Mola mola shark trip namibia

‘SHARK FISHING AT ITS VERY BEST FROM THE SHORES OF

NAMIBIA’S SKELETON COAST’ ....................................

The Skeleton Coast of Namibia is one of the most nutrient rich areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Under the influence of the cold Benguella Current coming from the Antarctic Ocean, it feeds a huge eco-system of marine creatures, with the Copper Shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus) at the top of the coastal food chain.

But it is not all about the ‘Bronzies’, as there are other shark species to test the angler, as well as a host of other non-shark species. The influence of the current seasonally does have an effect on the various species, though it is only a matter of where they have moved on this very dynamic and ever changing coastline.

The coastline of Namibia is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, who administer the regulations covering all fishing activities, including regular inspections on the beach.

All anglers fishing with Mola Mola Angling Namibia will have purchased licenses to fish. These licenses permit a finite daily catch of edible species, that ensures the continued world class standard of the fishery for recreational angling.

The Courtyard Hotel in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Our guests stay in this great little B&B hotel. Guests can eat dinner nearby in local restaurants and bars at a reasonable price.

THE FISHING

The fishing from this coast is mostly using 14' purpose made beach rods and multiplier reels, that suit the strength of species being sought.

The guides will bait and cast all tackles as required, however for the experienced angler, they can undertake these tasks themselves as they wish.

A typical day would start with clients being collected at their accommodation by a 4x4 vehicle and travel to the day’s chosen fishing area. All fishing tackle and bait will be provided with no hidden costs.

The clients actually decide on the target species for the day and this is best carried out in discussion with the guide, benefiting from their more intimate knowledge of local conditions, like weather, tide and sea conditions.

And there are many other species to be caught here also with Gulley Sharks, Kob, Steen Bras and more ……

Always bring an outfit or two of your own, play around and see what you can catch out of the surf and rocks.

FISH SPECIES The Copper or Bronze Shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus) is a coastal species that can grow over three metres long. It’s also known by many other common names including narrow tooth shark, Bronzie, cocktail shark, bronze whaler, and New Zealand whaler. It’s found in large numbers off southern Africa with scattered reports from equatorial regions.

Females are found apart from males for most of the year, and conduct seasonal migrations. A large species reaching 3.3m (11 ft) long, the copper shark is difficult to distinguish from other large requiem sharks. Feeding mainly on squid, octopus and fish, the copper shark is a fast-swimming predator that often hunts in large groups, using their numbers to their advantage. Copper sharks run close to shore all along the Southern African coast, more so in the warmer months) and are easily caught with fish and squid baits. They are incredibly strong and give the angler a fight to remember, often lasting over an hour until being brought onto the beach.

Gully Sharks (Triakis megalopterus) is a common shark species off the coast and is often caught by surf angles both during the day and at night. It fights pretty well for a small shark and is beautifully marked. Also known affectionally by anglers as a ‘Spotty’. They are caught along sandy beaches and in deeper gullies along the coast and all along the Namibian coastline.

Kob (Agyrosomus inodorus) are widely spread along the South African coastline and are probably the most well-known summer fish to be caught on the coast. They can be caught on soft baits such as sardine (pilchard), mackerel, prawns and squid. Kob have long, powerful, heavily scaled silver bodies and prefer sandy beaches and bays. They can be found near river mouths and close into beaches and provide an exciting fight on lighter tackle. A general rule of thumb is that the bigger the bait, the bigger the kob. It is one of the few surviving shoaling fish so it can be caught in fair quantities.

Steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus) is often a solitary fish and has a remarkable way of feeding. In extremely shallow water, the tail of the steen bras is often seen poking through the water’s surface, as it works, snout down, to blast prey out of the sand. Caught by fishing shrimps, squid and fish strips on the bottom, these burly bruisers can rip line off your reel in seconds. Hard fighters and very tasty fish!

SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU The fishing areas of Namibia are located above the Tropic of Capricorn. A full brimmed hat or cap with a cape to cover the neck and very high factor sun cream is recommended. It is likely that you will burn, even if there is a sea mist, without adequate protection.

