Jeffreys Bay, on South Africa’s wild Eastern Cape, is where land-based Shark fishing collides with serious surf. This trip is designed for anglers seeking size, power, and adrenaline on the shoreline. Expect giants. Bronze Whalers smash big baits and tear up reels within metres of the beach. Ragged-Tooth Sharks patrol the backline. Bull Sharks dominate the deeper channels. Smoothhound, Sand Sharks, Spotted Gullies, Duck-Billed Rays, Blue Rays, and Kabeljou keep the action varied. Every cast has potential. Every fight is earned.
On this fully guided trip, you’ll fish the tides with maximum support. All rods, reels, bait, and rigs are provided, built to tame sharks that can weigh over 400 pounds. From baiting and casting to controlling brutal surf battles, you’ll be guided every step – this is land-based big game fishing with a proven team beside you. Tide-timed sessions are tailored to conditions, ensuring you’re always in the best position for results.
When the rods are out of the sand, relax at Seashells guesthouse, close to the beach and overlooking Jeffreys Bay. Enjoy comfortable rooms, local dining, and downtime on one of South Africa’s most iconic coastlines.
Jeffreys Bay is where anglers test grit, gear, and determination against the raw power of the Indian Ocean.
The season runs from October to April.
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 50lb to 500lb
Average Weight: 200lb
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 75lb to 400lb
Average Weight: 120lb
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 40lb to 200lb
Average Weight: 50lb
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 200lb to 400lb
Average Weight: 200lb
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 20lb to 160lb
Average Weight: 50lb
Season: October to April
Peak: October to April
Weight: 40lb to 450lb
Average Weight: 80lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Johannesburg
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Johannesburg
Depart: TBA
Arrive: O.R.Tambo International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Depart Johannesburg - Arrive Port Elizabeth
Depart Johannesburg - Arrive Port Elizabeth
Depart: O.R.Tambo International Airport
Arrive: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to Jeffreys Bay
Transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to Jeffreys Bay
Once you have arrived, you will need to make your way through passport control and follow the signs for baggage collections.
When you have collected your bags, make your way to the arrivals hall, where a representative will be waiting to transfer you the short drive to your accommodation. The transfer time is approximately one hour.
Seashells Luxury Apartments
Overnight Accommodation
Seashells Luxury Apartments in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
During your first two fishing days, you’ll get to experience South Africa’s wild Eastern Cape, where land-based Shark fishing collides with serious surf. Here, the giant Bronze Whalers reign supreme, smashing big baits and tearing up reels within metres of the shore. As well as specimen Bronzies, Jeffreys Bay also offers you the chance to target and catch Ragged-Tooth Sharks, Bull Sharks, Smoothhound, Sand Sharks, Duck-Billed Rays, Blue Rays, and Kabeljou, to mention just a few.
Seashells Luxury Apartments
Overnight Accommodation
Seashells Luxury Apartments in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On fishing days three and four, and on each day of your holiday, you will head out with senior guide Gerhard Guse. Gerhard has successfully fished these South African waters (notably the Eastern Cape) since the mid-1980s, regularly catching trophy-sized fish. He is a highly decorated competitive angler and is well-regarded within the country’s sportfishing communities.
Gerhard will assist you while you fish, helping with everything from baiting and casting to offering advice, landing your catch and taking all those important catch pictures for your album.
Seashells Luxury Apartments
Overnight Accommodation
Seashells Luxury Apartments in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days, if there’s a species of fish you haven’t caught and would like to, let Gerhard know, and he will do his best to make it happen. While most of the fishing is ‘classic’ shore fishing – casting your freshly baited lines into the depths and allowing scent trails to drift through the water, enticing ocean predators to come and investigate. It’s also possible to have some fun in the surf with some lighter tackle. Small rubber shads and spinners can provide some exciting sport with species such as Kob, White Steenbras and Garrick, to mention just a few.
Seashells Luxury Apartments
Overnight Accommodation
Seashells Luxury Apartments in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Transfer from Jeffreys Bay to Port Elizabeth Airport
Transfer from Jeffreys Bay to Port Elizabeth Airport
Once you have checked out of the guesthouse, you will then be transferred back to Port Elizabeth airport for your return flights home. The transfer time is approximately one hour.
