Deep Sea Fishing in South Africa

From warmer Indian Ocean species on the east coast to the cold-water fi sh of the Atlantic Ocean west coast, deep-sea fi shing in South Africa is a lucrative and popular pastime. Ski-boat charters are plentiful, and you’re virtually guaranteed a good fi ght.

One of the great pleasures of deep-sea fi shing in South Africa is listening to the magical names of the fi sh themselves: kabeljou, stumpnose, roman, elf, skate, steenbras, panga, fransmadam, galjoen and Atlantic big eye. All ruled by the ‘gladiator of the deep’: the broadbill swordfi sh.

South African deep-sea fi shing is not just about a stuff ed broadbill trophy in the den – it’s about being out there on the African waters, tasting the moment, in the company of friends and a responsible skipper, enjoying the chase and fi ght of something like a good yellowfi n tuna out of Hout Bay.

The old salts in the know say that the reefs out at Rocky Bank, about 10 kilometres south of Cape Point, are rich with Cape salmon, yellowtail, snapper and snoek, a fi sh that resembles a barracuda and is a delight to barbecue, with its rich and tasty white meat.

Deep-sea fi shing in South Africa is enjoyed all along the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Most of the charter boats are state-ofthe-art and built for scenic ocean tours too. Some outfi ts will even take you to sea and then cook your catch in their restaurants that evening.

In KwaZulu-Natal, deep-sea charter tours are off ered from Durban, as well as north-coast towns such as Richards Bay and St Lucia, and southcoast towns like Margate and Port Shepstone. In the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth and East London both host a number of charter companies.

Species you can pursue along South Africa’s east coast include blue and black marlin, dorado, yellowfi n tuna, as well as various species of shark.

Travel Tips & Planning Info

Who to contact:

» The South African Deep Sea Angling

Association, Email: info@sadsaa.co.za » Western Province Deep Sea Angling

Association, Email: wpdsaa@mweb.co.za

How to get here

Practically every coastal spot off ers deep-sea fi shing charters, with harbour ports like Durban, Richards Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Knysna and Cape Town particularly popular.

Best time to visit

Fishing is enjoyed all year round in South Africa, with the annual East Coast Sardine Run a particular highlight as it attracts plenty of game fi sh.

Get around

Drive or taxi to your chosen charter offi ce. Onsite parking is provided for clients heading out to sea.

What to pack

Always take a windbreaker for unexpected weather, showers and rough waves. Also ask your charter what they recommend.

What will it cost?

Deep sea fi shing charters are plentiful in coastal ports, so you’ll be able to fi nd an outfi t that suits your budget. Clarify up front what is included in your outlay, like rods, bait, drinks, fi shing permits, food and your catch.

Where to stay

Due to the popularity of seaside resorts there is no shortage of cottages, B&Bs, hotels and holiday fl ats.

Related links

» South African Deep Sea Angling Association » Western Province Deep Sea Angling

Association » Fishing Booker – South African Fishing

Charters » Big Blue Fishing Charters. Find this article here.

Image credit: www.bigbluefi shingcharters.com/ gallery, dirtyboots.co.za, africanmeccasafaris. com, infi niteafrica.com, Pinterest