
Frequently Asked Questions:
How demanding is the trip, and what should I realistically expect?
This is a genuine expedition-style trip, not an easy numbers fishery. You should expect heat, humidity, challenging conditions, and moments where opportunities are limited, but the reward is a realistic shot at very large tarpon, including fish well over 100lb and, in the right places and conditions, much bigger.
What does a typical day of fishing actually look like?
This is a technical fishery built around multiple zones rather than one single setup. Depending on conditions, anglers may fish open beaches, estuary mouths, channels, mangroves, sandbanks, and current seams, with some of the most exciting shots coming when tarpon roll or hunt in shallow water near the surf line. It is not constant action fishing, but a serious big-fish destination where a small number of chances can produce a truly exceptional tarpon.
What skill level is required for this trip?
This trip is best suited to intermediate to advanced anglers. Accurate casting, quick reactions, and the ability to handle large, powerful fish are important. That said, anglers with a solid foundation and a willingness to learn can still have success with the guidance provided on the water.