Depart Port Elizabeth - Arrive Johannesburg
Depart Port Elizabeth - Arrive Johannesburg
Depart: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Arrive: O.R.Tambo International Airport
Depart Johannesburg - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Johannesburg - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: O.R.Tambo International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on twin rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| Travel Available Between These Dates | Days | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/05/2026 | 30/06/2026 | 8 | £3,508 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 | 8 | £3,558 | Enquire |
| 01/09/2026 | 30/09/2026 | 8 | £3,308 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2026 | 30/11/2026 | 8 | £3,608 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2026 | 31/12/2026 | 8 | £3,708 | Enquire |
| 01/01/2027 | 31/01/2027 | 8 | £3,496 | Enquire |
| 01/02/2027 | 31/03/2027 | 8 | £3,596 | Enquire |
| 01/04/2027 | 30/04/2027 | 8 | £3,646 | Enquire |
| 01/05/2027 | 30/06/2027 | 8 | £3,596 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2027 | 31/08/2027 | 8 | £3,646 | Enquire |
| 01/09/2027 | 30/09/2027 | 8 | £3,396 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2027 | 30/11/2027 | 8 | £3,696 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2027 | 31/12/2027 | 8 | £3,796 | Enquire |
| 01/01/2028 | 31/01/2028 | 8 | £3,589 | Enquire |
| 01/02/2028 | 31/03/2028 | 8 | £3,689 | Enquire |
| 01/04/2028 | 30/04/2028 | 8 | £3,739 | Enquire |
| 01/05/2028 | 30/06/2028 | 8 | £3,689 | Enquire |
| 01/07/2028 | 31/08/2028 | 8 | £3,739 | Enquire |
| 01/09/2028 | 30/09/2028 | 8 | £3,489 | Enquire |
| 01/10/2028 | 30/11/2028 | 8 | £3,789 | Enquire |
| 01/12/2028 | 31/12/2028 | 8 | £3,889 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"I had the most fantastic time and landed some amazing Sharks. The sight of my rod slamming over and my reel screaming from the first Bronze Whaler I landed is a sight that will live with me for the rest of my life. The flights and transfers were all very easy and the accommodation was lovely. "
"Jeffreys Bay was a blast! The fishing was incredible and we lost count of the number of big sharks we landed. Bronze Whalers, Ragged Tooth and Bull Sharks, plus some big Butterfly Rays and even a Duck Bill Ray which was so cool to see. We have absolutely no complaints and would love to travel again next year. "
"The fishing is extreme and if you choose this trip you need to visit the gym before you travel - the sharks genuinely fight that hard and the Rays really test your strength! The guides were extremely helpful and ensured we were all having the very best time and the apartments were perfect for what we needed. "
"From start to finish my experience was outstanding.
Our guides had excellent knowledge, they put us in the fish and we all caught memorable captures.
I will be returning as soon as possible to continue the journey for new PB’s.
Thanks to the staff at Sportsquest your service is 5 stars
Cheers
Stu Leighton
"
"what can i say this is the second time here ,what a place if you want big fish, ross played a big part in organising things [ photos /reports and making sure we all happy. as for goose and wallie ,well they are the best in there field ,there knowledge of the waters and where to fish are next to none ,every day they put us on the fish all day. the accommodation was like 5 stare , we wanted for nothing cheer lads 10/10"
"Amazing experience.
Gerhard, Wallie, Sonia and David in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa were excellent in their description and delivery of their product.."
"A trip to jeffreys bay south africa chasing bronze whaler sharks has been on my bucket list since I was a child, and grew up watching John Wilson and Matt Hayes catch them.
This trip turned out to be everything and more I could have asked for especially when myself and fishing partner Ben landed 5 bronzies in one day with 4 of them going over 300lb. A truly magical and body bruising experience.
The fishing guides where absolutely phenomenal going above and beyond in every possible aspect to ensure we had the best time. Whether that be getting in the water at the crack of dawn to make sure we had the freshest bait or making sure there was always an ice cold beverage on hand. For celebrating landing the next P.B which was always a possibility or even midway through a 3 hour battle.
