This year’s shore-fishing adventure in Jeffreys Bay has set an entirely new benchmark for what land-based shark fishing can deliver. Over six memorable days, anglers Michael and Ben experienced some of the most extraordinary action our guides have witnessed in more than forty years on this coastline — a week defined by sheer power, astonishing numbers, and moments that will stay with everyone involved for life.
The headline story was the Bronze whalers. Across the trip, the pair landed 17 big sharks, with eight of them breaking the 300lb mark, and the largest topping out at a massive 360lb (163kg). Several more true giants were hooked and lost during gruelling battles that pushed both anglers and tackle to their limits. In an achievement that stunned even the guides, Michael Pope became the first Sportquest client ever to land three 300lb+ Bronzies in a single day, a testament to both determination and pure physical grit.
Conditions were mixed through the week, with heavy swell and drifting weed at times, but the flexibility of this coastline always provided an answer. When the shark marks were unfishable, a quick change of venue produced beautifully conditioned Kob, Black Musselcracker, Smoothhound and Garrick — all landed between cold beers and plenty of laughs on the beach.
But the defining moment of the trip came mid-week, when the surf dropped to a rare glassy calm. In crystal-clear water, the group witnessed something almost mythical: 15–20 giant Bronzewhalers cruising a sandbank in formation, some no more than 20 metres from the wading anglers. It was one of those fleeting windows that veteran guides dream of but seldom see. Both anglers were able not only to wade, bait, and cast their own baits, but to sight-cast to enormous sharks, watching them turn, accelerate, and eat right in front of them — the kind of encounter most shore anglers wait a lifetime for.
Between the sharks came a steady stream of variety, including:
- Hammerhead (47lb)
- Smoothhound (40lb)
- Garrick to 25lb
- Kob to 11lb
- Musselcracker to 5lb
- Plus Butterfly Stingray, Cape Stumpnose, Guitar fish, Shad and others
By the final days, with more than 3,000lb of sharks already landed, the lads opted for a relaxed species hunt, rounding out the trip with lighter sport, great food, and the usual post-session cold beers and rum.
One of the anglers, Michael, summed up the experience better than anyone:
“A trip to Jeffreys Bay chasing Bronze Whaler sharks has been on my bucket list since I was a child, after watching John Wilson and Matt Hayes. This trip was everything and more — especially when Ben and I landed five bronzies in one day, four of them over 300lb. A truly magical and body-bruising experience.”
“The guides were phenomenal, going above and beyond — from being in the water at dawn for fresh bait to making sure there was always an ice-cold drink ready for either celebrating a PB or surviving the middle of a three-hour battle.”
“If the idea of being connected to a magnificent creature appeals to you, get this trip booked. The whole process was easy and simple. I’m already thinking about my next one — just need to earn a few more brownie points first!”
“Thank you to everyone at Sportquest Holidays for the professional service — it’s been a pleasure.”
A huge thank you to Michael for sharing his experience and giving us a fantastic insight into what it’s really like to join one of our Jeffreys Bay shark fishing adventures. Stories like his show exactly why these trips bring anglers back year after year — world-class fishing, incredible guides, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
If Michael has inspired you to take on the Bronze Whalers yourself, our 2026 week is now open for bookings:
05/11/2026 – 14/11/2026 — Enquire Now
You can read more about our Jeffreys Bay Shark Fishing Tour here.
Ready to experience the power of a true ocean predator from the shore? Get in touch — we’d love to help you secure your place.
Contact us
If this year’s action has you feeling inspired, now is the perfect time to plan your own Jeffreys Bay adventure. Our 2026 hosted weeks are already attracting strong interest, and with demand rising each season, early booking is highly recommended.
Call us on 01603 407596 or email info@sportquestholidays.com to secure your place and experience one of the most exciting shore-based shark fisheries on the planet.
