I travelled from London in the UK to Sierra Leone, West Africa heading for Lakka Beach Resort, primarily to to have a look at the place & try out the fishing.
Having travelled around the world to pursue my sport I was keen to see what this undiscovered haven had to offer.
After a 6 hour flight and a 2 hour transfer (involving a boat ride across the Estuary followed by a bumpy car ride) taking in the scenery & getting the feel of this country was a special experience!
After the hustle and bustle of Lungi airport and Freetown, arriving at the Lakka Beach hotel was like arriving in another world - golden beach, blue sea & my final destination THE ISLAND.
After a quick tour of the island I was shown to my new home for the duration of the stay. The accommodation was basic, clean & tidy - more than acceptable, and so I personalised it with clothes, rods, reels & all sorts of fishing equipment strewn everywhere!
As all good trips should begin, it was off to the bar for a cold local beer or two (quite nice) & some time to take in my new surroundings.
Whilst here I wanted to see the village & meet the local people, again an experience in itself. The people here are very welcoming, friendly & always smiling. I was lucky enough to be welcomed by the villagers and to kick a ball with some of the children - what amazing people.
Football is very big here on the beach & the village has its own teams & pitch. I took in 2 games during my stay & thoroughly enjoyed them. There's a few players that could give the England team a run for their money - that's for sure!
For lunch I ventured on to the beach at Paul's bar - Lobster, from the sea to plate in 20 mins - it doesn't come any fresher. As I found for most meals in Sierra Leone, you have a choice of rice or chips or rice and chips! I could have stayed all day taking in the view and watching the fisherman working away, but I was here to fish - so fish I must.
Fishing from boats off the beach, trolling with 20 30lb class produced Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin fish. For the big fish we hired a bigger, faster boat from the local marina to go 20 miles out which produced the most & best barracuda. Whilst out on the bigger boat we saw Whales with their calves jumping and dolphins working the fishing nets.
Although I came here primarily for the fishing adventure I can also see it as a very romantic place to stay. Waking to the sound of the sea outside your bungalow, lazy days on the beach and evenings having your every need catered to by the attentive staff.
We only scratched the surface of the fishing potential on this trip & will return in February to carry on this adventure. I'm totally hooked & in love with this place with its tranquility and laid back charm.