The temperature can sometimes feel quite cool along the coast so suitable clothing should be carried eg T shirts with windproof zip-off trousers/shorts and jackets for wearing on the beach. Shoes suitable for wearing on rocks in the sea eg Neoprene booties, socks for wearing on the sand, warm outer clothing. Inland temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius during the summer. Coastal temperatures rarely exceed 30 degrees. Come well protected with good-quality sun-block with at least 50-75 SPF. Lip cream is essential.

Any personal medications and allow for headaches, stomach upsets, fevers, infections, allergies etc. personal toiletries, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving gear etc.

Reading books/magazines/Kindle Pen and paper for notes.

Camera(s), interchangeable lenses, batteries etc.

Personal fishing rods and reels etc. if required. * All the above can be purchased locally if needed.

HOW TO GET TO NAMIBIA AND WALVISBAY Recommended route: Air Namibia via Frankfurt to Windhoek International airport where you can either get connecting flight to Walvisbay airport or a road transfer. Anglers will be collected at Walvisbay Airport or arrange for road transfer from Windhoek International.

Alternatively, many airlines fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town from London. From Johannesburg or Cape Town there are connecting flights to Walvis Bay but depending on flight schedules might have to spend a night in Johannesburg/Cape Town. (NB ensure that you are aware of all the airport taxes if they are included in quotes).

Prices will fluctuate depending on seasonal criteria and availability.

List of suggested carriers and their routes: Munich to Windhoek – LTU; Frankfurt to Windhoek – Air Namibia then to Walvisbay (we can arrange road transfer between airports in Windhoek).

There are connecting flights from Windhoek Eros Airport to Walvisbay depending on arrival time; Heathrow to Johannesburg/Cape Town then to Walvis Bay – South African Airways/Lufthansa/Virgin Air/British Airways.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Suitable travel insurance and medical cover is highly recommended.

Passports and Visas: Currently UK Passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, passports must be valid for 6 months after intended departure dates and you must be in possession of return flight tickets.

Visas for other countries should be sought where appropriate.

Electric: Namibia uses 240V A/C current with an African round three-pin plug. Travel converters are available in Namibia but are limited. The hotel does have some adapters available. Chargers for cameras and cell/mobile phones should be carried.

Currency: Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar. The South African Rand is also a valid currency here. The Namibian Dollar cannot easily be exchanged outside Namibia so it is always recommended that you bring the SA Rand. All banks have Bureau de Change facilities and there are many other Bureau de Change branches throughout Namibia.

Credit Cards: Most credit cards are widely accepted in Namibia and in cash machines and banks (Visa or MasterCard).

Medical: Most medications are available in Namibia although there is no free medical service here, so drugs are sold at full retail price. Please remember to bring any personal drugs e.g. inhalers, insulin etc. Medical/hospital treatment in Namibia is expensive, so please ensure that your travel insurance covers all medical expenses. Most European doctors recommend Malaria protection but it is only required if travelling into Northern Namibia or Etosha. Consult with your doctor prior to travelling to Namibia for up-to-date information.

Address in Namibia: Your Arrival Form needs to be annotated with the following address: Mola Mola Angling, 17 Temple Crescent, Walvisbay, Namibia

WHAT DOES IT COST? 7 days’ Fishing / 8 nights’ Accommodation Single room (B&B) per angler based on min. 4 anglers: N$17000/ US$1975/1,515€/£1,230 Double room (B&B) per angler based on min. 4 anglers: N$15000/US$1745/1,540€/£1,085 What’s included: Guide with 4 x 4 vehicle, all tackle, bait, cool box with soft drinks and beer, packed lunches and all permits.

Not included: International and national airfares and transfers, dinner and drinks after fishing, items of personal use, tips and any other activities.

Length of Stay: If the proposed length of stay does not suit, more or less days fishing can be accommodated.

Solo Anglers: If anglers wish to come solo, we can hook clients them up with other anglers if they do not mind sharing.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve places when booking. The remaining payment is due 60 days before arrival in Namibia. *ALL ABOVE PRICES ARE TO BE PAID IN NAMIBIAN DOLLARS AND ALL US DOLLAR/POUND STERLING AMOUNTS STATED AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WILL BE CHARGED FOR AT THE RATE OF EXCHANGE ON DAY OF PAYMENT.

www.Africa-Angler.com steve@africa-angler.com USA toll free (9am – 5pm) ET 1 866 920 2814 Europe +44 1832 275 995