I would highly recommend anyone that likes the idea of being hooked to a truly magnificent creature to get on board and get it booked. The process was easy and simple. I am already thinking of my next trip just need to bank a few more brownie points first.
Thank you everyone at sportsquest holidays for your professional service it has been a pleasure "
The coastline around Jeffreys Bay in South Africa is renowned worldwide for its excellent shark fishing, particularly for giant sharks. This coast is home to some genuinely exquisite species that will provide the visiting angler with the chance to battle from the shore with fish that could exceed 500lb’s in weight. One of the best things about Jeffreys Bay is that you never know what will pick up your bait next. It could be a beautiful and majestic Duck-billed ray, or it could be a super-aggressive and brutal fighting Bull Shark.
The apartments at Seashells are all unique and custom-designed to ensure the most pleasing views imaginable; even from the bedroom, kitchen and lounge, you will be looking out over the beautiful Jeffreys bay. Each apartment has a great kitchen with everything you will need to cook up some food if you wish, even though this is a full board holiday.
You will be sharing twin rooms with 2 to a room within the apartment, which will house the group for the entirety of your stay. These rooms all have twin single beds. The apartment itself features a telephone, cable TV, shower/bath, and even an outside seating area for you to relax and enjoy a drink in the evenings.
The complex is only 45 minutes away from Port Elizabeth International Airport, so transfer times are relatively short.
Even though this is a full board holiday, your breakfasts will be taken in the apartment and created by you before heading out onto the beach. These will be stocked with muesli, fruits, yoghurt, cheese, bread, coffee etc., to prepare a quick breakfast before fishing. This is because the bite is much better early morning, so early starts are generally on the cards.
On the days that we have a late start, you will have a full English breakfast at the resort or a local restaurant. A selection of local beers and spirits and cool drinks, and bottled water will be supplied to the apartments; these will replenish as needed.
Lunch packs will be provided for fishing; these usually consist of rolls, crisps and other snacks to keep your energy up when playing the monsters of the deep. You will also be provided with soft drinks and beer whilst fishing to keep you hydrated in the African sun.
Evening meals (and the occasional lunch when fishing two half sessions) would be at one of the top local restaurants, which offers a range of delicious meals, from juicy beef burgers to succulent steaks, divine pasta and pizzas, plus beverages. You will also be treated to a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) at their accommodation.
Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, nicknamed J-bay, is located around 75 kilometres southwest of Port Elizabeth. It’s a popular tourist destination renowned for its incredible surfing opportunities, abundant seashells, and great seafood, but for travelling anglers, it’s famous for its astonishing shore fishing. Located on what is known as the Garden Route, it looks out across the wild and nutrient-rich waters of the Indian Ocean and is home to vast numbers of formidable Sharks and Rays. Specimen-sized Bronze Whalers, Ragged Tooth and Bull Sharks, Duck-Billed Rays, Blue Rays, and SmoothHound, to mention just a few, all call these waters home.
Our trips to this famous area in South Africa come complete with the services of first-class fishing guide and legendary South African angler Gerhard Guse.
If you love shore fishing and are looking to experience a trip fishing for some of the largest shore-caught specimens on the planet, amidst a beautiful scenic backdrop, then our trips to Jeffreys Bay will tick all the right boxes and most certainly live long in the memory.
To learn more about the fantastic shore fishing on offer at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, visit our YouTube channel.
Jeffreys Bay is a small town in South Africa, home to some of the most diverse natural surroundings; it’s popular amongst tourists who visit to experience its excellent surfing opportunities and striking Blue Flag beaches. The nearby Kabeljous, Seekoei, and Krom River lagoons are home to numerous water birds and are perfect for watersports such as canoeing and boardsailing. Every year, migrating whales travel here to give birth, and during the season, whales can be seen almost daily.
Just northeast of the town lies the Kabeljou Nature Reserve, a famous walking reserve known for its diverse range of wildlife, making it a favoured spot. The Kabeljous estuary is one of the best-preserved estuaries in the Eastern Cape, serving as a habitat for various waterfowl, herons, and wading birds.
