The Final Chapter of Our Djibouti 2026 Spring Season

The final week of our Djibouti Spring season had finally arrived, and after the success of the previous trip, the energy on the boat was high from the very beginning. We came into this trip full of confidence, carrying the momentum of some excellent fishing and hoping to close the season in the best possible way. With eight full days on the water ahead of us, we knew we had enough time to make things happen, even if conditions were not looking perfect at first glance.

The main concern before the trip even started was the tides. Looking at the charts, the daytime movement seemed far from ideal, and I told the trip host from the start that we would probably experience a slow beginning. Still, I believed that as the days passed and the tides gradually improved, the fishing would follow the same direction. Sometimes in Djibouti, patience is everything, and this trip would prove exactly that.

What surprised me most was how good the opening day turned out to be. Despite the conditions, we found fish straight away. We landed over ten fish during the first day, lost several big ones, and managed to boat one good fish that gave everyone even more confidence for the days ahead. It was one of those starts that instantly raises expectations and gets the whole group fired up. Spirits were high, the atmosphere was great, and everyone felt that this trip had the potential to become something special.

But as quickly as Djibouti can reward you, it can also remind you how unpredictable fishing can be. The very next day, the tides showed their true face, and the fishing slowed down dramatically. One session could feel completely lifeless, with barely any activity at all, only for the afternoon to suddenly switch on and give us some decent action. Then the following morning, which, based on the previous day, seemed like it should have been difficult, turned out to be really good fishing. The inconsistency kept us guessing every single day.

That is one of the things that makes this fishery so unique and addictive. No matter how much experience you have, Djibouti always finds a way to humble you and surprise you at the same time. Conditions, currents, bait movement, and fish behavior can change within hours, and adapting quickly becomes the key. Throughout the trip, we kept working hard, changing approaches, covering water, and staying patient. Slowly but surely, the catches started piling up.

As predicted, the overall action improved as the trip progressed and the tides became more favorable. That was a huge relief for all of us because this was the final trip of the season, and we all wanted to end it on a high note. Every hookup, every missed strike, and every fish brought to the boat felt important. There was a lot of emotion involved, especially knowing that these were our final days on the water in Djibouti for the spring season.

We lost a painful number of fish during the week, and the ratio between landed and lost fish was close to 50/50. Unfortunately, many of the big GTs managed to win the battle before reaching the boat. Some fish found the reef, some threw the hooks. That is all part of GT fishing, especially in a place like Djibouti, where every strike has the potential to connect you to something big.

Even so, persistence eventually paid off. Our guests stayed focused, kept pushing, and in the end, they were rewarded with several beautiful big GTs that became the perfect cherry on top of an already memorable trip. Alongside the GTs, we enjoyed a great variety of species throughout the week, constant action during the better windows, and many moments that will stay with us for a long time.

A special thanks goes to Yadai Bravo and the final Spanish group of the season. It was a real pleasure to finally meet you, brother, and share the boat together after all this time. Of course, a big thanks also goes to the crew of our boat Elegante and Josh Wareham, my right-hand guide, who helped me with the season and helped me to explore more of the Djibouti fishery. Trips like these are never only about the fishing; they are about the people, the laughs, the shared struggles, and the unforgettable moments that happen along the way.

Looking back now, this Djibouti season gave us countless incredible memories and brought together amazing people from all around the world. We had anglers joining us from Spain, Chile, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Thailand, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, the United States, and many other countries. Different languages, different cultures, but all connected by the same passion for fishing and adventure.

Every season leaves behind its own stories, challenges, and unforgettable captures, but every single one also earns a special place in my heart. Djibouti continues to be one of the most challenging and rewarding fisheries I have ever experienced, and seasons like this are exactly why we keep coming back.

Until the next season,

Tight Lines.

Text: Robert Pljuscec

Photos: Robert Pljuscec & Josh Wareham