Nearby, the Seekoei Nature Reserve is located between Aston Bay and Paradise Beach. This reserve is situated along the estuary formed by the Seekoei and Swart rivers and is home to over 120 species of birds, making it rich in birdlife. Additionally, the lagoon hosts numerous Red-knobbed Coots and small antelope. There is also a circular hiking trail within the reserve that takes about three hours to complete. The trail starts with a raft trip across the lagoon and winds through areas of fynbos and subtropical vegetation.
The Shark fishing at Jeffreys Bay is an exhilarating experience and attracts anglers from around the globe. The powerful Bronze Whalers, fierce Ragged-Tooth Sharks, and formidable Bull Sharks rule the deep and are the main attraction, promising a challenge for any angler. However, along with abundant numbers of sharks, it’s also home to an impressive variety of species, including the Duck-Billed and Blue Rays, Smoothhound and Sand Sharks, Spotted Gully Sharks, and the coveted Kabeljou, to name just a few. This diversity is another popular draw, and every cast brings unrivalled excitement and anticipation.
The Sharks can grow to staggering sizes, with some weighing in at 400 pounds or more, providing an epic battle that tests angling abilities to the max. These fearsome predators strike hard and tear away with bursts of explosive power, and hooking a big Bronzie from the shore offers a fishing experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.
The fishing techniques used at Jeffreys Bay are classic shore fishing tactics, involving casting your freshly baited lines into the depths and allowing scent trails to drift through the water, enticing ocean predators to come and investigate. Traditionally, when targeting Sharks, a number of rods will be baited and cast into the water at intervals along the shoreline. These are then fished on rotation, meaning the bites are shared equally amongst the group. If you wish to have some fun while waiting for one of the ‘big rods’ to scream off, it’s possible to fish in the surf with lighter tackle. Fishing in this manner with small rubber shads and spinners can provide some exciting sport with species such as Kob, White Steenbras and Garrick, to mention just a few.
All the fishing at Jeffreys Bay is undertaken on sandy beaches, rugged rocky ledges, and other prime spots along the shore. Your guides will take you to the best places depending on the tides and weather conditions on each particular day.
Note: One of the popular things about Jeffreys Bay is that all the tackle is provided and is of the highest specification. Rods, reels and all the end tackle is designed to withstand the rigours of what this type of fishing entails. All bait is also provided too.
Our guiding team at Jeffreys Bay are some of the best in the country and experts in their field, led and managed by senior guide, Gerhard Guse. Gerhard has successfully fished these South African waters (notably the Eastern Cape) since the mid-1980s, catching trophy-sized fish regularly. He is a highly decorated competitive angler and well-regarded amongst the sportfishing communities in the country.
His accomplishments:
South African Junior Champion (1988)
21 Provincial senior caps (5 most recent as captain)
Provincial league champion (10 times)
South African Snr Champion (2013)
South African Presidents’ team (5 caps)
South African Snr Protea team (6 caps/ 2014-2019)
Ranked as the top angler in South Africa for the years 2015 & 2017
International Gala men’s champion angler in 2014 & 2016
Senior Pro Staff Ambassador for Penn and Berkley brands since 2014
Gerhard will assist you while you fish, helping with everything from baiting and casting to offering advice, landing your catch and taking all those important catch pictures for your album.
I had the most fantastic time and landed some amazing Sharks. The sight of my rod slamming over and my reel screaming from the first Bronze Whaler I landed is a sight that will live with me for the rest of my life. The flights and transfers were all very easy and the accommodation was lovely.
Jeffreys Bay was a blast! The fishing was incredible and we lost count of the number of big sharks we landed. Bronze Whalers, Ragged Tooth and Bull Sharks, plus some big Butterfly Rays and even a Duck Bill Ray which was so cool to see. We have absolutely no complaints and would love to travel again next year.
The fishing is extreme and if you choose this trip you need to visit the gym before you travel - the sharks genuinely fight that hard and the Rays really test your strength! The guides were extremely helpful and ensured we were all having the very best time and the apartments were perfect for what we needed.
From start to finish my experience was outstanding.
Our guides had excellent knowledge, they put us in the fish and we all caught memorable captures.
I will be returning as soon as possible to continue the journey for new PB’s.
Thanks to the staff at Sportsquest your service is 5 stars
Cheers
Stu Leighton
Hi Stu, thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback. Its very much appreciated by all the staff at Sportquest and for future anglers looking for their next fishy adventure. Anytime you want us to look at your next adventure just say.
All the best Paul
what can i say this is the second time here ,what a place if you want big fish, ross played a big part in organising things [ photos /reports and making sure we all happy. as for goose and wallie ,well they are the best in there field ,there knowledge of the waters and where to fish are next to none ,every day they put us on the fish all day. the accommodation was like 5 stare , we wanted for nothing cheer lads 10/10
Hi Russell, thank you for sending us your recent feedback from the guided Jeffreys Bay trip. So glad you enjoyed your 2nd visit. Where to next?
All the best, Paul
Amazing experience.
Gerhard, Wallie, Sonia and David in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa were excellent in their description and delivery of their product..
Hi Gary, thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback from your recent holiday. So glad you enjoyed Jeffreys Bay and where to next? Speak soon
Tight lines, Paul
A trip to jeffreys bay south africa chasing bronze whaler sharks has been on my bucket list since I was a child, and grew up watching John Wilson and Matt Hayes catch them.
This trip turned out to be everything and more I could have asked for especially when myself and fishing partner Ben landed 5 bronzies in one day with 4 of them going over 300lb. A truly magical and body bruising experience.
The fishing guides where absolutely phenomenal going above and beyond in every possible aspect to ensure we had the best time. Whether that be getting in the water at the crack of dawn to make sure we had the freshest bait or making sure there was always an ice cold beverage on hand. For celebrating landing the next P.B which was always a possibility or even midway through a 3 hour battle.
I would highly recommend anyone that likes the idea of being hooked to a truly magnificent creature to get on board and get it booked. The process was easy and simple. I am already thinking of my next trip just need to bank a few more brownie points first.
Thank you everyone at sportsquest holidays for your professional service it has been a pleasure
Thank you for taking the time to share such a fantastic review. It’s great to hear that your trip to Jeffreys Bay lived up to a lifelong dream and delivered such an unforgettable experience.
Landing five bronze whalers in a single day, with four over the 300lb mark, is an incredible achievement, and we’re delighted you were able to share that with your fishing partner Ben. Those are exactly the kind of moments these trips are all about.
Your kind words about the guides are especially appreciated. Their dedication, attention to detail, and passion for what they do, from early starts to secure the freshest bait to making sure every milestone is celebrated, are something we’re extremely proud of, and I’ll be sure to pass your feedback on to the team.
Thank you as well for recommending Sportsquest Holidays and for highlighting how smooth the booking process was. We’re delighted to hear you’re already thinking about your next adventure, and we’ll be here whenever you’re ready to plan it.
Thanks again for your feedback it’s been a pleasure having you travel with us.
Paul
Our exclusive Solo Traveller weeks at Jeffreys Bay are built for anglers who want the thrill of land-based shark fishing, with action-packed days and expert support from start to finish. From casting to chaos, this is South Africa’s Eastern Cape at its rawest: Giant Bronze Whalers, Ragged-Tooth and Bull Sharks within reach, with every bait in the surf a shot at a 400lb giant.
Our exclusive Solo Traveller weeks in Namibia give single anglers the chance to take on the raw power of Bronze Whaler Sharks from the legendary Skeleton Coast, with no single supplements and expert guidance every step of the way. From blistering shore-based battles and drone-deployed baits to sea-view accommodation and Michelin-level dining, this is land-based big-game fishing at its most intense and rewarding.
The Namibian coast boasts one of the largest populations of Bronze Whaler Sharks in the world. These huge sharks can reach well over 400lbs. You will be targeting them from the shore on heavy surfcasting tackle and bait. The Bronze Whaler is immensely strong and puts up one of the best shore fights you will ever have.
